Course Descriptions

Chemistry - CHEM
Course Classification

Courses numbered 1-49 — are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. Courses thus numbered are transferable to four- year institutions. Agriculture courses are designed to parallel the work taught in similar courses at California Polytechnic State University or at California State University, Fresno but may not carry the same number.

Courses numbered 50-99 — are associate degree level courses. Courses thus numbered are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses Numbered 100-201 — are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial.

Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree, and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer, and non-degree applicable courses:
(AA) Associate Degree
(CSU) Transferable to California State University System
(UC) Transferable to University of California System
(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • CHEM-001A
  • General Chemistry I
  • Credit(s) 5

General Chemistry I
CHEM 001A is the first semester of a one-year course in chemistry intended for majors in the natural sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, pre-medicine), mathematics, and engineering.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 063 or MATH 064
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
CHEM 120S
  • CHEM-001B
  • General Chemistry II
  • Credit(s) 5

General Chemistry II
CHEM 001B is a continuation of the study of the principles of chemistry with an emphasis on chemical thermodynamics (H, S, G), kinetics and mechanisms, equilibrium, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, nuclear chemistry, introductory organic and biochemical systems, and selected elemental chemistries of metals, non-metals, and metalloids. The laboratory includes lecture-matched qualitative and instrumental evaluation of selected species and parameters as well as microprocessor and computerized data gathering, processing and reduction, and computer simulations. Appropriate training in chemical safety is provided. The Chemistry 001A-001B sequence is required of all students majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering, engineering sciences, biology, microbiology, and all applied sciences (medicine, pharmacy, veterinary science, nursing,home economics, etc).

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 108 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 001A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
CHEM 120S
  • CHEM-002A
  • Introductory Chemistry
  • Credit(s) 4

Introductory Chemistry
CHEM 002A is a study of the applied principles of chemistry for the allied science and non-science majors. Included are scientific methodology, composition of matter, physical and chemical changes, bonding, nomenclature, chemical periodicity and reactivity, stoichiometry, states of matter, atomic and molecular modeling, chemical energetics, properties and models of solids, liquids, gases, aqueous solution and Redox reactions, pH, reactions of elements/acids/bases/salts, and a brief introduction to organic chemistry. Appropriate training in chemical safety is provided. The Chemistry 2A, 2B sequence is a state university curriculum requirement for students planning to transfer to majors in agriculture, nursing, home economics, industrial technology, industrial arts, and other applied sciences.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 063
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
CHEM 101
  • CHEM-012A
  • Organic Chem for Sci Majors I
  • Credit(s) 3

Organic Chemistry for Science Majors I
CHEM 012A is the first course in a two course sequence in organic chemistry intended for majors in the natural sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, and pre-medicine). A study of all aspects of fundamental organic chemistry including nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, reactions and syntheses of the major classes of organic compounds will be cover by the two-course sequence. The course sequence includes advance topics of organic chemistry such as theorical aspects, reaction mechanisms, multistep syntheses, and the chemistry of polycyclic and heterocyclic compounds. This course is more extensive an intensive than CHEM 002B and includes a greater emphasis on reaction mechanisms and multistep syntheses.

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 001A
Advisory(s):
CHEM 001B (Recommended, Previous or concurrent).
Transfers to:
UC/CSU
C-ID:
CHEM 150
  • CHEM-012AL
  • Organic Chemistry Lab for Scie
  • Credit(s) 1

Organic Chemistry Lab for Science Majors I
CHEM 012AL is the first laboratory course of a one-year lab course sequence in organic chemistry intended for majors in the natural sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, and pre-medicine). A study of all aspects of fundamental organic chemistry including nomenclature, chemical and physical properties, reactions and syntheses of the major classes of organic compounds will be cover by the two-course sequence. The course sequence includes advance topics of organic chemistry such as theoretical aspects, reaction mechanisms, multistep syntheses, and the chemistry of polycyclic and heterocyclic compounds. This course is more extensive and intensive than CHEM 002B and includes a greater emphasis on reaction mechanisms and multistep syntheses.

Class Hours:
54 Laboratory
Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 001A
Corequisite(s):
CHEM 012A
Transfers to:
UC/CSU