Chemistry (CHEM)

See Course Description Symbols and Terms for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units.


CHEM 100  Chemistry and Current Issues  3 Units  GE  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Designed for non-science majors, this course will introduces students to some of the fundamental concepts of chemistry and illustrates how they apply to important contemporary issues, including nuclear power, water purification, alternative energy, climate change, and foods and drugs. 2 hours activity, 2 hours lecture.  (001819)  
General Education: Laboratory Activity (B3); Physical Science (B1)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 107  General Chemistry for Applied Sciences  4 Units  GE  
Prerequisite: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready, Intermediate Algebra.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (001826)  
General Education: Laboratory Activity (B3); Physical Science (B1)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 108  Organic Chemistry for Applied Sciences  4 Units  GE  
Prerequisite: CHEM 107 or CHEM 111 or equivalent.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A survey of organic chemistry emphasizing the structure, properties, and reactions of all major functional groups of organic molecules. Not applicable towards a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (001828)  
General Education: Laboratory Activity (B3); Physical Science (B1)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 111  General Chemistry I  4 Units  GE  
Prerequisite: GE Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Ready; second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Principles of chemistry for students in science and engineering programs. Topics include atoms, molecules and ions, reactions, stoichiometry, the periodic table, bonding, chemical energy, gases, and solution chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (001816)  
General Education: Laboratory Activity (B3); Physical Science (B1)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 111X  General Chemistry Fundamentals  1 Unit  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Designed to give students a fundamental knowledge of chemistry to supplement prior chemistry knowledge in preparation for or in conjunction with CHEM 111. Provides students with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing chemistry knowledge and problem-solving abilities. 2 hours activity.  (001830)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 2 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 112  General Chemistry II  4 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 111 with a grade of C- or higher.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A continuation of CHEM 111. Topics include kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, coordination chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The laboratory sequence supports the above topics including both qualitative and quantitative experiments, analysis of data, and error propagation. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (001817)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 189  Internship in Chemistry  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
9 hours supervision.  (001844)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 198  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Department permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture.  (001846)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 270  Organic Chemistry I  4 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 112.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A study of the fundamental principles of organic chemistry: the chemistry of carbon compounds. Lecture topics include structure, bonding, nomenclature, physical properties of organic compounds, stereochemistry, basic spectroscopy, and basic chemical reactions and their mechanisms. Laboratory topics include the discussion and application of organic laboratory techniques, reactions, and an introduction to organic synthesis. 3 hours laboratory, 3 hours lecture.  (001840)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Lower Division  
CHEM 320  Quantitative Analysis  4 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 112 with a grade of C- or higher.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Precision and accuracy in measurements, interpretation of data by statistical analysis, and development of good quantitative techniques. Analysis by gravimetry, titrimetry, potentiometry, chromatography, and spectrometry. 2 hours discussion, 6 hours laboratory.  (001847)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 331  Physical Chemistry I  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 370M, MATH 220; PHYS 202B or PHYS 204C.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
Overview of fundamental principles of time-independent quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, statistical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics. 3 hours discussion.  (001882)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 332  Physical Chemistry II  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 331 with a grade C- or higher.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
In-depth exploration of quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, classical thermodynamics, and chemical and phase equilibria. 3 hours discussion.  (001883)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 350  Introductory Biochemistry  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 108 or CHEM 270.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A survey of biochemistry, principally for nutrition and exercise physiology majors. 3 hours discussion.  (001849)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 350L  Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory  1 Unit  
Prerequisite: CHEM 350 (may be taken concurrently).  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Fundamental laboratory studies and examination of the major classes of biological compounds. Principally for agriculture, child development, and nursing students. Normally not open to chemistry or biological sciences majors. 3 hours laboratory.  (001850)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1 unit  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 361  Inorganic Chemistry  3 Units  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Emphasis on description and theory of inorganic substances: atomic structure; ionic and covalent bonding; acid-base concepts of inorganic substances; structure, bonding, thermodynamics, and reaction mechanisms of transition metal complexes; organometallic chemistry and catalysis; and bioinorganic chemistry. 3 hours lecture.  (001887)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 370  Organic Chemistry II  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 270 with a grade of C- or higher.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A continuation of CHEM 270. Topics include properties and reactions of ethers, conjugated systems, aromatic compounds, aldehydes and ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and derivatives, and biologically relevant molecules. 3 hours discussion.  (001852)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 370L  Organic Chemistry Laboratory  1 Unit  
Prerequisite: CHEM 370 (may be taken concurrently).  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Laboratory continuation of CHEM 270. Laboratory experiments in organic chemistry focused on topics discussed in CHEM 370. Not applicable towards a degree in chemistry or biochemistry. 3 hours laboratory.  (001856)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1 unit  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 370M  Organic Chemistry Laboratory  2 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 370 (may be taken concurrently).  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
An in-depth laboratory experience in organic chemistry for chemistry and biochemistry majors. Students are introduced to and become competent in modern laboratory techniques, including handling air-sensitive reagents and column chromatography. Students also get hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation. Completes the two-semester organic lab sequence for chemistry majors. 6 hours laboratory.  (001853)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 2 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 381  Integrated Chemistry Laboratory I  2 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 331 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 361 (may be taken concurrently), CHEM 370M.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Integrated application of concepts and techniques in analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry with supervised studies in individual literature searches, including the use of Chemical Abstracts, Patent Indexes, and other reference compilations. 6 hours laboratory.  (001885)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 2 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 382  Integrated Chemistry Laboratory II  2 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 331, CHEM 361, CHEM 381.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
A continuation of CHEM 381. 6 hours laboratory.  (001886)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 2 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 389  Internship in Chemistry  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
9 hours supervision.  (001865)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 398  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 0 hours lecture.  (001872)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 399  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 112, faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision.  (001873)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 401W  Communicating Chemistry (W)  3 Units  W, GW  
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, CHEM 320, CHEM 370; either CHEM 331, CHEM 361, or CHEM 451.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
This course helps students improve their skills in written communication and oral communication of chemical and biochemical information. The course centers on one particular topic within chemistry and biochemistry (chosen by the instructor) and students are asked to prepare short papers, long papers, and oral presentations focused on that topic. 2 hours activity, 2 hours discussion.  (021609)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course; Graduation Writing Assessment  
CHEM 420  Instrumental Analysis  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 332.  
Typically Offered: Fall only  
Theory and procedures used in separations and instrumental analysis. Emphasis on rational design of instrumental conditions based on experiment goals. Topics include atomic and molecular spectroscopies, separation methods, and electroanalytical chemistry. 3 hours discussion.  (001892)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 451  Biochemistry I  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 370 with a grade of C- or higher.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A general study of the chemistry of biomolecules. Conformation and function of enzymes and other proteins; metabolism, energy generation, and storage; brief discussion of important physiological processes. 3 hours discussion.  (001900)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 452  Biochemistry II  3 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 451.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
Advanced topics in biochemistry. Biosynthesis of lipids, steroids, amino acids, and nucleotides. Comprehensive study of the chemical role of DNA and RNA in replication, transcription, protein synthesis, and viral activity. 3 hours discussion.  (001901)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 453L  Biochemistry Laboratory  1 Unit  
Prerequisite: CHEM 451 (may be taken concurrently). Recommended: CHEM 370L or CHEM 370M.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Separation, identification, and/or analysis of biological materials by modern procedures, such as spectrophotometry, chromatography (gas, TLC, column, ion exchange), electrophoresis, enzymology, fluorimetry, and high-speed centrifugation. Fulfills laboratory requirement for certain biological science majors. Does not fulfill requirement for biochemistry major. 3 hours laboratory.  (021067)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1 unit  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 453MW  Biochemistry Laboratory (W)  3 Units  W  
Prerequisite: CHEM 370M.  
Corequisites: CHEM 451.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Separation, identification, and/or analysis of biological materials by modern procedures, such as spectrophotometry, chromatography (gas, TLC, column, ion exchange), electrophoresis, enzymology, fluorimetry, and high-speed centrifugation. This course fulfills laboratory requirements for biochemistry majors. 6 hours laboratory, 1 hour lecture.  (021068)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 3 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course  
CHEM 477  Seminar in Organic Spectroscopy  1 Unit  
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CHEM 370.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A course whose objectives is to help students become experts at the structural determination of organic compounds using modern spectroscopic methods, including IR, UV-Vis, mass spectra, and 1D and 2D NMR techniques. 1 hour seminar.  (001905)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 1 unit  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 483W  Integrated Chemistry Laboratory III (W)  2 Units  W  
Prerequisite: CHEM 381, CHEM 382, CHEM 420.  
Typically Offered: Spring only  
A continuation of CHEM 382, with a specific emphasis on independent experimental design and use of instruments. Students design, carry out, and orally present their findings for 2-3 major projects. 6 hours laboratory.  (001889)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 2 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course  
CHEM 489  Internship in Chemistry  1-3 Units  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
9 hours supervision.  (001923)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 15 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 490  Research in Chemistry  1-2 Units  
Prerequisite: CHEM 332.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study offered for 1.0-2.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Original laboratory or library investigation under individual faculty supervision. 6 hours supervision.  (001875)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 4 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 491  Research Project  3 Units  
Prerequisite: Open by invitation to chemistry majors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
A research project within chemistry or an interdisciplinary project which involves chemistry. Students will be involved with design, library, laboratory, and data analysis aspects of a research problem. 9 hours supervision.  (001921)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 498  Special Topics  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Department permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. 3 hours lecture.  (001925)  
Grade Basis: Graded  
Repeatability: You may take this course more than once  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 499  Special Problems  1-3 Units  
Prerequisite: Faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 3 hours supervision.  (001926)  
Grade Basis: Credit/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division  
CHEM 499HW  Honors Research Project (W)  3 Units  W, GW  
Prerequisite: GE Written Communication (A2) requirement, CHEM 320, CHEM 331, CHEM 332, CHEM 370M, MATH 220, PHYS 204A, PHYS 204B, PHYS 204C; faculty permission.  
Typically Offered: Fall and spring  
Open by invitation to chemistry majors who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Not open to students who have credit for CHEM 491 or CHEM 492. This is an "Honors in the Major" course. 9 hours supervision.  (001927)  
Grade Basis: ABC/No Credit  
Repeatability: You may take this course for a maximum of 6 units  
Course Attributes: Upper Division; Writing Course; Graduation Writing Assessment