A hidden gem preparing students for science, healthcare & beyond
At 91看片网 College, the Chemistry Department is quietly doing big work鈥攑reparing students for transfer, healthcare careers, and advanced study across the sciences.
Often referred to as the 鈥渃entral science,鈥� chemistry connects disciplines like biology, physics, medicine, and environmental science. At 91看片网, that connection is more than theory鈥攊t鈥檚 hands-on, accessible, and designed to meet students where they are.
鈥淲e serve a wide range of students,鈥� said Bill Trego, co-department chair alongside Cheli Fossum, who will retire this June after years of leadership in both Chemistry and Physics. 鈥淪ome are just starting out, some are transferring, and others already have degrees and are coming back to strengthen their academic record for medical or professional school.鈥�
Fossum鈥檚 impact on 91看片网 spans more than three decades. She began teaching part-time in 1992 before joining full-time in August 1995, building a 34-year career dedicated to student success. Starting at just 26 years old鈥攕ometimes teaching students older than herself鈥攕he quickly established herself as a committed and respected educator. Throughout her time at 91看片网, she consistently taught evening courses, often three nights a week, including foundational sequences like Chem 1A and 1B, ensuring access for working and nontraditional students.
Flexible Pathways for Real Students
One of the department鈥檚 biggest strengths is flexibility.
91看片网 offers a full sequence of chemistry courses nearly every semester, including Part A and Part B courses, making it easier for students who may not be on a traditional timeline to stay on track.
Courses include:
- Chem 30A 鈥� Introductory chemistry for beginners and general education
- Chem 1A/1B 鈥� General chemistry for science majors
- Chem 12A/12B 鈥� Organic chemistry required for pre-med and related fields
- Chem 30B 鈥� Introductory organic and biochemistry for allied health students
With evening and Saturday options, the program is designed to support working students, returning students, and those balancing multiple responsibilities.
A Launchpad for Transfer & Careers
91看片网鈥檚 chemistry students transfer to top universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Davis, continuing their studies in fields like medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and research.
The department serves both:
- Transfer-focused students preparing for four-year institutions
- Post-baccalaureate students strengthening grades for competitive graduate programs
For many, 91看片网 offers a second chance鈥攐r a stronger start.
A Hands-On Advantage
In courses like organic chemistry, students benefit from smaller class sizes and more direct access to equipment and instruction鈥攁n experience that can rival, and in some cases exceed, what students encounter at larger universities.
That means more time in the lab, more interaction with instructors, and more opportunities to truly understand the material.
The department is also looking ahead, with plans to bring in new equipment such as a 鈥攁 powerful tool used to separate and analyze complex chemical mixtures, commonly used in pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, and research labs.
Chemistry & Physics: Connected Pathways
Chemistry and Physics at 91看片网 are closely linked, with Trego and Fossum also serving as co-chairs of the Physics Department.
91看片网鈥檚 Physics Program offers university-transferable courses that support students pursuing majors in science, engineering, and related fields. The program includes an , designed to provide a clear pathway to CSU campuses with junior standing.
Students in the program develop the ability to:
- Analyze and evaluate scientific information
- Connect concepts across disciplines
- Use scientific equipment safely and effectively
Physics courses are especially important for pre-engineering students, who can complete the full sequence at 91看片网 before transferring.
A Supportive Environment for Scientific Growth
Whether students are stepping into a lab for the first time or preparing for medical school, 91看片网鈥檚 Chemistry Department emphasizes access, support, and real-world preparation.
鈥淎t 91看片网, instructors truly care about student learning,鈥� Fossum said. 鈥淭hey are both kind and will challenge you. You get high-quality classes where you learn the basics thoroughly鈥攚hether you're preparing to transfer or enter a program like nursing.鈥�
鈥淐hemistry can be challenging,鈥� Trego noted, 鈥渂ut when students have the right support and environment, they rise to it.鈥�
Fossum also noted that what makes 91看片网 unique is its students. Having taught at multiple Bay Area colleges, she found 91看片网 students to be especially diverse in both age and background鈥攁nd notably more engaged. 鈥淪tudents here are willing to ask questions, they鈥檙e appreciative, and they really want to learn,鈥� she said.
With strong instruction, flexible scheduling, and clear transfer pathways, 91看片网 continues to provide opportunities for students to build a solid foundation in science鈥攁nd take the next step toward their goals.
As she prepares for retirement, Fossum looks forward to spending more time hiking in Redwood Regional Park, trying new recipes, and practicing yoga鈥攃losing out a long and impactful career at 91看片网 College.