Chemistry

Why study chemistry?

After Parkland, you may transfer to a four-year institution to train for a variety of chemistry-related careers such as lab chemist, patent attorney, science writer, forensics lab technician, waste management technician, art restorer, or educator. Chemistry students may also explore health occupations including medicine, pharmacy, chiropractic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and nursing.

At Parkland, you'll have the advantage of small class sizes, taught by master faculty—never teaching assistants. Your success is our priority.

Classes

Introduction to Chemistry (CHE 100): Designed for those with little to no chemistry experience who expect to continue on to CHE 141–142. 

Chemistry of Everyday Life (CHE 104): Explains the science behind everyday activities. For non-science majors only.

Chemistry for the Health Professions (CHE 106) and Chemistry for the Health Professions II (CHE 107): Introduction to the principles of chemistry with emphasis on general, organic, and biochemistry and their relationship to the health fields. 

General Chemistry I (CHE 141): Introduces basic concepts of chemistry such as chemical names, formulas, reactions, atomic structure, properties, and solutions.

General Chemistry II (CHE 142): Explores equilibrium reactions, nuclear chemistry, properties of metals and nonmetals, and reaction rates.

Organic Chemistry I and Lab (CHE 203–204) and Organic Chemistry II and Lab (CHE 205–206): Advanced courses exploring various reactions and organic preparations. 

Learn more about how these classes fit into a transfer degree or the general education core curriculum (GECC).
 

Will my classes transfer?

CHE 100, 104, 106, and CHE 141 will fulfill the Physical Science general education requirement at Illinois public universities. Parkland College classes with an even middle digit (such as ENG 101, MAT 128, and BIO 141) are accepted for transfer as general education classes, major courses, or electives as determined by the transfer institution.

For more information about transferring, speak with an academic advisor and visit the Parkland Course Matrix.

Curriculum

Parkland Science Scholars

Students pursuing science degrees who are from low-income families are encouraged to apply to Parkland Science Scholars. This program provides financial support, mentoring, and opportunities to gain experience and create networks in science careers. For more information visit parkland.edu/ParklandScienceScholars.