This recommended pathway meets the requirements of the AS-T degree and prepares you for a university major in chemistry. But you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
This is the pathway to follow if your math placement is MATH& 141 Precalculus I or MATH& 142 Precalculus II.
Quarter 1 (15 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
or Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
or CHEM& 121 Intro to chemistry (5 credits)
CHEM& 121 is recommended if you didn't take a year of chemistry in high school.
ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)
MATH& 141 Precalculus I (5 credits)
If your math placement is MATH& 142 Precalculus II, take that instead. Talk with your advisor about adjusting the pathway to match.
Career exploration:
- Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
- Start thinking about whether your career goal lines up more with physical chemistry or biochemistry. It makes a difference in which courses you'll choose.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish.
- Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
- Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.
Quarter 2 (15 credits)
CHEM& 161 General chemistry with lab I (5 credits)
MATH& 142 Precalculus II (5 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
or Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
Career exploration:
- Compare the different chemistry majors at universities you're interested in.
- Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.
Quarter 3 (15 credits)
CHEM& 162 General chemistry with lab II (5 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
or Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
or PHYS& 114 General physics I (5 credits)
PHYS& 114 is a prerequisite for PHYS& 221 in Quarter 4. Take PHYS& 114 if you're interested in physical chemistry and didn't take a year of physics in high school.
MATH& 151 Calculus I (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
- Apply to work in the science prep lab or as a tutor in the Learning Center next year.
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action items:
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Summer (5 credits)
CHEM& 163 General chemistry with lab III (5 credits)
CHEM& 163 is required before CHEM& 261, which is offered only in the fall.
Career exploration:
- Participate in undergraduate research as part of CHEM& 163.
Quarter 4 (15 credits)
CHEM& 261 Organic chemistry with lab I (5 credits)
PHYS& 221 Engineering physics I (5 credits) for physical chemistry
or BIOL& 221 Majors biology - ecology/evolution (5 credits) for biochemistry
This is the start of a three-course sequence in either physics or biology. Complete one whole sequence.
MATH& 152 Calculus II (5 credits)
Career exploration:
- Listen to podcasts about chemistry or the kind of career you're aiming for.
Action items:
- Meet with your advisor about transferring to a university. Start your transfer applications.
- Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 5 (15-16 credits)
CHEM& 262 Organic chemistry with lab II (5 credits)
PHYS& 222 Engineering physics II (5 credits) for physical chemistry
or BIOL& 222 Majors biology - cell/molecular (5 credits) for biochemistry
MATH& 163 Calculus III (5 credits)
Optional (recommended):
MATH 207 Taylor series (1 credit)
Be sure to take this 1-credit supplement to MATH& 163 if you plan to transfer to the University of Washington.
Career exploration:
- Participate in undergraduate research as part of BIOL& 222.
Action items:
Quarter 6 (15 credits)
CHEM& 263 Organic chemistry with lab III (5 credits)
PHYS& 223 Engineering physics III (5 credits) for physical chemistry
or BIOL& 223 Majors biology - organismal physiology (5 credits) for biochemistry
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
or Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
or MATH 204 Intro to linear algebra (5 credits)
or MATH 238 Intro to differential equations (5 credits)
You need three courses from Humanities and Social Sciences (one of each, plus a third one that can be in either area). If you already have three, choose a math elective.
Action items:
- Attend the spring job fair.
Optional: Summer (5 credits)
Humanities (5 credits): a course with "H" at the end of the course description
or Social Science (5 credits): a course with "SS" at the end of the course description
You need three courses from Humanities and Social Sciences (one of each, plus a third one that can be in either area). If you already have three, don't take this summer course.
Course Suggestions
Humanities
ART highly recommended in your first year.
- ART 112 Drawing I
- ART 115 2D design
- ART 116 3D design
- ART 130 Ceramics I
- ART 131 Beginning throwing
- ART 160 Sculpture
- ART 175 Printmaking: relief and monotype
- ART 187 Computer art
- DRMA 125 Acting I
- ENGL 124 Environmental literature
- IDS 161 Literature, science and gender
- PHIL 132 Environmental ethics
Social Sciences
- IDS 170 Intro to sustainability
- IDS 210 Science, economics and politics of sustainable resources
- PSYC 165 Psychology of adjustment
