Chemistry
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is often called ‘The Central Science’ because to understand subjects such as biology, geology, biochemical sciences, molecular biology you must have a grasp of the fundamental ideas of chemistry.
Chemistry at LAVC
Chemistry classes offered at LAVC are required for students who wish to major in geology, engineering, physics, or any of the biological sciences. One or more introductory courses are required for students preparing for a career in nursing, respiratory therapy, or other medical fields. The department also offers a two-year sequence of general and organic chemistry courses required for transfer to a chemistry or biology program at most four-year universities. For additional information, see the College Catalog or speak with an Academic Counselor.
Prerequisites
Advanced courses generally have prerequisites. If you feel you have met these prerequisites you can meet with a counselor or contact the Department to have your prerequisite validated.
If you would like to challenge a course prerequisite, fill out a Prerequisite Challenge Form and email it to the Department along with supporting documentation, such as unofficial transcripts. Emails must be from your LACCD student email address. Students may be asked to take a Chemistry 101 Readiness Exam as part of the Prerequisite Challenge.
Programs
Chemistry Degrees
Click the tabs below to find out about the Chemistry degrees.
Students will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, nomenclature of inorganic and organic compounds, stoichiometry, gas laws, solution chemistry and the physical properties of gases, liquids, solids and solutions. Students will also be introduced to a variety of chemical reactions encountered in inorganic and organic chemistry. Completion of these courses along with several general education requirements partially meets the guidelines for the University of California Transfer Pathway in Chemistry.
Faculty
Adjunct Chemistry Faculty & Lab Technicians
Click below for a list of adjunct faculty and lab technicians. For a complete list of LAVC faculty search the LAVC Directory.
| Name | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Cassius Amorin | |
| Edmond Anderiassian | |
| Madlina Babakhanlou | |
| Henry Choi | |
| Robert Frisbee | |
| Margaret Gifford | |
| Timothy Kautiainen | |
| Morshed Khandoker | |
| Kaveh Kokabi | |
| Gagik Labadzhyan | |
| Arno Papazyan | |
| Andrew Patalano | |
| Chanda Shukla Deo | |
| Sarkhadoun Yadegar | |
| Ligia Zelaya |
Faculty Profiles
Click below to learn about the Chemistry faculty.
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MS in Chemistry and Physics, University of St Andrews; Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, UC Irvine
- Teaches Chem 60, Chem 101
- Areas of interest include Electrochemistry, Fuel Cells & Batteries
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Chem 60 Lab Committee Chair, MESA Liaison
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In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, hiking, and going to music festivals with my husband.
- Pronouns: He/Him
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BA in Chemistry, Rice University; MA and Ph.D. in Biochemical Sciences, Princeton University
- Teaches Chem 51, Chem 68, Chem 101, Chem 221
- Areas of interest include Microbial Physiology, Animal Cell Genetics, Virology (Herpes)
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Member of CDEC Committe
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My outside interests include opera and reading ancient history.
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Ph.D. in Chemistry, UC San Diego
- Teaches Chem 211 and Chem 212, Organic Chemistry I and II
- Areas of interest include Organic Methodologies and Synthetic Chemistry
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Organic Division Coordinator
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I enjoy spending time with my family, playing soccer, walking on the beach, and planting.
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MS and Ph.D. in Theoretical Chemistry, UCLA
- Teaches Chem 60, Chem 101, and Chem 102
- Areas of interest include Quantum Chemistre
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Chem 101 and Chem 102 Co-Coordinator
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Did you know that the term "robot" comes from the Czech word "robota," which means "forced labor" or "drudgery"? It was introduced by Czech writer Karel Čapek in his 1920 play "R.U.R." (Rossum's Universal Robots). So, when you say, "I am not a robot," you're essentially saying, "I am not a forced laborer!"
- Pronouns: He/Him/His
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PhD in Chemistry, Imperial College London
- Teaches Chem 60, Chem 101, and Chem 102
- Areas of interest include Chemistry (in general...?)
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At leisure, I enjoy cycling, hiking and yoga.
- Pronouns: She/Her
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MS in Chemistry, UCLA
- Teaches Chem 51, Chem 60, Chem 101, Chem 102, and Chem 211
- Areas of interest include Battery Chemistry and Diagnostics, Numerical Simulations of Materials, NMR/MRI
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Before teaching, I worked as a chemical engineer in the pharmaceutical industry and then as a researcher with projects mostly involving lithium batteries. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, bicycling/hiking/camping, reading, learning new things, and working on all kinds of puzzles.
- Pronouns: He/Him/His
Learn About Chemistry
Video: Chemistry