Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Chemistry

Chemistry

CHEM 300, 305, and 400 Prerequisite Information (PDF)

The chemistry curriculum at Folsom Lake College consists of:

A series of chemistry courses designed to meet transfer requirements for physical and biological science majors and allied health majors.
A series of courses intended for students majoring in fields other than chemistry, biology, or physical science seeking to fulfill general education science requirements.
An entry level course that provides preparation or review of more basic concepts.

All chemistry courses at FLC include a practical component where students conduct hands-on chemical experimentation in a modern, well-equipped laboratory.

SAFETY NOTICE:
All chemistry students are required to wear complete leg coverings (pants, sweats, or scrubs with a high percentage of cotton preferred) and closed-toe shoes at all times in the chemistry laboratory. Students are also required to wear laboratory coats (high percentage of cotton preferred) and indirect-vent safety goggles (safety glasses are not acceptable) while working with chemicals in the laboratory.

Note: Construction is currently underway on Folsom Lake College’s new Science Building at the main campus. Upon completion, the 75,000 gross sq. ft. instructional building, which will be named Oak Hall, will be the largest science facility within the Los Rios Community College District and will house six Biology labs, six Chemistry labs, and a 4,000 sq. ft. Science Center.

Learn More About the Science Building

Degrees Offered

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science

Division Dean Dr. Lorena Navarro
Department Chair Dr. Ami Rose
Phone (916) 608-6615
Email NavarrL@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish to obtain a broad knowledge of mathematics and the sciences. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis in" Math and Science. These courses emphasize the natural sciences which examine the physical universe, its life forms and its natural phenomena. Courses in math emphasize the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on the development of the world's civilizations. Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physical science.

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303	Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ASTR C1001	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR C1001L	Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
BIOL 300	The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL C1000	Introduction to Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 310	General Biology (4)
BIOL 323	Plants and People (4)
BIOL 342	The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350	Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 370	Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
or BIOL 411	Plant Science (4)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442	General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 337	Brewing and Beer Chemistry (4)
CHEM 339	Introduction to Fermentation Chemistry (4)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 410	Quantitative Analysis (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
CISP 300	Algorithm Design/Problem Solving (3)
CISP 360	Introduction to Structured Programming (4)
CISP 400	Object Oriented Programming with C++ (4)
CISP 401	Object Oriented Programming with Java (4)
CISP 440	Discrete Structures for Computer Science (3)
ECON 310	Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
FT 304	Fire Behavior and Combustion (3)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 306	Weather and Climate (3)
GEOG 330	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3)
GEOG 331	Exploring Maps and Geographic Technologies (3)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 302	Physical Geology with Lab (4)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 345	Geology of California (3)
MATH 300	Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
MATH 310	Mathematical Discovery (3)
MATH 333	College Algebra for Liberal Arts (3)
MATH 341	Calculus for Business and Economics (4)
MATH 343	Modern Business Mathematics (4)
MATH 355	Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
MATH 356	Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
MATH 372	College Algebra for Calculus (4)
or MATH 375	Pre-Calculus (6)
MATH 373	Trigonometry for Calculus (4)
MATH 400	Calculus I (5)
MATH 401	Calculus II (5)
MATH 402	Calculus III (5)
MATH 410	Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 420	Differential Equations (4)
NUTRI 300	Nutrition (3)
NUTRI 302	Nutrition for Physical Performance (3)
NUTRI 340	Nutrition and Metabolism (3)
PHYS 310	Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311	Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PS 302	Introduction to Physical Science (4)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
STAT C1000	Introduction to Statistics (4)
Total Units:		18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

reason quantitatively and empirically (Math and Science).

Chemistry (CHEM) Courses

CHEM 80 General Chemistry I Support, A Food Science Perspective

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:CHEM 400
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

A support course for Chemistry 400 (General Chemistry 1) which uses Food Science as a lens to explore topics and approach problem solving. Students will prepare and analyze foods and beverages such as breads, yoghurts, fermented foods, beer, wine and kombucha. Students are required to provide a bound laboratory notebook, cooking apron, hair net, non-slip closed toe shoes, and food service gloves. This course is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

CHEM 81 General Chemistry II Support, A Food Science Perspective

Units:1
Hours:54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:CHEM 401
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

A support course for Chemistry 401 (General Chemistry II) which uses Food Science as a lens to explore topics and approach problem solving. Students will prepare and analyze foods and beverages such as breads, yoghurts, fermented foods, beer, wine and kombucha. Students are required to provide a bound laboratory notebook, cooking apron, hair net, non-slip closed-toe shoes, and food service gloves. This course is graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a lecture and laboratory course that covers the fundamental concepts of chemistry. This course assumes no previous knowledge of chemistry, presenting both chemical problem solving and laboratory skills. This course is intended primarily to prepare students for CHEM 400. Students are required to purchase access to on-line homework, indirect vent safety goggles and scientific calculator. Other materials may be required by the instructor.

CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry

Units:5
Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra/Algebra I/Integrated Math I or higher, with a C or better, OR eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
Enrollment Limitation:Students must be at least 16 years of age. Minor-aged students who are not legally emancipated must have their parent(s)/guardian(s) review laboratory safety protocols prior to attending class.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: CHEM 305, 306 and 400, 401 combined: maximum credit, one series. No credit for CHEM 305 if taken after CHEM 400. )
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces fundamental principles of chemistry including types of matter and physical states, physical and chemical transformations, chemical equations and stoichiometry, bonding, atomic and chemical structure, intermolecular forces, gas laws, solutions, colligative properties, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, and includes a brief introduction of organic chemistry. It is primarily intended for general education and majors in allied health (nursing, dental hygiene, respiratory care), family and consumer science, physical education, physical therapy(*), psychology(*), natural resources(*). CHEM 305 can also be used as a preparatory course prior to enrolling in CHEM 400. Students are required to purchase indirectly vented safety goggles; and wear closed-footed shoes for the laboratory.

*May require CHEM 400.

CHEM 337 Brewing and Beer Chemistry

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

An overview of beer and brewing including the history, malting, brewing, fermentation and packaging. Emphasis will be placed on the chemical processes involved at each stage as well as performing chemical analyses of inorganic and organic components throughout the brewing process. Requires a laboratory notebook and non-slip closed-toe shoes.

CHEM 339 Introduction to Fermentation Chemistry

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Students will be introduced to the chemical principles of fermentation as they apply to a variety of beverages and food products. Students will test hypotheses to explore the chemical, biochemical, and physicochemical properties of fermented products. Experimentation will be guided by a suite of chemical instrumentation. Specifically, the course will focus on the basic scientific methodology applied on beer brewing, enology and fermentation of fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Students are required to provide a bound laboratory notebook, apron, closed toe shoes, and gloves.

CHEM 400 General Chemistry I

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra/Algebra II/Integrated Math 3, or through the Los Rios Math Placement Process; AND completion of EITHER a college-level Chemistry course with a lab (such as CHEM 300, CHEM 305 or CHEM 339) OR a full year of high school chemistry with a lab with a grade of "C" or better.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: CHEM 305, 306 and 400, 401 combined: maximum credit, one series )
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a first semester general college chemistry course intended for students majoring in the scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, nutrition, physics, geology and engineering. This course emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include chemical measurement; physical and chemical processes; nomenclature; stoichiometry; atomic structure; quantum theory; molecular structure; bonding theory; physical properties of gases, liquids, and solids; thermochemistry; and properties of solutions. Students are required to purchase indirectly vented safety goggles and a bound quad-ruled notebook; and wear closed-footed shoes for the laboratory. Other materials may be required by the instructor.

CHEM 401 General Chemistry II

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: CHEM 305, 306 and 400, 401 combined: maximum credit, one series )
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a continuation of the two-semester series in general college chemistry, General Chemistry I (Chem 400) and General Chemistry II (Chem 401). CHEM 401 is intended for students majoring in the scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, and geology. Topics presented in the course include kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and coordination chemistry. A brief introduction to Organic Chemistry is included. Laboratory experiments include qualitative and quantitative analysis.

CHEM 410 Quantitative Analysis

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a course in chemical quantitative analysis. Emphasis is placed on: the statistical treatment of data, error analysis, and goodness-of-fit criteria; the proper design, control, and handling of experimental data obtained using various analytical methods; the fundamental theory of and techniques involving volumetric analysis, spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, and gas & liquid chromatography; the calibration of glassware and instrumentation; and the design & validation of experimental methods. This course is for students planning careers in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, forensics, pre-pharmacy, biology, molecular biology, and microbiology.

CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 150; Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a lecture/laboratory course designed to introduce students to the basic concepts of organic chemistry. This course is designed for science majors, pre-med, pre-dental, and pre-pharmacy majors. Lecture topics will include acid/base chemistry, pushing electrons, organic nomenclature, alkane chemistry, alkene chemistry, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, physical properties of alkanes and cycloalkanes, SN1, SN2, E1, E2 mechanisms. Laboratory work will include characterization of organic molecules using modern analytical instrumentation such as (GC, GC/MS, NMR, FTIR, polarimetry, and HPLC) and the measurement of their physical properties. Separation and purification of organic compounds will also be covered in the lab section; these techniques include distillation, recrystallization, preparative chromatography, liquid-liquid extraction and thin-layer chromatography. This course requires that students purchase additional supplies such as a Gas Chromatography micro-syringe and safety goggles. Students will need to purchase a lab journal to record experimental information. Students will also need to check with the instructor for supplemental lab supplies that may not be provided during check-in.

CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 420 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a lecture-laboratory course and is a continuation of Chemistry 420, Organic Chemistry I, thereby concluding a one year introduction to organic chemistry. This course is designed for science majors, pre-medical, pre-dental, and pre-pharmacy majors. Topics covered include the chemistry of ethers, epoxides, conjugated dienes, aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, enolate condensation, amines, phenols, condensation-polymerization reactions, and the chemistry of selected biologically important compounds such as proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. The course also includes continued application of spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR (theory and practice), and MS) applied to organic chemistry. Laboratory emphasis is on synthesis of organic compounds and their work-up and analysis. Experiments include the preparation, isolation, quantitation, purification, identification and mechanism elucidation of the molecules synthesized. Students will continue to expand their ability to operate and utilize a variety of modern chemical instrumentation - gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, Fourier transform - infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and polarimetry. Students must purchase instructor produced supplements; Study guide for the approved lecture text; Stitch-bound, page-numbered laboratory notebook(s); model kit; American Chemical Society Study Guide for Organic Chemistry, approved safety goggles, gloves, gas chromatography syringe. a pair of approved safety goggles.

CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regular offered courses, pursuant to an agreement among college, faculty members and students. Independent studies in chemistry offers students a chance to do research and/or experimentation that is more typical of industry and graduate student work. Student must fill out an application with sponsoring instructor to participate.

CHEM 498 Work Experience in Chemistry

Units:1 - 4
Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Enrollment Limitation:Student must be in a paid or non-paid internship, volunteer opportunity, or job related to career interests.
Transferable:CSU
General Education:Local GE L7B
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of Chemistry. Course content will include understanding the application of education to the workforce; completing required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at the work site; and developing workplace skills and competencies. During the semester, the student is required to attend orientation. Students must complete 27 hours of related paid or unpaid work experience for .5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional .5 unit. The course may be taken for a maximum of 16 units. Students should have access to a computer, the Internet, and some computer media such as a USB drive to store data files. Online students must have an email account. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.