Laboratory Technology: Chemical

  What is Laboratory Technology: Chemical?

Laboratory technologists work under the supervision of scientists within a laboratory setting. Technologists are responsible for converting written procedures into actual laboratory experience, working with various scientific techniques and instruments. Laboratory techs are also trained in skills required for data collection and quality assurance programs. Technicians set up, operate and maintain laboratory instruments, monitor experiments, make observations, calculate and record results, and often develop conclusions. They must keep detailed records of all their work-related activities.

  Success Factors

Students in this field should feel comfortable working with numbers and computers, and working as part of a team.  Students should have good writing and problem-solving skills, be able to follow detailed experimental and safety procedures, and enjoy working in a laboratory environment. Because the field is constantly changing, students must be committed to continuing their learning after graduation to keep current.

  Career Possibilities

A wide variety of employment opportunities exist for laboratory technicians in the fields of chemistry, biology, toxicology, pathology and pharmacology. These opportunities are found both in industrial and hospital laboratories as well as in various governmental agencies.  Raymond Walters College graduates are employed by firms such as Procter & Gamble, Hilton-Davis Chemical Company, Victor Polymers, Hexion, Inc. and Eli Lilly.

  Majoring in Laboratory Technology: Chemical

Students receive instruction in general, organic, analytical and biochemical areas of chemistry.  All emphasize hands-on lab experience, often using modern instrumentation. Students learn not only how to operate instruments, but the theory of how they operate and how best to use them.  In addition, math, computer applications, and data management and statistics courses broaden students' backgrounds. The program is designed to be completed in two years for an associate of applied science degree.

  Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

If you are currently confirmed or enrolled, you can check your degree requirements online. If you are considering transferring to this major from another school use the Course Applicability System (CAS) to see how credits you have earned will apply to this major at UC. For course descriptions by college, click here.

Prerequisites: High school algebra I, plane geometry, or algebra II, and chemistry, all with grades of “C” or better.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
English Composition I	28ENGL101	3
College Algebra I	28MATH173	3
General Chemistry I	28CHEM104	5
Effective Public Speaking	28COMM171	3
General Education Electives 1		3
TOTAL		17

Winter Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
English Composition II	28ENGL102	3
College Algebra II	28MATH174	3
General Chemistry II	28CHEM105	5
Laboratory Data Management	28BIOL175	3
Orientation to Laboratory Technology	28CHEM181	1
TOTAL		15

Spring Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Trigonometry 2	28MATH181	3
Laboratory Safety	28CHEM271	3
Computer Application Elective		3
General Education Electives 1		6
TOTAL		15

 

SECOND YEAR

Fall Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Applied Chemical Analysis I	28CHEM221	3
Applied Chemical Analysis Lab I	28CHEM231	2
Bio-Organic Chemistry	28CHEM204	4
Office Presentation Graphics	28OATN228	3
General Education Electives 1		3
TOTAL		15

 Winter Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Applied Chemical Analysis II	28CHEM222	3
Applied Chemical Analysis Lab II	28CHEM232	2
Introduction to Biochemistry I	28CHEM205	4
Introduction to Psychology I	28PSYC101	3
Intermediate Composition	28ENGL289	3
TOTAL		15

 Spring Quarter

Course Name	Course Number	Credits
Applied Chemical Analysis III	28CHEM223	3
Applied Chemical Analysis Lab III	28CHEM233	2
Introduction to Biochemistry II	28CHEM206	4
Technical Organic Chemistry I 3	28CHEM274	4
Technical Organic Chemistry Lab I	28CHEM284	1
Introduction to Laboratory Robotics I	28CHEM241	3
TOTAL		17

1 Select one course from three of the general Education areas listed below: humanities, literature, social sciences, historical perspectives, fine arts, diversity and culture, and social and ethical issues.

2 Students not planning to pursue the bachelor’s degree in chemical technology may substitute an advisor-approved elective.

3 Technical Organic Chemistry will be offered only in the spring quarter of even-numbered years.  Students beginning in even-numbered years should take this course in the spring quarter of the freshman year and delay Laboratory Safety until the spring quarter of the sophomore year.

  UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

At Raymond Walters College RWC) you will be in small classes, generally 25 students or fewer, taught by faculty who have a real interest in helping each student attain her/his  educational goals. In this environment, faculty know students individually and provide much opportunity for personal interaction. The laboratories of the Chemical Sciences Department are equipped with an extraordinary array of equipment and instruments -- many of the same instruments found in industrial and research labs. These instruments are for students to use as well as for faculty research.  Unique to our labs are laboratory robots designed to do routine lab tasks. Students not only learn how to program these particular robots, but are taught the general principles of robot programming.

  Special Programs

Laboratory technology: chemical includes an optional paid internship for qualified students  To qualify, a student most have completed at least 40 credit hours of chemistry courses in the program with a minimum 2.5 grade average. These must include Applied Chemical Analysis I, Laboratory Safety, and Orientation to Laboratory Technology Internships with a minimum 2.5 grade average in all courses.

Students can work part time at a selected area laboratory as a paid intern while they finish their course work. They will gain real-world experience, giving them a head start in the job market.  After receiving the AAS degree, students can continue their education in the BS chemical technology program at UC's College of Applied Science. This co-op program will require an additional three years to complete.

  Admission Requirements

You may enroll in Raymond Walters College if you graduated from an accredited high school or preparatory school, or have a GED certificate (minimum composite score of 45). The college’s rolling admissions policy allows you to start any quarter: fall, winter, spring or summer. High school students who are considering RWC should take either the SAT or ACT college entrance examination for use in guidance and counseling. All students entering a degree program must also take the college’s placement test prior to registering for classes. This test is given on the RWC campus.

  Transferring to UC Requirements

Transferring to Raymond Walters College

A student wishing to transfer to Raymond Walters College from another accredited college or university should be guided by the following statement of policy:

1. Transfer applications are individually reviewed, and acceptance is based on receipt of application materials, as well as official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. An official evaluation of transfer credit from other colleges will be processed after the student's file is complete.
2. Credits are accepted from any institution currently accredited by any of the six regional accrediting agencies. Enrollment Services shall have discretionary authority to accept credits from other institutions in consultation with program directors or department chairpersons.
3. Only grades of "C" or better are accepted. Special exceptions may be granted at the discretion of Enrollment Services in consultation with program directors or department chairpersons.
4. There is a 10-year expiration limit for acceptance of transfer credits. Exceptions can be made by Enrollment Services in consultation with the appropriate program directors or department chairpersons.
5. For all situations not covered by the above, the decision will be referred to the department involved when appropriate.

  Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from other programs within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.

  International Student Requirements

Students who did not graduate form a high school in the Untied States of America must take an ability-to-benefit test and achieve the minimum specified score to be eligible for admission to a degree or certificate program at Raymond Walters College. The scores will be used for placement in English courses and general advising for all courses.

  Application Deadlines

Students may enter the program during any quarter. Many courses are sequential, however, and are offered only one quarter per academic year. Entering during winter or spring may extent the length of the program.

  Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Cincinnati Raymond Walters College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.