Texas Township Campus6767 West O Avenue, PO Box 4070

Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070

www.kvcc.edu269.488.4179

CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMChemical technicians play a vital role in a variety of industries by working with chemists and chemical engineers to develop, test, and manufacture chemical products. These technicians are highly skilled scientific professionals who are critical members of scientific teams that conduct much of the hands-on work that is required. Some technicians assist senior researchers in the laboratory, but many work independently to collect valuable information for review.

Chemical technicians work in laboratories, making sure that processes are carried out safely, cost-effectively, and according to the highest professional standards. Chemical technicians work in every aspect of the chemical process industry—from basic research to hazardous waste management.

CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

TYPES OF CHEMICAL TECHNICIANSLaboratory technician—operates standard laboratory equipment and conducts laboratory procedures ranging from routine process control to complex research projects

Process technician—performs chemical tests and experiments for quality, performance, or composition.

TYPICAL WORK DUTIES • Set up apparatus for chemical reactions • Help devise and troubleshoot syntheses and

analytical procedures • Manage databases • Ensure that packaging of hazardous materials

complies with regulations • Work in pilot plants, assisting engineers with

running experiments in a miniature version of a manufacturing process

EDUCATIONThe best preparation is a two-year associate degree in an applied science (AAS) program designed to prepare students for a career in chemical technology. Kalamazoo Valley Community College offers an associate of applied science for chemical technology. This degree requires completion of a minimum of 62 credit hours. Kalamazoo Valley prepares students with skills necessary to go immediately into the workforce.

Example of Classes for AAS in Chemical TechnologyCourse Class CreditsBIO 101 Cellular Biology 4

BIO 130 Microbiology 4

CHM 120 General Chemistry I 4

CHM 130 General Chemistry II 4

CHM 220 Organic Chemistry I 5

CHM 230 Organic Chemistry II 5

CHM 250 Chemical Instrumentation 4

ENG 110 College Writing I 3

ENG 127 Technical Writing 3

MATH 150 College Algebra 4

MATH 152 Trigonometry 3

MATH 220 Probability and Statistics 4

PHY 100 Fundamentals of Physics 4

Wellness/Physical Education 2

Program Elective Courses 3

Political Science 3

Social Science 3

Minimum Total Credits: 62

TRANSFER PROGRAMS It is possible to obtain two different associate of science degrees at Kalamazoo Valley. The AA in biology is designed for students planning to major in bio-medical science. The AA in science will satisfy the general education and entry-level science course requirements for any science related major in chemistry, biochemistry, and/or physics. Both degrees prepare students to transfer to other colleges and universities for completion of a bachelor's degree.

Example of Classes for AA in ScienceCourse Class CreditsCHM 120 General Chemistry I 4

CHM 130 General Chemistry II 4

CHM 220 Organic Chemistry I 5

CHM 230 Organic Chemistry II 5

MATH 156 Precalculus/Trigonometry 5

MATH 160 Calculus 1 & Analytic Geometry 5

PHY 111 College Physics I 4

PHY 112 College Physics II 4

Humanities 12

Introduction to Logic 3

Wellness/Physical Education 2

Fine Arts 3

Social Science 3

Elective Course (ex: BIO 101) 3

Minimum Total Credits: 62