Chemistry Technician Certificate Program Description
As mentioned on the previous page, we also offer an Associates Degree. The degree requires a few more courses, but otherwise is similar in scope and purpose. The description below is specifically for the certificate.
The chemistry technician certificate program addresses an area in the pharmaceutical industry not serviced by other programs. The courses outlined in this program address the basic skills as well as the theoretical knowledge necessary to be a successful chemical technician.
The strength of this program lies in the number of hours of laboratory experience undertaken. Required are a year of general chemistry containing 6 hrs/wk of lab, organic chemistry, containing 6 hrs/wk of lab, and either a semester of analytical chemistry containing 6hrs/wk of lab or biochemistry and biochemical techniques 3hrs/wk of lab These, taken together, provide a wealth and variety of laboratory experience.
The record-keeping, computer and writing skills provide a strong basis in data keeping, handling and presentation which will serve graduates in ensuing courses and the job market. Finally, the theory presented in the courses assures the students a strong foundation on which to build their understanding of chemical principles. This will enable the graduate to successfully advance in either industry or education.
The organic chemistry component of the program addresses the need for technicians able to synthesize, purify and characterize organic molecules. As pharmaceuticals are primarily organic molecules, these skills are necessary. In addition, new industrial approaches require technicians to be able to make large numbers of molecules in a short period of time for testing and analysis. Principles of organic synthesis and lab safety are essential for this work. Unlike any other program in San Diego County, our students are required to take a year of organic chemistry with 6 hours of laboratory per week. This ensures a significant amount of experience.
Inside the Pharmaceutical Industry, chem 255, is a course taught primarily by industry representatives. It looks primarily at the process of drug discovery and development. It follows the process from the initial concept of the drug to FDA approval. It provides students a nice overview of how the industry works and concepts, other than the chemistry, that they will have to deal with.
The analytical chemistry course covers some rather advanced analytical techniques including atomic absorption spectroscopy, UV-VIS and IR spectroscopy, HPLC and wet chemical techniques. In addition, many of the instruments are computer-interfaced and, therefore, teach use of computers in data acquisition and management.
The biochemistry option of the program addresses the biotech area. Local industry is biotechnically oriented. Though this program addresses the chemical side, it is essential, to a potential employee, to have biochemical knowledge and biotechnical skills. These courses address those skills. The lecture addresses the basic principles of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids as well as an understanding of some techniques. The lab addresses mammalian tissue culture, purification, characterization and analysis of proteins, and analysis of nucleic acids. Between them a cross section of biochemistry is addressed.
