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Chemistry

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

The chemistry curriculum consists of a series of chemistry courses designed to meet transfer requirements for chemical, physical, and biological science majors, a series of courses intended for students majoring in fields other than chemistry, biology, or physical science, and a course designed specifically for students who require preparation or review of the more basic chemical concepts. All chemistry courses at Cosumnes River College include a practical component where students conduct hands-on chemical experimentation in a modern, well-equipped laboratory.

Degrees Offered

A.S. in Chemistry
A.S. in General Science

Dean Banafsheh Amini
Department Chair Stephen McDowell
Phone (916) 691-7204
Email mcdowes@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Chemistry

The Chemistry Program at CRC consists of: a series of courses designed to meet transfer requirements for chemical, physical and biological science majors; a series of courses intended for students majoring in fields other than chemistry, biology, or physical science; and a course designed specifically for students who require preparation or review of the more basic chemical concepts.

All chemistry courses at CRC include a practical component where students conduct hands-on chemical experimentation in a modern, well-equipped laboratory.

HIGHLIGHTS
*An outstanding chemistry faculty striving to maintain an excellent and well-respected chemistry program
*Ample contact with the instructor and the relaxed atmosphere that only a limited class size can offer
*A Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program

This degree is designed to meet common lower division requirements for a major in chemistry.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I	5
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II	5
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I	5
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II	5
MATH 400	Calculus I	5
MATH 401	Calculus II	5
MATH 402	Calculus III	5
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids	4
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics	4
Total Units:		47

The Chemistry Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Career Information

Biochemist; Chemist; Pharmacist; Chemical Engineer; Chemical Technology; Physician; Dentist; Veterinarian; Allied Health Professional; Biologist; Physicist; Geologist; Geochemist; Oceanographer. Some career options require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fully prepare students for transfer to a university program.

A.S. in General Science

Areas of Study include:

• Biological Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Physical Geography
• Geology
• Physics

Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
Life Science with Lab :
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 482	Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 308	Contemporary Biology (3)
and BIOL 309	Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
HONOR 387	Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1)
and HONOR 386	Biological Anthropology-Honors (3)
Physical Science with Lab:
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
and ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
and GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
and GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
and GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
and GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
ENGR 304	How Things Work (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 370	Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380	Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Additional Science Courses :
A minimum of 11 units from the following:		11¹
ANTH 300	Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301	Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480	Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 482	Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ASTR 300	Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 400	Astronomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL 308	Contemporary Biology (3)
BIOL 309	Contemporary Biology Laboratory (1)
BIOL 342	The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350	Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 352	Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 400	Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410	Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420	Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431	Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440	General Microbiology (4)
CHEM 300	Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305	Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306	Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309	Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400	General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401	General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420	Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421	Organic Chemistry II (5)
ENGR 304	How Things Work (3)
GEOG 300	Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301	Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305	Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306	Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300	Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301	Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305	Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306	Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310	Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311	Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330	Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 390	Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4)
HONOR 386	Biological Anthropology-Honors (3)
HONOR 387	Biological Anthropology Laboratory-Honors (1)
PHYS 310	Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 350	General Physics (4)
PHYS 360	General Physics (4)
PHYS 370	Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380	Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411	Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421	Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431	Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Total Units:		18

¹Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)

Chemistry (CHEM) Courses

CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
Transferable:CSU; UC (1) No credit for CHEM 300 if taken after CHEM 306 )
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course covers an introduction to fundamental chemical concepts, problem-solving and laboratory skills. CHEM 300 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

Units:5
Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400, and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series; 2) No transfer credit for CHEM 305 if taken after CHEM 400)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

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 Organic and Biological Chemistry

Units:5
Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400, and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series)
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 102
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

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 and their bioavailability and metabolism.

CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Units:5
Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
Advisory:Eligibility for ENGWR 300; Successful completion of high school Chemistry
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This course is an intensive survey of general, organic, and biological chemistry specifically designed for nursing majors and other health-related fields. Topics include general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry. This course satisfies the requirements of those health-career programs that require one semester of chemistry. Students who had chemistry in high school and retained some of it are advised to take CHEM 309. Students who have not taken a chemistry course recently or have never taken a chemistry course are advised to take the CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 sequence.

CHEM 400 General Chemistry I

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:Intermediate Algebra or higher with a "C" or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics to meet the Math prerequisite AND one of the following to meet the Chemistry prerequisite: CHEM 300 or CHEM 305 or CHEM 309 with a "C" or better, OR one year of high school chemistry with lab with grade of “C” or better in both semesters.
Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400 and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series )
General Education:AA/AS Area IV; CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

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 II

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400, and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series)
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

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 420 Organic Chemistry I

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID CHEM 150; Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

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 chemistry of alkanes/cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols with emphasis on physical and chemical properties, nomenclature, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms (SN1, SN2, E1, and E2) and spectroscopy (FT-IR and MS). Laboratory work includes characterization of organic molecules using analytical instrumentation such as FTIR, GC, and GC/MS. Modern separation and purification techniques are also introduced
such as HPLC, Packed-column GC, and Capillary GC, as well as traditional techniques such as distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, recrystallization, column chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography.

CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II

Units:5
Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
Prerequisite:CHEM 420 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:CSU Area B1; CSU Area B3; IGETC Area 5A; IGETC Area 5C
C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

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

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:January 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.

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