Chemistry Department Courses

CHEM 100 Chemistry and Society 3.00 Units UC; CSU transferrable

Prerequisite: Eligibility for transfer level math.

Introduces students to basic concepts of chemistry and requires analyses of the socio-cultural contexts within which chemistry places a central role in everyday life. The course is designed to provide a general educational exposure to the physical sciences, specifically chemistry, and is not recommended for science majors. Introduction to chemistry course for non-science majors. Lecture course only; no laboratory component.

Locations: 100% online

Typically offered: Typically offered: Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer (every year)

Chem 151/151H Preparatory General Chemistry 4.00 Units UC; CSU transferrable

Prerequisite: Completion of Elementary Algebra or higher math placement as determined by the COC assessment process.

A preparatory course for CHEM 201. Intensive foundation in problem solving, basic atomic theory, stoichiometry, nomenclature, states of matter, and solution chemistry. Laboratory enforces principles learned in lecture.

Locations: Canyon Country Campus, Valencia Campus (In-person and Hybrid options)

Typically offered: Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer (every year)

CHEM 201/201H General Chemistry I  5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable

Prerequisite: Completion of CHEM-151 or CHEM-151H, or higher chemistry placement as determined by the COC assessment process.  Additionally, completion of Intermediate Algebra or higher math placement as determined by the COC assessment process.

Part I of a two-semester general chemistry course for science majors. Provides a foundation in the basic principles of the molecular nature of matter and its change, including reaction chemistry and theoretical aspects of matter and energy. Gravimetric, volumetric, and spectroscopic analysis techniques will be introduced in the laboratory portion. Required of all majors in chemistry and most other fields of science or technology.

Locations: Canyon Country Campus, Valencia Campus (In-person and Hybrid options)

Typically offered: Fall/Winter/Spring/Summer (every year)

CHEM 202 General Chemistry II 5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable

Prerequisite: CHEM 201 with a grade of C or better.

A continuation of CHEM 201. Topics are chemical kinetics, ionic equilibria, (solutions of acids and bases, buffers, solubility of insoluble salts, and solubility product), nuclear chemistry, thermodynamics (entropy & free energy), coordination compounds, advanced qualitative analysis, spectroscopy, and an introduction to organic chemistry.

Locations: Canyon Country Campus, Valencia Campus (In-person)

Typically offered: Fall/Spring/Summer (every year)

CHEM 255* Organic Chemistry I 5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable

Prerequisite: CHEM 202 with a grade of C or better.

First semester of a two-semester sequence in organic chemistry for science majors focusing on nomenclature, structure, properties, and synthesis of organic compounds. Compare and contrast the structures, properties, and reactions of aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkyl halides, alcohols, and ethers.

 Locations: Valencia Campus (In-person)

Typically offered: Fall/Spring/Summer (every year)

CHEM 256*  Organic Chemistry II 5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable

Prerequisite: CHEM 255 with a grade of C or better.

Second semester of a two-semester sequence in organic chemistry for science majors, focusing on the syntheses and reaction mechanisms of aromatic, carbonyl, and biological compounds.

Locations: Valencia Campus (In-person)

Typically offered: Fall/Spring/Summer (every year)

*CHEM 255 and CHEM 256: If you plan to transfer to CSUN, please note that our CHEM 255 and CHEM 256 courses do not transfer as credit for the equivalent courses. Organic Chemistry I and II are considered upper division courses at CSUN. We recommend making an appointment with your counselor at COC as well as reach out to the specific department for your intended major at CSUN.