Chemistry
Overview
Recommended Chemistry Course Pathway Based on Major (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 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.
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.
- 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
A.A./A.S. Degrees
- Division Dean Lorena Navarro
- Department Chair Dr. Dominik J. Green
- Meta-Major Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
- 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 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 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, 2025
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 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 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) | |
| 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 305 | Introduction to Chemistry (5) | |
| 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) | |
| ECON 310 | Statistics for Business and Economics (3) | |
| 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 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) | |
| or MATH 370 | Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5) | |
| MATH 373 | Trigonometry for Calculus (4) | |
| or MATH 335 | Trigonometry with College Algebra (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 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, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- solve quantitative problems and relate the basic properties and theories of matter to macroscopic observations.
- conduct a variety of qualitative and quantitative food-chemistry laboratory experiments utilizing a variety of chemistry equipment and prepare written laboratory reports.
- demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
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, 2025
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.
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, and coordination chemistry as they apply to food science.
- solve quantitative problems in kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and coordination chemistry, as they apply to food science.
- conduct a variety of qualitative and quantitative laboratory experiments utilizing food science instrumentation (such as a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, a pH meter, an atomic absorption spectrometer, densitometer, rheometer, and gas chromatography).
- apply appropriate safety and sanitization practices in a food-safe laboratory.
- prepare written laboratory reports.
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 (effective Fall 2025); UC (effective Fall 2025)
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- acquire basic science study skills in learning chemistry concepts.
- demonstrate basic understanding of matter, energy, atomic theory and structure, chemical composition, chemical reactions, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, intermolecular forces, and solutions.
- perform basic chemical laboratory procedures using common laboratory equipment and to analyze the data collected.
- apply knowledge of quantitative chemical methods to chemical calculations, including application of the mole concept to stoichiometry and the use of dimensional analysis.
- name selected elements, ions, common ionic compounds, and covalent compounds
- solve basic chemical word problems.
- work safely in a laboratory environment, apply and evaluate scientific methods for assembling experiments, collecting data and interpreting experimental outcomes
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:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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 )
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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 337 Brewing and Beer Chemistry
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2025); UC (effective Fall 2025)
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the physical and chemical processes involved in brewing.
- use analytical tools to monitor the quality of the brewing and fermenting process.
- outline the defining characteristics of a variety of beer styles with regard to raw ingredients, brewing procedures/techniques and chemical components in the finished product.
- distinguish the four main classes of biological chemicals: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.
CHEM 339 Introduction to Fermentation Chemistry
- Units:4
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU (effective Fall 2025); UC (effective Fall 2025)
- General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the basic structure of atoms and illustrate appropriate chemical bonding.
- identify common organic functional groups, with an understanding of essential organic transformations.
- classify chemical substances in brewing, winemaking, and fermented foods such as enzymes carbohydrates, proteins, terpenes, minerals, organic acids, and other volatile organic substances.
- demonstrate analytical techniques to quantify chemical components of a fermenting food or beverage. This will include acid/base titrations, chromatography (TLC, GC, HPLC), spectroscopy (UV, IR, and visible), potentiometry, and rheology.
- propose and test hypotheses to study the chemical, biochemical and physicochemical properties of fermented products.
- explain the biochemical process for the microbial conversion of starch to ethanol.
- describe how enzymes affect chemical reactions and explain their importance for fermentation processes.
- analyze and explain the major processes involved in organisms using and transforming energy; fermentation, glycolysis, Krebs cycle and cellular respiration.
- diagram the life cycle of a cell and analyze its relationship to brewing.
- propose and test hypotheses to study the chemical processes involved in the main components of the brewing process: Milling, Mashing/Lautering, Boiling, Fermentation, and Bottling/Kegging.
- identify and explain the function of common microorganisms used in beer brewing, wine making, and the fermentation of foods.
- identify by smell and/or taste the presence of certain chemical constituents in a fermented product.
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I
- Units:5
- Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:CHEM 300 or 305 with a grade of "C" or better; Successful completion of Algebra II/Integrated Math 3 or Intermediate Algebra or through the Los Rios Math Placement Process AND completion of a college-level course with a lab (such as CHEM 300 or CHEM 305) 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 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID CHEM 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:C-ID CHEM 150; Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5A (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
- C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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, 2025
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:Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2025
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, 2025
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.