Chemistry Department Courses
CHEM 100 Chemistry and Society 3.00 Units UC; CSU transferrable
When possible offered every session; on-ground and 100% online options available. May be taken once for credit.
Prerequisite: Appropriate math placement as determined by the COC assessment process, or MATH 060 or 075 with a grade of C or better.
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.
Chem 151/151H Preparatory General Chemistry 4.00 Units UC; CSU transferrable
When possible offered every session; on-ground and hybrid options available. May be taken once for credit.
Prerequisite: Appropriate math placement as determined by the COC assessment process, or MATH 060 with a grade of C or better.
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.
CHEM 201/201H General Chemistry I 6.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable
Offered Fall, Spring, and Summer; may be offered in Winter; on-ground and hybrid options available. May be taken once for credit.
Prerequisite: MATH 070 and CHEM 151, with a grade of C or better.
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.
CHEM 202 General Chemistry II 5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable
Offered Fall and Spring, and Summer when possible; on-ground and hybrid options available. May be taken once for credit.
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.
CHEM 255* Organic Chemistry I 5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable
Offered Fall and Spring and Summer when possible. May be taken once for credit.
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.
CHEM 256* Organic Chemistry II 5.00 Units; UC, CSU transferrable
Offered Fall and Spring, and Summer when possible. May be taken once for credit.
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.
*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.