Chemistry at ELAC

Chemistry is the science of matter. Matter is defined as anything that can be touched, tasted, smelled, seen or felt that is made up of chemicals. Chemists transform everyday materials around us into amazing things. Chemistry students study the nature of all physical things, develop new products and process, or monitor process involved in making various products. Chemists typically work for private businesses, government agencies, or educational institutions, although some are self-employed or work for nonprofit organizations. Chemists are needed in the pharmaceutical industry to discover and develop new drugs, in the food industry to develop and test new foodstuffs and additives, in the petroleum industry to develop and test new fuels, in the textile industry to develop new synthetic products, and in the field of agriculture to develop new fertilizers or pesticides for the agricultural industry.

Our faculty members have extensive experience in their respective field. They are committed to student success. Specialists in organic, inorganic, physical chemistry and biochemistry are experts in teaching problem solving, theory and analysis. Our faculty constantly attends seminars and workshops to upgrade their knowledge of the everchanging field of chemistry. Faculty members mentor the POBC (Priori of Biology and Chemistry Club), a diverse group of ELAC students who meet regardless of their majors and career goals, though the focus is centered on the sciences. The club hosts monthly seminars featuring speakers who are distinguished scientists from industry or academia and are open to all students and faculty.

The Chemistry Department has four fully-equipped teaching laboratories with equipment including analytical balances, gas chromatography, Fourier-Transform infrared spectroscopy, melting point machines, and ultraviolet spectrophotometers and balances.

Chemistry courses (65, 101, 102, 201, 211, 212 and 221) are UC and CSU transferable. Chemistry courses meet lower division university requirements and include two levels of courses; those that meet the requirements for a community college nursing degree, paramedical, and liberal arts majors and more rigorous courses designed for university transfer students who are majoring in chemistry or planning to enroll in a four-year degree program in nursing, nutrition, dietetics, kinesiology or chemical engineering. Consult the college catalog for specific course descriptions and requirements.

This is a partial listing of careers available to trained chemists; analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, catalysis, chemical education, chemical engineering, chemical information specialists, chemical sales, chemical technology, colloid and surface chemistry, consulting, consumer product chemistry, environmental chemistry, food and flavor chemistry, forensic chemistry, geochemistry, hazardous waste management, inorganic chemistry, materials science, medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, oil and petroleum, physical chemistry, polymer chemistry, pulp and paper chemistry, research and development (R&D) management, scientific writing, textile chemistry, and water chemistry.

Academic courses are also available at the South Gate Educational Center
2340 Firestone Blvd., South Gate, CA 90280
Call (323) 357-6200 for enrollment information.