The chemistry program at CBC engages students in hands-on courses that support each student's personal, academic and professional goals by guiding students to develop a fundamental understanding and appreciation of the central science and its consistent and diverse impact on our lives. Our chemistry courses:

  • Fulfill graduation requirements for the non-science major to obtain an Associate in Arts and Sciences degree (CHEM& 110)
  • Meet the entrance requirements for the Health Sciences (Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Physical Therapy, Paramedic/EMT, etc.) Agriculture and Nuclear Technology programs (CHEM& 121, CHEM& 122, CHEM& 123, CHEM& 140)
  • Prepare the science major and pre-professional (pre-med, pre-vet, pre-chiropractic, pre-optometry, pre-pharmacy, etc.) transfer student for upper-level courses (CHEM&161, CHEM&162, CHEM&163, CHEM&241/251, CHEM&242/252, CHEM& 243/253, CHEM 260)
  • Provide undergraduate research opportunities that give students experience with advanced instrumentation and analytical techniques (CHEM 281-296).

Courses

CHEM& 110: Chemical Concepts W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 5

Basic introduction to chemical principles as they apply to the structure and behavior of matter. Illustrations from everyday life, environmental topics, medicine, and biochemistry are used to illustrate chemical principles. Topics include: measurement in science, atoms, molecules, nuclear chemistry, and current chemical issues such as energy, polymers, or foods and drugs among others. Assumes no previous chemistry background. Course intended for non-science majors and may be used to fulfill the general science requirement for the AA degree. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in MATH 50, 60, or 62, or a grade of 0.7 or better in a higher math class, or appropriate placement.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 100

CHEM& 121: Intro to Chemistry W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 5

Fundamentals of inorganic chemistry with special emphasis on the application of principles to the health sciences. Topics covered include: measurements, energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws, liquid and solid states, solutions, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, oxidation-reduction, and nuclear chemistry. Course intended for students who plan to pursue an associate degree or enter a four-year baccalaureate program in the Health Sciences. May also be used to fulfill the general science requirement for the AA degree. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in MATH 50, 60, or 62, or a grade of 0.7 or better in a higher math class, or appropriate placement.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 110

CHEM& 122: Intro to Organic Chemistry W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 5

Fundamentals of organic chemistry with special emphasis on the application of principles to the health sciences. Topics covered include: saturated, unsaturated, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, thiols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, and amides. Each family of compounds are studied with respect to its structure, behavior, and function. Biochemical applications are integrated into this approach. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in CHEM& 121, CHEM& 140, or CHEM& 161.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 120

CHEM& 123: Intro to Biochemistry W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 5

Topics covered include: optical isomerism; structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids; protein synthesis, enzymes, hormones; biochemical energetics and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in CHEM& 122 or CHEM& 242.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 130

CHEM& 131: Intro to Organic/Biochemistry W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 5

The course provides the fundamental chemistry of organic compounds in molecules and reactions of living systems. Topics covered include: hydrocarbons, alcohols and thiols, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Universal metabolic pathways that occur in both simple and complex organisms are covered, including: glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, citric acid cycle, electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation, amino acid transamination, and all aspects of the storage and expression of genetic information. This course is designed for students that need a laboratory science class that has a depth of both organic chemistry and biochemistry. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in either CHEM& 140 or CHEM& 121.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 135

CHEM& 140: General Chemistry Prep W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 5

Introduction to chemical principles, chemical measurements, matter and energy, atomic theory, periodic properties, mole concept, molecules, compounds and chemical bonding, nomenclature and chemical equations, stoichiometry and chemical calculations, gas laws, solids, liquids, phase changes, oxidation-reduction reactions, solutions, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium, and acids/bases. The course is directed toward students needing a knowledge of the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry and planning to obtain a degree in the physical/life science/engineering disciplines. Excellent preparation for CHEM& 161. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in MATH 70 or 72, or a grade of 0.7 or better in a higher math class, or appropriate placement.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 101

CHEM& 161: General Chemistry I W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 6

Fundamental concepts in chemistry including matter, measurement, and dimensional analysis, atomic theory, atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical formulas and nomenclature, mole concept, chemical reactions and stoichiometry, thermochemistry, electronic structure, periodic trends, molecular geometry, valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, chemical instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis. Problem-solving techniques and critical thinking are fundamental in both the lecture and laboratory. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or a satisfactory score on the CHEM& 161 Fitness Exam.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 111

CHEM& 162: General Chemistry II W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 6

Principles of the gas, liquid, and solid states of matter, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, chemical instrumentation, data acquisition, and data analysis. Problem-solving techniques and critical thinking are fundamental in both the lecture and laboratory. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM& 161 with a 2.0 or better.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 112

CHEM& 163: General Chemistry III W/ Lab [M/S]

Credits 6

Spontaneity, entropy, free energy, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, introduction to organic chemistry, chemical instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and other special topics in chemistry. Problem-solving techniques and critical thinking are fundamental in both the lecture and laboratory. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM& 162 with a 2.0 or better.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 113

CHEM& 241: Organic Chemistry I [M/S]

Credits 4

Stresses nomenclature, structure, stereochemistry, and introduces conceptual material needed to understand reaction mechanisms and synthesis.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in CHEM& 163 and concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 251.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 221

CHEM& 242: Organic Chemistry II [M/S]

Credits 4

Deals with the major classes of organic compounds with respect to preparations, mechanisms of reactions, syntheses and identification.

Prerequisite

A grade 2.0 or better in CHEM& 241/251, and concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 252.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 222

CHEM& 243: Organic Chemistry III [M/S]

Credits 4

Advanced reaction mechanisms and syntheses. Polymers, macromolecular and biochemical applications, spectroscopy, chromatography, and identification of organic compounds.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in CHEM& 242/252, and concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 253.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 223

CHEM& 251: Organic Chemistry I Lab [M/S]

Credits 2

Lab to be taken concurrently with CHEM& 241. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM& 163 with a 2.0 or better and concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 241.

CHEM& 252: Organic Chemistry II Lab [M/S]

Credits 2

Lab to be taken concurrently with CHEM& 242. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM& 241 and CHEM& 251, both with a 2.0 or better, and concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 242.

CHEM 254: Quantitative Analysis [M/S]

Credits 2

Introduction to analytical chemistry. Sampling, statistics, and spreadsheets. Acid-base, precipitation, complexion, and redox equilibria. Activity coefficients and systematic treatment of equilibrium. Volumetric, gravimetric, potentiometric, environmental, and clinical methods of analysis taught in the lab.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM& 163 with a 0.7 or higher and concurrent enrollment in CHEM 264.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 251

CHEM 255: Instrumental Analysis [M/S]

Credits 2

Electrochemistry, potentiometry, coulometry, voltammetry, spectrophotometry, atomic spectroscopy, chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and mass spectrometry. Ion-selective electrode, coulometric, spectrophotometric, atomic spectrometric, solvent extraction, chromatographic, and mass spectrometric methods of analysis taught in the lab. CHEM 255/265 has a heavy emphasis on instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Computer-interfaced instrumentation included in the lab.

Prerequisite

Completion of CHEM 254/264 with a 0.7 or higher and concurrent enrollment in CHEM 265.

Equivalent Courses
CHM 252

CHEM 260: Biochemistry [M/S]

Credits 5

Fundamentals of biochemistry course covering an introduction to structure and function of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Essential metabolic pathways, enzymology, transcription, translation, biological membranes, and medicinal chemistry are also covered. The course is designed to provide a foundation in biochemistry for students in science fields, pre-pharmacy and pre-med programs. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

A grade of 2.0 or better in CHEM& 252 and a grade of 2.0 or better in either BIOL& 160 or BIOL& 211.

CHEM 281: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can pursue a special topic of interest, design and carry out a project, or participate in undergraduate research (either alone or with other students) in the areas of natural product chemistry, or organic analytical chemistry. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 282: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can pursue a special topic of interest, design and carry out a project, or participate in undergraduate research (either alone or with other students) in the areas of natural product chemistry, or organic analytical chemistry. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 283: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can pursue a special topic of interest, design and carry out a project, or participate in undergraduate research (either alone or with other students) in the areas of natural product chemistry, or organic analytical chemistry. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 284: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can pursue a special topic of interest, design and carry out a project, or participate in undergraduate research (either alone or with other students) in the areas of natural product chemistry, or organic analytical chemistry. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 285: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can pursue a special topic of interest, design and carry out a project, or participate in undergraduate research (either alone or with other students) in the areas of natural product chemistry, or organic analytical chemistry. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 286: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can pursue a special topic of interest, design and carry out a project, or participate in undergraduate research (either alone or with other students) in the areas of natural product chemistry, or organic analytical chemistry. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 291: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can participate in undergraduate research (either alone or as part of a team with other students), design and carry out a project, or pursue a special topic of interest in the fields of analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, or chemical education. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 292: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can participate in undergraduate research (either alone or as part of a team with other students), design and carry out a project, or pursue a special topic of interest in the fields of analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, or chemical education. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 293: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can participate in undergraduate research (either alone or as part of a team with other students), design and carry out a project, or pursue a special topic of interest in the fields of analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, or chemical education. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 294: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can participate in undergraduate research (either alone or as part of a team with other students), design and carry out a project, or pursue a special topic of interest in the fields of analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, or chemical education. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 295: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can participate in undergraduate research (either alone or as part of a team with other students), design and carry out a project, or pursue a special topic of interest in the fields of analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, or chemical education. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.

CHEM 296: Undergraduate Research, Special Topics [M/S]

Credits 1 3

Designed for students who want to expand their knowledge of chemistry beyond the basics offered in their regular courses. By arrangement with the instructor, students can participate in undergraduate research (either alone or as part of a team with other students), design and carry out a project, or pursue a special topic of interest in the fields of analytical chemistry, atmospheric science, or chemical education. Note: credits earned in this course cannot be used as a substitute for required credits in other CBC chemistry courses. $25 science fee.

Prerequisite

Instructor permission and completion of CHEM& 140 with a grade of 2.0 or better or high school chemistry with a grade of B or better.