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Chemistry

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

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; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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, 2024

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; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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
  • General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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, 2024

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; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 150; Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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, 2024

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: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:AA/AS Area III(b)
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2024

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.

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, 2024

This is the experimental courses description.