Course Descriptions
| A locker deposit is required to participate in all chemistry classes that include laboratory. The deposit is payable at the Business Office prior to the first laboratory class meeting. The deposit is refundable if there is no breakage and the locker is checked in at the end of the semester. If chemical glassware is broken or missing, the charge will be deducted from the deposit. |
CHEM 300
Beginning Chemistry
4 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 100 or MATH 102 with a grade of "C" or better; or equivalent
Advisory: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in MATH 120.
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers an introduction to fundamental chemical concepts, problem-solving and laboratory skills. It is designed for students needing a comprehensive review of or intensive preparation in chemistry. This course is primarily intended to prepare students for CHEM 400.
CHEM 305
Introduction to Chemistry
5 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 100 or 102 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This is a general chemistry course intended for students majoring in the allied health fields, such as nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, veterinary technology, and environmental technology. This course emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry: types of matter, physical and chemical processes, atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, properties and theories of gases, properties of solutions, acids and bases, equilibria, oxidation-reduction and an introduction to organic functional groups as they pertain to medicine or biological systems.
CHEM 306
Introduction to Chemistry
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
The organic chemistry portion of this course emphasizes the major classes of organic compounds: their structure, physical and chemical properties related to biological systems, and nomenclature. Some clinical and pharmacological aspects are also discussed. The biochemistry portion of this course emphasizes the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in biological systems. Special topics include enzymes and enzyme regulation, drugs their bioavailability and metabolism.
CHEM 307
Introduction to Chemistry
4 Units
Prerequisite: MATH 100 or MATH 102 with a grade of "C" or better; or equivalent.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This is a general chemistry course intended for students majoring in the allied health fields, such as nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, veterinary technology, and environmental technology. This course emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry: types of matter, physical and chemical processes, atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, properties and theories of gases, properties of solutions, acids and bases, equilibria, and an introduction to organic functional groups as they pertain to medicine or biological systems.
CHEM 308
Introduction to Chemistry
4 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 307 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
The organic chemistry portion of this course emphasizes the major classes of organic compounds: their structure, physical and chemical properties related to biological systems, and nomenclature. Some clinical and pharmacological aspects are also discussed. The biochemistry portion of this course emphasizes the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in biological systems. Special topics include enzymes and enzyme regulation, drugs their bioavailability and metabolism.
CHEM 321
Environmental Chemistry
3 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC
This course explores the interrelationship of human beings and the surrounding environment with regard to the chemical substances that are encountered in everyday life. The role of chemistry in both creating environmental problems as well as providing solutions to environmental problems will be examined. Students will learn how chemicals released to the environment can have adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Chemical and physical methods of controlling and remediating air, water, and soil pollutants will be covered. The role of environmental regulations in preventing and mitigating environmental degradation will also be covered. By the completion of this course, students will have acquired skills and techniques that can be utilized to examine environmental problems and their proposed solutions.
CHEM 322
Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
1 Unit
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: CHEM 321 (may be taken previously)
General Education: CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LAB
This course provides "hands-on" opportunities for students to collect and analyze data about chemicals found in the environment. Students will learn how to collect and analyze soil, water and air samples for environmental quality parameters and the presence of pollutants. Analysis of samples will involve the use of readily available field test equipment. Field trips for sample collection will take place during laboratory periods or at arranged times. There may also be field trips to environmental analytical laboratories.
CHEM 332
The Chemistry of Natural Products
4 Units
Prerequisite: None.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV
Course Transferable to CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
This course covers an examination of economically important chemicals obtained from natural sources, with special emphasis on the essential oils of aromatic plants. Topics include the basic principles of organic chemistry; the structural classification of natural products; the sterochemical perception of aroma and flavor; the extraction, chemistry, and quality control of botanical essential oils; and the active-component phytochemicals of selected medicinal plants. Practical laboratory exercises (including essential oil distillation, phytochemical extraction and preparation of herbal balms, creams, soaps, and personal fragrances) will support the lecture portion of the course.
CHEM 400
General Chemistry
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 300 OR one year high school chemistry lecture and laboratory AND MATH 120 or the equivalent. Grade of "C" or better required to meet prerequisite.
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This is a general college chemistry course intended for students majoring in the scientific disciplines including chemistry, biology, physics, geology and engineering. This course emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include chemical measurement, physical and chemical processes, nomenclature, atomic structure, quantum theory, stoichiometry, molecular structure, bonding theory, physical properties of gases, thermochemistry, modern materials, and properties of solutions.
CHEM 401
General Chemistry
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course is a continuation of the two-semester series in general college chemistry. Topics presented in the course include kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, radiochemistry, coordination chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Laboratory exercises include qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques.
CHEM 410
Quantitative Analysis
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course focuses on the principles and techniques involved in fundamental gravimetric and volumetric analyses and separation techniques including methods of data analysis, precipitation, acid/base neutralization, complex formation, oxidation-reduction, spectroscopy and chromatography. Also included is an introduction to modern instrumental analytical procedures with emphasis on optical, electrochemical and chromatographic techniques. Emphasis throughout the course will be on sampling, calibration and method validation procedures.
CHEM 420
Organic Chemistry
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course surveys the principles of organic chemistry intended for chemistry and biological science majors or those students interested in the medical and related professions. Units covered include an in-depth study of the physical and chemical properties of organic compounds with emphasis on molecular structure, reactivity, and organic synthesis.
CHEM 421
Organic Chemistry
5 Units
Prerequisite: CHEM 420 with a grade of "C" or better
General Education: CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A
Course Transferable to UC/CSU
Hours: 54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
This course is a continuation of CHEM 420. Units covered include an in-depth study of the physical and chemical properties of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and its derivatives. A special emphasis is placed on structural analysis/elucidation of these compounds by the various spectroscopic techniques. In addition, an introduction to pericyclic reactions and biomolecules is presented.
CHEM 495
Independent Studies in Chemistry
1-3 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
CHEM 499
Experimental Offering in Chemistry
.5-4 Units
Prerequisite: None
Course Transferable to CSU
See UC Limitations & Counselor
Hours: 18 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB