College of Western Idaho's Chemistry Club brings students together with common interests to exchange ideas and further enhance their careers in chemistry.
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Overview
Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes. It is mainly concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms and the energy involved in those processes. Thousands of applications of chemistry are found in everyday life. As a physical science, chemistry requires a solid background in mathematics and physics. To succeed in the field of chemistry, one must have good computer and communication skills and be able to employ their curiosity, calculation skills, and commitment to their studies. Chemistry majors can pursue careers in traditional chemistry fields such as biochemistry, organic, analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as in medicine, engineering, environmental science, and forensic science.
Mission
The goal of Chemistry education is to provide students with tools to solve problems: critical thinking skills associated with categorizing, reading and understanding written problems, and identifying important vs. irrelevant information as well as the ability to define problems clearly, develop testable hypotheses, design and execute appropriate experiments, analyze data, and draw appropriate conclusions.
Why This Program
The chemistry program is designed primarily to prepare you to transition to a four-year institution to finish a bachelor’s degree. It will expose you to the fundamentals of chemistry and help you understand what is needed prior to attending upper division courses.
This program provides a presentation of the world of chemistry as it impacts society and individuals with an emphasis on the connection of chemistry with everyday life, as well as the impact of scientific discoveries in the field of chemistry upon human thought, behavior, and technological progress.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Understand and predict chemical reactions
- Balance chemical equations
- Understand and employ good lab procedures
- Explain chemical processes that affect our everyday lives
Clubs
Additional Opportunities
Many chemical properties are best understood after participating in laboratory work, which is included with most chemistry classes. Beyond that, CWI participates in a number of programs that allow students to participate in research in the field of chemistry or biochemistry, expanding their understanding of chemistry and how it affects our lives.
Requirements and Costs
Degrees and Certificates
Biotechnology Laboratory Assistant - Academic Certificate
0.5
YEARAC
Explore the resources below for information, dates, and deadlines related to admissions, financial aid, registration, and next steps.
Dates & Deadlines for Credit Programs | Summer 2023 | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Priority Registration Begins 1 | N/A | Apr 10 | Nov 13 (2023) |
Open Registration Begins | Feb 27 | Apr 17 | Nov 20 (2023) |
Financial Aid Priority Deadline | May 13 | Jul 29 | Dec 16 (2023) |
Admission Deadline 2 | May 27 | Aug 12 | Jan 6 |
Last Day to Register for Classes | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Tuition and Fees Due | Jun 2 | Aug 18 | Jan 12 |
Classes Begin 3 | Jun 5 | Aug 21 | Jan 16 |
1 Priority registration is limited to continuing students. Students are assigned a registration time based on their cumulative credits earned. Students should check myCWI and their CWI email to learn their assigned registration time. Students may register online anytime on or after their assigned registration time.
2 The Admission Deadline for international students is earlier than the deadline for non-international students and is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Please consult the Academic Calendar for the international student admission deadlines.
3 Classes in shorter sessions (including 4-, 5-, and 8-week sessions) may begin before or after this date. Please refer to the specific class session sections beneath the full Academic Calendar for more information.
Skills, Traits, and Prep Classes
- Good computer and communication skills
- Curiosity and commitment
- Solid background in mathematics and physics
Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
- Please be sure to check the courses required for your final degree at the four-year institution you plan to attend after finishing at CWI. It is absolutely imperative that you know which classes are required to obtain a bachelor’s degree at that institution.
- If you plan to attend the University of Idaho, you can visit their website (https://www.uidaho.edu/registrar/transfer/transfer-pathways) to determine how the various courses taken at CWI will transfer. Our chemistry courses in this degree progression grid all transfer to their institution.
- If you plan to attend Boise State University (BSU), you can visit their website (http://registrar.boisestate.edu/transfers/transfer-equivalency/) to determine just how the various courses you take will transfer. Chem 253 will transfer as a chemistry general elective. The others on the list transfer well. The Organic Chemistry courses offered at BSU are 300-level courses, so it is recommended that you discuss how they transfer with an advisor at BSU.
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is the first semester student success course designed to help CWI students become engaged members of the academic community and cultivate habits for lifelong achievement and success. Each semester, students can select from a variety of themes. More information about next semesters CWI 101 themes
Transfer
Look beyond your degree at CWI and plan for continuing your education by working closely with CWI advising and representatives of your intended transfer school. Planning before you transfer can save you time and money. Visit Transfer Information for more information or contact One Stop Student Services.
Financial Aid Available
Did you know that as a student in this program you may be eligible for financial aid? Through grants, scholarships, and loans, more than 60 percent of first-time, full-time CWI students receive some form of financial assistance. To learn more about financial aid options and whether you may be eligible, visit Financial Aid.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition for a full-time CWI student averages half the cost of a state university and a third of the cost of a private college. Tuition and fees vary based on program and residence. Visit Tuition and Fees for more information.
Career Info
Professions
- Medicine
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Forensic Science
- Biochemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Those who major in chemistry fill a number of other needs in society under other titles, along with jobs with the title of Chemist. Chemistry is a field that lends itself to a plethora of jobs throughout the state and could open opportunities for individuals within the Treasure Valley.
Locations
Instructors
Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Honors Program student, Jeff Jenks, has been able to connect to like-minded individuals who share his love of learning.

Join University of Idaho professor, Jason Barnes, April 13 to learn more about the Dragonfly space mission, a project to explore Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

CWI is excited to offer paid summer research opportunities for students through the Idaho INBRE Research Program. Apply by March 18.

College of Western Idaho INBRE students showcase work examining the physiological effect of social media on people.

Faculty who teach General Education courses recognized for exemplary teaching, creativity, excellence, delivery, and service.

College of Western Idaho is excited to offer paid summer research opportunities for students through the Idaho INBRE Research Program.
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