Chemistry
Overview
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.
NOTE:
All chemistry students are required to wear closed-toe shoes at all times in the chemistry laboratory. Students are also required to wear indirect-vent safety goggles (safety glasses are not acceptable) while working in the laboratory.
- Allied Health
- Biologist
- Chemical Engineer
- Dentist
- Geochemist
- Geologist
- Nutritionist
- Oceanographer
- Pharmacist
- Physician
- Physicist
- Professional Chemist
- Veterinarian
Some career options may require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fulfill some career options or for preparation for transfer to a university program.
- An outstanding chemistry faculty striving to maintain an aggressive and well-respected chemistry program
- Ample contact with the instructor and the relaxed atmosphere that only a limited class size can offer
Program Maps
- Division Dean Greg McCormac
- Department Chair Dr. Dominik J. Green
- Meta-Major Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- Phone (916) 608-6615
- Email mccormg@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 arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. 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 course work 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, 2023
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| A minimum of 18 units from the following: | 18 | |
| You must select courses from at least three different disciplines and complete courses from both math and science. If a course is cross-listed with another on the list, only one may apply to the degree. | ||
| ANTH 300 | Biological Anthropology (3) | |
| ANTH 301 | Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1) | |
| ANTH 303 | Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3) | |
| ASTR 300 | Introduction to Astronomy (3) | |
| ASTR 400 | Astronomy Laboratory (1) | |
| BIOL 300 | The Foundations of Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 307 | Biology of Organisms (4) | |
| BIOL 310 | General Biology (4) | |
| BIOL 323 | Plants and People (4) | |
| BIOL 350 | Environmental Biology (3) | |
| BIOL 400 | Principles of Biology (5) | |
| BIOL 410 | Principles of Botany (5) | |
| 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 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| CHEM 400 | General Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 401 | General Chemistry II (5) | |
| CHEM 420 | Organic Chemistry I (5) | |
| CHEM 421 | Organic Chemistry II (5) | |
| GEOG 300 | Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3) | |
| GEOG 301 | Physical Geography Laboratory (1) | |
| GEOG 306 | Weather and Climate (3) | |
| GEOL 300 | Physical Geology (3) | |
| GEOL 301 | Physical Geology Laboratory (1) | |
| 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 | Introduction to College Algebra (3) | |
| MATH 335 | Trigonometry with College Algebra (5) | |
| 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 370 | Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5) | |
| 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 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 300 | Introduction to Probability and 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, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. 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 305 Introduction to Chemistry
- Units:5
- Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MATH 100 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be 16 and at least sophomores in high school. Minor aged students who are not legally emancipated must have their parent(s)/guardian 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:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025); IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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 will require approved safety goggles for this course.
*May require CHEM 400.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply the basic terminology and nomenclature of introductory inorganic chemistry, and name the elements and compounds relevant to the human body and metabolism.
- evaluate macroscopic observations and apply fundamental properties and theories of matter.
- demonstrate critical thinking skills in solving quantitative problems.
- apply basic chemical principles to predict experimental outcomes.
- conduct a variety of qualitative and quantitative inorganic laboratory experiments that may include proposing hypotheses for these outcomes prior to performing the experiment.
- assemble molecules demonstrating an understanding of chemical bonding and molecular structure to predict their chemical behavior.
- demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper materials handling.
CHEM 306 Introduction to Chemistry
- Units:5
- Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be at least 16 and sophomores in high school. Minor aged students who are not legally emancipated require their parent(s)/guardian review laboratory safety protocols prior to attending class.
- Transferable:CSU; UC (CHEM 305, 306 and 400, 401 combined: maximum credit, one series )
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
This course is the second semester of General, Organic and Biological chemistry (a continuation of Chemistry 305). This course is intended for students majoring in the Allied Health fields (nursing B.S.N degree), and dental hygiene). This course introduces students to the structure and function, as well as the physical and chemical properties of organic molecules. Emphasis is on the specific functional groups found in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, the types of reactions they undergo and their relevancy to human physiology and health. Students will require approved safety goggles for this course.
Approved Safety Goggles, several pairs of disposable gloves. A lab coat or apron is advised but optional.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- construct and name organic molecules from several important classes of organic compounds.
- differentiate and evaluate the physical and chemical properties of several important classes of organic compounds.
- compare the structure, function, and uses of important carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- apply reactions covered in organic chemistry portion to processes found in physiology and metabolic pathways.
- perform basic organic laboratory experiments including synthesis, as well as classifying molecules using wet-chemistry techniques.
- demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper materials handling.
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I
- Units:5
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:MATH 120; and a college-level Chemistry course with a lab with a "C" or better or one year in 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:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025); IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- C-ID:C-ID CHEM 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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 indirect vent safety goggles, closed toe shoes, and a bound quad-ruled notebook for the laboratory. Other materials may be required by the instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply basic terminology and nomenclature of inorganic chemistry.
- solve quantitative problems and relate the basic properties and theories of matter to macroscopic observations.
- conduct a variety of qualitative and quantitative inorganic laboratory experiments utilizing a variety of chemistry equipment and prepare written laboratory reports.
- demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper materials handling.
- demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
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:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025); IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate and solve qualitative problems using the basic principles of kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
- solve quantitative problems in kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry through the mathematical application of basic principles.
- conduct a variety of qualitative and quantitative inorganic laboratory experiments utilizing a variety of chemistry equipment (such as a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, a pH meter, and an atomic absorption spectrometer).
- demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper materials handling.
- prepare written laboratory reports.
CHEM 410 Quantitative Analysis
- Units:5
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- design an experimental method in response to a given analytical problem
- uncover the underlying chemical theories of a specified analytical problem
- evaluate the validity of experimental data
- demonstrate safe, accurate, and precise laboratory skills
- draft a laboratory notebook in conformance with a given standard operating procedure
- critique in writing and orally the results obtained from an experiment
- apply fundamental laboratory skills at a level commensurate with a science professional
CHEM 410 Quantitative Analysis
- Units:5
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
- Transferable:CSU; UC
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
This course focuses on the principles and techniques utilized in modern quantitative analysis. Gravimetric, volumetric, electroanalytical, spectrophotometric, and chromatographic analytical methods will be studied theoretically and with practical laboratory experiments. Emphasis throughout the course will be on sampling, calibration, statistical analysis, and method validation procedures. This course is intended for science majors, including chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, biology, forensic science, and microbiology.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe and utilize some basic analytical methods in common use in today's analytical laboratories.
- list some limitations of common analytical methods and the magnitude of the possible errors involved.
- draft an accurate and clear laboratory notebook record of experimental methods, data, and data analysis.
- evaluate analytical data using statistical methods to determine its validity.
- solve quantitative analysis problems with basic chemical and statistical principles.
- demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper materials handling.
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:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025); IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- C-ID:C-ID CHEM 150; Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- evaluate the relationship between the molecular structure of an organic molecule and its physical properties and chemical reactivity.
- name common organic compounds. Students should also be able to name more complicated molecules using IUPAC rules.
- propose reaction mechanisms for common organic chemistry reactions.
- operate modern, analytical equipment to confirm experimental outcomes and goals using instrumental analysis such as GC, HPLC, GC/MS, NMR, FTIR, polarimetry, and UV-Vis Spectroscopy.
- analyze, and predict the outcome of a multi-step organic synthesis based on simpler, more common reactions learned throughout this course.
- prepare a laboratory notebook.
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:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025); IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
- C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- utilize and apply the fundamental concepts of general chemistry and introductory organic chemistry to second semester organic chemistry.
- understand and apply the theories of structure and reactivity to the important functional groups. Conceive mechanistic pathways illustrating a reaction process.
- perform basic organic chemistry laboratory techniques, operate a variety of modern chemical instruments including GC, NMR, IR, GC/MS, and polarimetry. Accurately interpret NMR, IR, mass spectral and chromatographic data.
- apply the rules of nomenclature for organic compounds.
- propose multi-step synthesis based on common, simpler reactions learned in Chemistry 420 and this course.
- apply organic functional group knowledge to biological molecules such as amino acids and proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.
CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- produce work independently on chemistry related topics.
- debate chemistry topics with other professionals in the field.
CHEM 498 Work Experience in Chemistry
- Units:1 - 4
- Hours:60 - 300 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:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
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 75 hours of related paid work experience, or 60 hours of related unpaid work experience, for one unit. An additional 75 hours of related paid work experience or 60 hours of related unpaid work experience is required for each additional 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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- apply industry knowledge and theoretical concepts in a field of study or career as written in the minimum 3 learning objectives created by the student and his/her employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- manage personal career plans and decision making using industry & workforce information and online resources.
- behave professionally and ethically, exhibit adaptability, initiative, self-awareness and self-management as needed.
- exhibit effective communication, collaboration, and leadership skills at work with consideration to workplace dynamics and social and diversity awareness.
- demonstrate critical and creative thinking skills as they apply to the workplace.
CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2023
This is the experimental courses description.
Faculty
Programs and Majors
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
This program is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics meta-major.