Office: Science Building 217, (209) 667-3468

Chair: Jim Byrd

Faculty: John Almy, Jim Byrd, Hobart G. Hamilton, Jr., Jimmy W. Hinkson (Emeritus), Peter S. Nico, Alexander J. Pandell (Emeritus), Michael J. Perona, Shane Phillips, Chad C. Stessman, Nhu Y Stessman, Koni K. Stone, Evan M. Thompson (Emeritus).

Bachelor of Arts Degree

The Bachelor of Arts program is designed for those seeking to enter professions requiring moderate training in chemistry combined with training in other areas. Examples are technical sales writing, chemical patent law, library work, and high school teaching, as well as health professions such as medicine, optometry, dentistry, medical technology, pharmacy, physical therapy, and veterinary medicine. Students are advised to take specific courses depending on their field of interest; for example, ZOOL 1050, CHEM 4020, 4400, and ZOOL 3130 or ZOOL 3150, or both, in preparation for dental, medical, or veterinary medical schools. Further information on the health professions area can be obtained from the Premedical and Health Professions Committee. (Please see "Admission to the University" section of this catalog.) An approved single subject waiver is available for students who wish to declare Physical Sciences as their subject matter teaching area. Students must plan their academic program carefully with their adviser to complete the approved waiver program at the time of graduation.

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science program is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and provides comprehensive training in chemistry for students wishing to become professional chemists in industry or government, or who plan to attend graduate school.

Students wishing to receive a degree accredited by the ACS must complete CHEM 4610, and either MATH 2510 or MATH 3250, in addition to the Bachelor of Science degree requirements listed below. Students obtaining an accredited degree are eligible to join the ACS immediately upon graduation.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

1. Complete University requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree (51 units minimum).

2. Complete the following prerequisites to the major; CR grades will not be accepted for chemistry course prerequisites.

a. Complete the following required courses in the major field (14 units):

CHEM 1100, 1110 Principles of Chemistry I, II, 10 units CHEM 2010 Quantitative Analysis and Basic Instrumental Techniques, 4 units

 

b. Bachelor of Arts students complete the following required courses in supporting fields (21 units):

i. CS 1500 Computer Programming I, 3 units, or equivalent by advisement.

 

ii. MATH 1410, 1420 Calculus I, II, 8 units

iii. PHYS 2100, 2110 Basic Physics I, II, 10 units, or

PHYS 2250, 2260 General Physics I, II, 8 units, and PHYS 2252, 2262 General Physics Laboratory I, II, 2 units

 

c. Bachelor of Science students complete the following required courses in supporting fields (25 units):

CS 1500 Computer Programming I, 3 units, or equivalent by advisement.

MATH 1410, 1420 Calculus I, II, 8 units

MATH 2410 Multivariate Calculus, 4 units

PHYS 2250, 2260 General Physics I, II, 8 units

PHYS 2252, 2262 General Physics Laboratory I, II, 2 units

3. Complete a major of not less than 24 upper-division units as specified for the Bachelor of Arts degree,

or 31 upper-division units as specified for the Bachelor of Science degree; of these, no more than eight units of CR-graded course work in courses graded exclusively CR/NC may apply toward the major.

 

4. Completion of a minor is not required.

The Bachelor of Arts Major (24 units)

1. Complete the following courses (17 units):

CHEM 3010, 3020 Organic Chemistry I, II, 6 units

CHEM 3012, 3022 Organic Chemistry Lab I, II, 2 units

CHEM 4010 Physical Chemistry I, 3 units

CHEM 4021 Additional Topics in Physical Chemistry, 1 unit

CHEM 4032 Physical Chemistry Laboratory, 1 unit

CHEM 4100 Instrumental Analysis, 4 units

2. Select a minimum of seven credit hours from the following courses

CHEM 4020 Physical Chemistry II, 3 units

CHEM 4032 Physical Chemistry Lab, 1-2 units

CHEM 4200 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 3 units

CHEM 4212 Advanced Chemistry Laboratory, 2 units

CHEM 4300 Advanced Organic Chemistry, 3 units

CHEM 4400 Biochemistry I, 3 units

CHEM 4402 Biochemistry Laboratory I, 1 unit

CHEM 4420 Biochemistry II, 3 units

CHEM 4940 Chemistry Internship, 2-4 units

CHEM 4950 Selected Topics in Chemistry, 1-5 units

CHEM 4960 Research Seminar, 1 unit

CHEM 4961 Seminar on Directed Readings, 1 unit

CHEM 4980 Individual Study, 1-4 units

The Bachelor of Science Major (31 units)

A Chemistry major may complete additional requirements in the sciences and  mathematics to qualify for a concentration in Environmental Sciences. This program requires study in biological sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physical sciences, along with an environmental seminar and investigation of an environmentally related problem. Further details are found in the "Environmental Sciences" section of this catalog.

Liberal Studies Concentration in Chemistry

Majors in chemistry interested in multiple subject or single subject credentials are referred to the "College of Education, Teacher Education" section of the current catalog for a description of teaching credential programs.  Students planning to pursue a science teaching credential or a multiple subject credential with an emphasis in chemistry should carefully plan their academic program with the assistance of a faculty adviser in chemistry.

Course Descriptions

Lower Division

CHEM 1000 Chemistry in the Modern World (3 units). Basic principles of chemistry as applied to the world around us. A descriptive course designed to satisfy both the General Education requirements of the non-science student and the chemistry requirement for the Multiple Subjects Waiver program. Not open to students with previous college chemistry. (Lecture, 3 hours) (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 1002 Chemistry in the Modern World Laboratory (1 unit). An optional laboratory course to accompany CHEM 1000, 2400 or 3070. Experiments will illustrate some of the different types of chemistry relevant to the world we live in. These include polymers, the environment, soaps and detergents, medicinal and food chemistry. Prerequisite: Prior or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1000, 2400 or 3070. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 1100 Principles of Chemistry I (5 units). Fundamental principles of chemistry emphasizing atomic structure, periodic properties, theories of bonding, kinetic theory of gases, solution chemistry. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 1100, 3 hours), laboratory (CHEM 1102, 3 hours) and discussion (CHEM 1104, 1 hour) is required. Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or consent of instructor. (CAN CHEM 2) (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 1110 Principles of Chemistry II (5 units). A continuation of CHEM 1100, emphasizing gaseous and ionic equilibria, electrochemical principles, thermodynamics, radio-chemistry, and descriptive chemistry of the elements. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 1110, 3 hours), laboratory (CHEM 1112, 3 hours) and discussion (CHEM 1114, 1 hour) is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 1100 (CAN CHEM 4). (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 2000 Experiments for the Elementary School Classroom (2 units). The primary goal of the course is to teach students to develop chemistry experiments which can be used in the elementary school classroom. The scientific method and chemical principles will be stressed in experiments which use only common, readily available substances. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 2000, 1 hour) and laboratory, (CHEM 2002, 3 hours) is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 1000 or equivalent, or concurrent enrollment in CHEM 1000. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 2010 Quantitative Analysis and Basic Instrumental Techniques (4 units). Principles and practice of volumetric, gravimetric, and instrumental methods of analysis. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 2012, 2 hours) and laboratory (CHEM 2012, 6 hours) is required. Prerequisite: CHEM 1110. (Fall)

CHEM 2070 Biochemistry for Nurses, 3 units.  Fulfills requirement for the BSN pre-licensure program.  Biochemistry of sugars, lipids, and proteins.  Introduction to hormones, neurochemistry and membrane transport.  Prerequisite:  CHEM 1100/1102/1104, or CHEM 1000/1002.  (Winter)

CHEM 2400 The Science of Winemaking (4 units). A basic and practical introduction to enology. Topics include alcohol, fermentation, viticulture, acids, bases, winemaking operations, distillation, history and an introduction to U.S., French and German wines. (Lecture, 4 hours) Prerequisite: None. (Winter)

CHEM 2500 Chemistry of Photography (4 units). The basic principles of chemistry will be developed and applied to an understanding of the photographic process. Topics to be covered include the chemistry of the formation of the latent image, development, and fixation in both black and white and color photography. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 2500) and laboratory (CHEM 2502) required. Satisfies Liberal Studies area B-3. Prerequisite: None. (Winter)

CHEM 2600 Consumer Chemistry (4 units) AN explanation of how commonly used substances work, based on the principles of chemistry.   Topics covered will include plastics, hair care products, paints, cleansing agents, and food. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 2600) and laboratory (CHEM 2602) required. Satisfies Liberal Studies area B-3. Prerequisite: None. (Winter)

CHEM 2950 Selected Topics in Chemistry (Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) (1- 5 units). Development of a selected branch of chemistry. Topics may vary each term. Different topics may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

Upper Division

CHEM 3010 Organic Chemistry I (3 units). Structure, properties, reactions, and stereochemistry of carbon compounds. Reaction mechanisms. Applications of spectroscopy to organic molecules. Carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins. (Lecture, 3 hours) Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 3012 required. Prerequisite: CHEM 1110. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 3012 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1 unit). Basic laboratory techniques, simple organic syntheses, isolation of natural products, multi-step syntheses, vapor phase chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, qualitative organic analysis, spectroscopic applications to structure determination. (Laboratory, 3 hours) Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 3010 required. Prerequisite: CHEM 1110. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 3020 Organic Chemistry II (Lecture, 3 hours). Continuation of CHEM 3010. Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 3022 required. Prerequisite: CHEM 3010. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 3022 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1 unit). Continuation of CHEM 3012 (Laboratory, 3 hours). Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 3020 required. Prerequisite: CHEM 3012. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 3050 Forensic Chemistry (4 units).  Application of chemical principles to the detection, analysis, and characterization of physical evidence in the context of forensic science.  Corequisite:  CHEM 3052.  Prerequisite:  CHEM 1100, 1110, 2010, and 3010. (Lecture, 3 hours; laboratory, 3 hours) (Not applicable to the major or minor in Chemistry.)

CHEM 3060 Our Molecular World (4 units).  Connecting the molecular world with the macroscopic world that we see and experience develops a broader perspective of our world.  The properties, reactions, and energy transformations associated with matter are explored.  Designed specifically for future teachers.  (LIBS Integrative: Scientific/Mathematical Inquiry)  Prerequisite: Completion of lower- and upper-division science requirements for the Liberal Studies program.  (Not applicable to the major or minor in Chemistry.)

CHEM 3070 The Chemicals In Your Life (3 units). Basic chemical principles will be used to describe the nature of various problems and processes important to contemporary society. These would include application of chemistry in agriculture, health, the environment, and the home. (Not applicable to the major or minor in chemistry.) Prerequisite: Any course applicable to the General Education requirement in the sciences. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 3080 The Chemistry of Nuclear Energy (3 units). The course will consider many aspects of nuclear chemistry including forms of radiation, nuclear reactions, military applications and applications in chemistry, medicine, archeology and art. Particular emphasis will be placed on nuclear energy production. (Not applicable to the major or minor in Chemistry.) Prerequisite: A lower-division science course. (Winter)

CHEM 3090 Chemistry in the Elementary School Classroom (3 units).  Emphasis on the principles of chemistry and the impact of chemistry on society.  Students use cooperative learning projects to develop experiments and demonstrations applicable to the elementary school classroom.  Designed specifically for future teachers.  (LIBS Integrative:  Scientific/Mathematical Inquiry)  Prerequisite: Completion of lower- and upper-division science requirements for the Liberal Studies program.  (Not applicable to the major or minor in Chemistry.)

CHEM 3100 Environmental Chemistry (3 units). Chemical principles will be applied to the study of environmentally related processes and phenomena such as acid rain, natural water chemistry, ozone depletion, the greenhouse effect, the treatment of drinking water, waste disposal, and photochemical smog. Not applicable to the major or minor in Chemistry.) Prerequisite: CHEM 1100, 1110.

CHEM 4010 Physical Chemistry I (3 units). The three laws of thermodynamics, equilibrium, critical properties of gases, osmosis, phase rule, electrochemistry, chemical kinetics, molecular structure, and spectroscopy. (Lecture, 3 hours) Prerequisites: One year of calculus and one year of physics. (Spring)

CHEM 4012 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1 unit). This laboratory accompanies CHEM 4010. Prerequisites: CHEM 2010 and 4010.  Enrollment in CHEM 4010 may be concurrent.

CHEM 4020 Physical Chemistry II (3 units). Continuation of CHEM 4010 (Lecture, 3 hours) Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 4032 required. Prerequisites: MATH 1420, CHEM 4010. (Fall)

CHEM 4021 Additional Topics in Physical Chemistry (1 unit). An introduction to either chemical kinetics or molecular spectroscopy, depending upon the student's interest. The course is intended for B.A. chemistry majors and others desiring a survey of either of these topics, and is not open to B.S. chemistry majors. Prerequisite: CHEM 4010. (Fall)

CHEM 4022 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (1 unit). This laboratory accompanies CHEM 4020. Prerequisites: CHEM 4012 and 4020.  Enrollment in CHEM 4020 may be concurrent.

CHEM 4100 Instrumental Analysis (4 units). Instrumental methods of chemical analysis including discussion of the theory and application of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, mass spectroscopy, infrared, Raman, visible ultraviolet and atomic absorption spectroscopy; flame photometry; X-ray diffraction; neutron activation and analysis; ESCA; specific ion electrode methods; gas, liquid, and ion-exchange chromatography. Concurrent enrollment in lecture (CHEM 4100, 2 hours) and laboratory (CHEM 4102, 6 hours) is required. Prerequisites: CHEM 2010, 3020 and 4010, or consent of instructor. (Fall)

CHEM 4200 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 units). Atomic structure, periodic properties, theories of bonding, structure, introduction to coordination chemistry, and reactions of representative elements. (Lecture, 3 hours) Prerequisite: CHEM 4010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)

CHEM 4212 Advanced Chemistry Laboratory (2 units). An advanced level course involving modern synthetic and instrumental techniques with an emphasis on inorganic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHEM 4010, 4200, or consent of instructor. (Spring)

CHEM 4300 Advanced Organic Chemistry (3 units). Chemical kinetics, structure-reactivity relationships, molecular orbital theory, orbital symmetry, reactive intermediates, rearrangements and neighboring group effects; nucleophilic aliphatic substitution, photochemistry. (Lecture, 3 hours) Prerequisite: CHEM 3020. (Fall)

CHEM 4400 Biochemistry I (3 units). Basic chemistry of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Introductory enzymology and biochemical thermodynamics will also be included. Prerequisite: CHEM 3020 or consent of instructor. (Fall)

CHEM 4402 Biochemistry Laboratory I (1 unit). An introduction to biochemical techniques including chromatography, purification of biological molecules, spectrophotometry, and fluorimetry. (Laboratory, 3 hours). Prerequisite: CHEM 4400 or concurrent enrollment. (Fall)

CHEM 4420 Biochemistry II (3 units). An in-depth continuation of CHEM 4400. Additional topics will include anabolic and catabolic pathways of carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism.  Satisfies upper-division Writing Proficiency requirement.  Prerequisite: Completion of the Writing Proficiency Screening Test with a passing score, and CHEM 4400. (Spring)

CHEM 4610 Computer Methods in Chemistry (2 units). Computer programming applied to typical problems in chemistry. (Lecture, 1 hour, laboratory, 3 hours) Prerequisites: CHEM 2010, MATH 1420, and CS 1500, or equivalent. (Winter)

CHEM 4910 Cooperative Education (2-4 units). This course provides an opportunity to acquire relevant, practical experience in supervised paid employment within the discipline. Students are placed in private or public sector positions under the supervision of the employer and departmental Co-op coordinator. May be repeated for a total of 8 units. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; CHEM 2010, 3020, 3022, and consent of the department's Co-op Coordinator. (Fall, Spring)

CHEM 4940 Chemistry Internship (2-4 units). Designed for students in chemistry who wish to apply their educational experience to a practical situation in a public or private agency. Prerequisites: CHEM 2010, 3020, 3022 and consent of Department Internship Coordinator. (Fall, Winter, Spring)

CHEM 4950 Selected Topics in Chemistry (Topics to be specified in Class Schedule) (1- 5 units). Development of a selected branch of chemistry. Topics vary each term. Different topics may be taken for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

CHEM 4960 Research Seminar (1 unit ). The presentation of research results or topical literature surveys by students and visiting scientists. May be repeated for a total of 2 units. Prerequisite: CHEM 3010 or consent of instructor. (Spring)

CHEM 4961 Seminar on Directed Readings (1 unit). The presentation and discussion by students of research papers taken from the current chemical literature. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Spring)

CHEM 4980 Individual Study (1-4 units). For qualified students desiring to do research or to pursue the study of some specialized topic. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Fall, Winter, Spring)

CHEM 5980 Individual Study (1-4 units). For qualified Postbaccalaureate students in need of advanced or specialized study. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. (Fall, Winter, Spring)