PROGRAMS OF STUDY / Gainful Employment Information

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Program Overview

Chemistry is the science of substances and their interconversions. Subjects studied in chemistry range from microscopic and theoretical properties of atoms and molecules to topics in materials science, biological sciences, environmental science, agriculture, food science, geology and astronomy. A background in chemistry is important not only for chemists, but also for students going into biology, medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and even in such specialized fields as enology and art conservation. Details of the CCC chemistry program appear below. In addition to chemistry courses, chemistry majors need to have strong backgrounds in math and physics.

Learn more about the Chemistry Department.

Chemistry students work together on experiment.

CHEM-099 Occupational Work Experience

1-4 Units: 18-72 hours of work experience, per term, LR, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: Employment in career-related field.

For more information on this course, refer to Cooperative Education. Units are determined by number of hours worked.

This course offers on-the-job learning experiences for employed students, whether paid or volunteer, in cooperation with their employers. If students’ career goals are directly related to their work experience, they can earn up to four units per term. Students must be enrolled in at least seven units, including their cooperative education units (proportionately fewer in summer session). May be repeated three times.

CHEM-100 Topics in Chemistry

.5-4 Units: 9-72 hours of lecture and/or 27-216 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU

This course covers topics in Chemistry. Topics will be chosen to supplement and serve as additions to current offerings in the area, and will be announced each term in the current schedule of classes. May be repeated three times.

CHEM-119 Introductory Chemistry

4 Units: 72 hours of lecture, 36 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC

Advisory: MATH 118 or a year of high school algebra.

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Area B1-Physical Science, Area B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Physical Sciences. This course has been additionally approved to be offered in a Distance Education, Online, format.

This course introduces the elementary principles of chemistry from a conceptual approach, focusing on the concepts of chemistry with little emphasis on the calculations. This course serves as a first course in chemistry. Not repeatable.

CHEM-120 General College Chemistry I

5 Units: 90 hours of lecture, 72 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: MATH 120 or equivalent (Intermediate Algebra)

Advisory: High school science preparation including a course in chemistry with a laboratory (equivalent to CHEM 119). The ability to read and write at the ENGL 142B level. A diagnostic exam may be given to assist the student in determining whether or not she has adequate preparation for the course.

This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Area B1-Physical Science, Area B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Physical Sciences.

This course is the first semester of general college chemistry, equivalent to CHEM 001A at the University of California, Berkeley. It covers chemical concepts including elements, atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, chemical calculations, gases and gas laws, thermochemistry, quantum theory, chemical bonding, pure phases and solutions, and an introduction to acids, bases, and chemical equilibrium. Not repeatable.

CHEM-121 General College Chemistry II

5 Units: 90 hours of lecture, 72 hours of laboratory, per term, SC, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or equivalent

This course is a continuation of the first semester of general college chemistry, CHEM 120. It covers chemical equilibrium, chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, acid and base equilibrium, solubility equilibria, electrochemistry, and special topics in nuclear chemistry, transition metal chemistry, organic and biochemistry. CHEM 120 and 121 are equivalent to CHEM 1A and 1B at the University of California, Berkeley. Not repeatable.

CHEM-226 Organic Chemistry I

5 Units: 90 hours of lecture, 72 hours of laboratory, per term SC, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: CHEM 120 or equivalent

Advisory: ENGL 142B and CHEM 121 or equivalent.

Offered in the fall semester.
This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Area B1-Physical Science, Area B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Physical Sciences.

This first half of a one-year course (CHEM 226-227) covers structure and bonding, stereochemistry, common synthetic reactions and reaction mechanisms; alkanes, alkenes, alkynes; benzene and other aromatic compounds; and various common functional groups such as halides, alcohols, ethers, and selected carbonyl compounds. The organic laboratory includes characterization techniques, separations and syntheses, spectroscopy, and laboratory experiments involving reactions described in the lecture. Not repeatable.

CHEM-227 Organic Chemistry II

5 Units: 90 hours of lecture, 72 hours of laboratory, per term SC, DG, CSU, UC

Prerequisite: CHEM 226 or equivalent

Advisory: Recommend English reading and composition skills at the ENGL 142B level.

Normally offered in the spring.
This course meets the CSU General Education requirement for Area B1-Physical Science, Area B3-Laboratory Activity, and the IGETC for Area5: Physical and Biological Sciences under Physical Sciences.

This second half of a one-year course (CHEM 226-227) continues and expands concepts of structure and bonding and reactivity introduced in the first semester. Areas covered include aromatic compounds, selected concerted reactions, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acid derivatives, amines, phenols, organosulfur compounds, and organophosphates. Next come lipids, terpenoid compounds, carbohydrates, amino acids and proteins, and nucleic acids. Laboratory exercises include a variety of syntheses, reaction studies, and structural identifications using spectroscopic methods. Not repeatable.

CHEM-298 Independent Study

.2-4 Units: 3.6-72 hours of independent study, per term, SC, DG, CSU

Prerequisite: Educational contract of study signed by an instructor, department chair and senior dean of instruction. Topics must extend beyond regular course offerings.

This course is designed for selected students to pursue independent study in Chemistry under the direction of an instructor. May be repeated three times.

Page was Last Modified on 9/18/2012