Chemistry

The Chemistry Program offers a comprehensive curriculum to prepare students for transfer and completion of an Associate's degree with a strong emphasis on the hands-on use of research grade instrumentation, chemical safety, and sustainable practices. The Program encourages and supports student participation in independent study projects and lab internships. Courses offered by the program fulfill many academic requirements including general education requirements in the Natural Sciences.

Degrees:

• AS - Chemistry
• AS – Chemistry Education

Career Opportunities

The AS Chemistry degree provides entry-level opportunities as chemical or general laboratory technicians in industry and academia. Bachelor's degree opportunities include careers in technician-level research and development, energy, biotechnology, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, materials research and production, petrochemicals, food science, environmental science, businesses requiring technical management, service and sales, technical and science writing, teaching science education; and entry into professional studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and others. An AS in Chemistry Education may lead to careers in middle and high school science teaching. Chemistry majors interested in teaching at the college level and/or pursuing research careers will continue on to pursue postgraduate degrees.

Chemistry Courses

CHEM 1A - General College Chemistry I

5 units

Introduction to atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, matter and energy, oxidation-reduction, chemical equations, liquids and solids, solutions, chemical energetics and equilibrium concepts. Laboratory includes both quantitative and qualitative experiments. Prerequisites: MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 55B with a minimum grade of C and CHEM 31 with a minimum grade of C, the Chemistry 31 prerequisite can be fulfilled by demonstrating the appropriate skill level in the Chemistry Placement Process. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# CHEM 110, CHEM 120 S (if taken with CHEM 1B). * CHEM 1A and 30A combined: maximum UC credit; one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 1B - General College Chemistry II

5 units

Continuation of Chemistry 1A. Includes chemical energetics and equilibria, solutions and ionic equilibria, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry, kinetics, nuclear chemistry, organic chemistry, and the chemistry of family groups of the periodic table. Laboratory emphasizes quantitative techniques, including instrumentation, and qualitative analysis. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# CHEM 120 S (if taken with CHEM1A). * CHEM 1B and 30B combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 12A - Organic Chemistry I

5 units

Hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, and an introduction to aromatic hydrocarbons. Structure, bonding, stereochemistry, conformational analysis, nomenclature, and physical properties in relation to these particular groups of compounds. Emphasis on reactivity and reaction mechanisms. Laboratory work includes microscale, macroscale, spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. Chemistry 12A is the first semester in a year-long course in organic chemistry designed for students majoring in chemistry and related disciplines. Prerequisite: CHEM 1B with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# CHEM 150, CHEM 160 S (if taken with CHEM 12B).

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 12B - Organic Chemistry II

5 units

Continuation of Chemistry 12A with an introduction to the chemistry of aromatics, amines, enols and enolate ions, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones and biochemical topics focusing on structure, synthesis and mechanisms of reaction. Laboratory work in basic techniques, synthetic methods, qualitative, spectroscopic, and chromatographic analysis techniques designed for students whose interests require a full year in-depth study of organic chemistry. Prerequisite: CHEM 12A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# CHEM 160 S (if taken with CHEM 12A).

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 29 - Independent Study, Chemistry

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.

• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 30A - Intro and Applied Chemistry I

4 units

Chemistry of inorganic compounds, atomic theory, bonding, equations, gas laws, solutions, acid-base theory and oxidation reduction. Designed to meet the requirements of certain programs in allied health and technological fields and for general education. Prerequisite: MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 110B with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C. * CHEM 1A and 30A combined: maximum UC credit; one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 30B - Introductory and Applied Chemistry II

4 units

Continuation of Chemistry 30A with emphasis on organic and biochemical concepts related to human physiological systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 30A with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C. * CHEM 1B and 30B combined: maximum UC credit; one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: GR

CHEM 31 - Intro to College Chemistry

4 units

Elementary concepts of chemistry with emphasis on mathematical calculations; includes nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure, gas laws, and acids and bases. Designed for majors in science and engineering. Prerequisite: MATH 55 with a minimum grade of C or MATH 55B with a minimum grade of C. 54 hours lecture, 54 hours laboratory. AA/AS GE. Transfer: CSU, UC*; CSU GE: B1, B3; IGETC: 5A, 5C; C-ID# CHEM 101. * No UC credit if taken after CHEM 1A or 30A.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP