Chemical Technology Associate of Science Degree

The Chemical Technology Associate of Science Degree prepares students for immediate entry-level employment as Industrial Quality Control Technicians in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, agricultural, and chemical industries. This comprehensive program combines rigorous classroom instruction in general and organic chemistry with extensive hands-on laboratory training using industry-standard equipment and biotechnology instrumentation.

Students develop essential technical competencies in laboratory operations, quality control procedures, analytical techniques, and validation processes. The curriculum emphasizes proper use of chemical glassware, spectrophotometric and gravimetric methods, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Throughout the program, students master quality assurance principles, good manufacturing practices (GMP), regulatory compliance, and data integrity requirements critical to regulated industries.

The program cultivates professional workplace behaviors including reliability, attention to detail, and collaborative teamwork essential in quality control laboratory environments. Students strengthen analytical thinking abilities through statistical data interpretation, experimental design, and evidence-based decision-making. Emphasis is placed on effective technical communication through laboratory reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and documentation that meets industry standards.

Laboratory safety is integrated throughout the curriculum, with training in hazard identification, risk assessment, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), personal protective equipment selection, and emergency response protocols. Students also develop research skills for gathering technical information related to quality control methods and analytical procedures.

Program Requirements

To earn the Associate of Science Degree in Chemical Technology, students must complete 34 units of required coursework with a grade of "C" or better in all courses:

Core Requirements (34 units):

• CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I (5 units)
• CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II (5 units)
• CHEM 211 - Organic Chemistry for Science Majors I (5 units)
• CHEM 212 - Organic Chemistry for Science Majors II (5 units)
• BIOTECH 002 - Biotechnology 1 (4 units)
• BIOTECH 006 - Biotechnology: Quality Control (2 units)
• PLNT SC 103 - Introduction to Soil (4 units)
• STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (4 units)

Students must also fulfill the Cal-GETC General Education or LACCD General Education requirements to reach the minimum degree total of 60 units.

BIOTECH 006 is being offered for the first time in Fall 2025. Currently, 25 students are enrolled in this course.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Chemical Technology Associate of Science Degree, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate professional workplace competencies including reliability, punctuality, organizational skills, attention to detail, and professional attitudes consistent with quality control laboratory environments.
2. Collaborate effectively as contributing members of laboratory teams by communicating clearly, sharing responsibilities, following protocols, and supporting collaborative problem-solving in quality control operations.
3. Apply analytical and problem-solving skills by performing quality control testing, designing and conducting experiments, interpreting analytical results, executing chemical calculations, utilizing LIMS, and applying spectrophotometric, gravimetric, and volumetric analytical methods.
4. Maintain safe laboratory practices and compliance by identifying chemical hazards, assessing and mitigating risks, properly using Safety Data Sheets, selecting appropriate personal protective equipment, implementing engineering controls, and responding appropriately to laboratory emergencies in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
5. Communicate technical information effectively in written and oral formats using appropriate chemical and biotechnology terminology, including preparation of laboratory reports, standard operating procedures, and documentation meeting industry standards.
6. Conduct technical research by performing literature searches and gathering information related to quality control methods, analytical procedures, validation protocols, and biotechnology applications relevant to pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and chemical industries.
7. Possess foundational skills, knowledge, and laboratory competencies needed for entry-level employment as Industrial Quality Control Technicians and for continued academic advancement through transfer to four-year institutions pursuing bachelor's degrees in chemistry, biotechnology, or related fields.

Students are required to complete 34 Core Units and the general education requirement for this Associate Degree of Science. 

There are no inventory records that need adjusting.  Since this is a new program, it does not replace an existing program.  There is no related programs to this proposal at Los Angeles Pierce College.  Once we establish the Chemical Technology of Certificate of Achievement, the completers can continue to complete for the Chemical Technology of Associate Degree of Science.    

Los Angeles Trade Tech College offers a similar program, but we are serving different student population and collaborate with biotech and chem tech companies in the San Fernando Valley.  

BIOTECH 006 is being offered for the first time in Fall 2025. Currently, 25 students are enrolled in this course.

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