Chemistry Course Offerings

Please see the section on “Course Description Symbols and Terms” in The University Catalog for an explanation of course description terminology and symbols, the course numbering system, and course credit units. All courses are lecture and discussion and employ letter grading unless otherwise stated. Some prerequisites may be waived with faculty permission. Many syllabi are available on the Chico Web.

CHEM 004

Chemistry and Current Issues    3.0 Fa/Spr

Designed for non-science majors, this course will examine contemporary science issues and use this context to provide an understanding of the basic chemical processes that govern our lives. Students will learn how scientists study chemical processes, decipher them, and develop them to meet our needs. The importance of the relationship between science and technology and the public’s understanding of these issues will also be explored. 2.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course.

CHEM 016

Chemical Problem-Solving    2.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Intermediate Algebra.

An introduction to chemistry, with a special emphasis on problem-solving. CHEM 016 starts during the third week of the semester; there are only 13 weeks of classes. 1.7 hours lecture, .9 hour laboratory.

CHEM 026

Nursing Chemistry    4.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Previous chemistry course recommended.

A brief introduction of the general principles of chemistry specifically related to nursing, followed by a brief survey of organic and biochemistry with an emphasis on practical applications to the nursing profession. A completely online course for experienced nurses completing a BS in Nursing.

CHEM 027

General Chemistry for Applied Sciences    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Intermediate Algebra.

A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course.

CHEM 027X

General Chemistry Problem Session    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 027.

Designed to supplement CHEM 027 with additional applications of general chemistry for applied sciences. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing problem-solving abilities. 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.

CHEM 028

Organic Chemistry for Applied Sciences    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 027 or CHEM 037.

A survey of organic chemistry primarily for agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing students. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 037

General Chemistry    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Second-year high school algebra; one year high school chemistry or CHEM 016. (One year of high school physics and one year of high school mathematics past Algebra II are recommended.)

Principles of chemistry for students in science, medical, and related professions. Atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, periodic table, gases, solids, liquids, solutions, and equilibrium. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. This is an approved General Education course. CAN CHEM 2.

CHEM 037X

General Chemistry Problem Session    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 037.

Designed to supplement CHEM 037 with additional applications of general chemistry. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing problem-solving abilities. 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.

CHEM 038

General Chemistry    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 037.

A continuation of CHEM 037. Chemical energetics, rates of reaction, acids and bases, solubility, oxidation-reduction, and nuclear chemistry. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory. CAN CHEM 4.

CHEM 038X

General Chemistry Problem Session    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 038.

Designed to supplement CHEM 038 with additional applications of general chemistry. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing problem-solving abilities. 2.0 hours activity. Credit/no credit grading only.

CHEM 060

Scientific Glass Blowing    1.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 027 or CHEM 037.

Instruction and practice in scientific glass-blowing. 3.0 hours laboratory. Credit/no credit grading only.

CHEM 070

Organic Chemistry    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 038.

An introduction to the theory and mechanism of organic reactions. To be followed by CHEM 170, which completes the two-semester sequence for science majors. 3.0 hours lecture, 3.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 105

Quantitative Analysis    4.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 038.

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. 2.0 hours discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 140

Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry    3.0 Inquire

Prerequisites: CHEM 038.

A systematic study of inorganic substances, with emphasis on environmental aspects of the chemical behavior of the elements and their compounds.

CHEM 153

Introductory Biochemistry    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 028.

A survey of biochemistry, principally for agriculture, child development, and nursing students. Normally not open to chemistry or biological sciences majors.

CHEM 154

Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CHEM 153.

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. 3.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 170

Organic Chemistry    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 070.

Lecture continuation of the theory and mechanisms of organic reaction.

CHEM 170L

Organic Chemistry Laboratory    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 170 may be taken as a prerequisite or concurrently with CHEM 170L.

Laboratory continuation of the theory and mechanisms of organic reactions. Completes the two-semester sequence for science majors. 3.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 170M

Organic Chemistry Laboratory    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CHEM 170.

Laboratory continuation of the theory and mechanisms of organic reactions. Completes the two-semester sequence for chemistry majors. 6.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 172

Advanced Organic Laboratory    2.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 170.

Application of modern techniques and spectroscopy in organic synthesis, product identification, reaction mechanisms, and natural product chemistry. 6.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 175

Radiation and Radioisotopes    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Completion of 4 units of physics or physical science and 5 units of chemistry.

This course is a special topic offered as 175A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Radiochemical techniques, detection, and measurement of radiation, or radiation safety.

CHEM 190

Special Problems in Science Education    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 037.

This course is a supervised study in science outreach to K-14 schools and is offered as 190A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register with a supervising faculty member. Credit/no credit grading only.

CHEM 198

Special Topics    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

This course is for special topics offered as 198A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. 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.

CHEM 199

Special Problems    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 038.

This course is an independent study of special problems and is offered as 199A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Credit/no credit grading only.

CHEM 200

Research in Chemistry    1.0-2.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 210B.

This course is an independent study offered as 200A-B, for 1-2 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Original laboratory or library investigation under individual faculty supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units.

CHEM 201

The Chemical Literature    1.0 Fall

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, CHEM 070.

Supervised studies in individual literature searches, including the use of Chemical Abstracts, Chemische Central-blatt, Patent Indexes, and other reference compilations. 2.0 hours activity. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

CHEM 202

Senior Seminar in Chemistry    1.0 Spring

Presentation and discussion of topics from chemical literature. 2.0 hours activity.

CHEM 203A

Toxicology    1.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 028 or CHEM 070.

A brief introduction to the principles of toxicology and presentation of facts about current issues related to toxic substances.

CHEM 203B

Environmental Toxicology    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 028 or CHEM 070.

A brief introduction to the principles of toxicology and presentation of facts about current issues related to toxic substances, with special expanded emphasis on environmental aspects of topics presented in CHEM 203A.

CHEM 204

Environmental Chemistry    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 038.

A general study of the chemistry of the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; special focus on the sources and fates of inorganic environmental pollutants.

CHEM 210A

Physical Chemistry    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 105, MATH 007C, PHYS 004B, PHYS 004C.

Thermodynamics of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; electrochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibria, introduction to quantum mechanics, and chemical statistics.

CHEM 210B

Physical Chemistry    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 210A.

A continuation of CHEM 210A.

CHEM 214A

Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 210A.

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.

CHEM 214B

Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 214A.

A continuation of CHEM 214A.

CHEM 215A

Integrated Chemistry Laboratory I    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CHEM 210A and CHEM 214A.

Integrated application of concepts and techniques in analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. 1.0 hour discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory. Formerly CHEM 211A.

CHEM 215B

Integrated Chemistry Laboratory II    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 210A, CHEM 214A, CHEM 215A; concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CHEM 210B, CHEM 218.

A continuation of CHEM 215A. 6.0 hours laboratory. Formerly CHEM 211B.

CHEM 215C

Integrated Chemistry Laboratory III    2.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 215A, CHEM 215B.

A continuation of CHEM 215B with an emphasis on special projects. 6.0 hours laboratory. Formerly CHEM 214L.

CHEM 218

Instrumental Analysis    2.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 210A, CHEM 215A; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 215B.

Theory and procedures used in separations and instrumental analysis.

CHEM 227

Physical Organic Chemistry    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 170, CHEM 210B.

Resonance and orbital theory; mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics of organic reactions.

CHEM 228

Synthetic Organic Chemistry    1.0-3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: CHEM 170; CHEM 170L or CHEM 170M.

This course is offered as 228A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Modern synthetic reactions and processes, with emphasis on rearrangement reactions, stereospecific methods, and synthetic design.

CHEM 250A

Biochemistry    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 170.

A general study of the chemistry of biomolecules. Conformation and function of enzymes and other proteins; metabolism, energy generation, and storage; brief discussion of chemistry of DNA replication, transcription and translation, and of important physiological processes.

CHEM 250B

Biochemistry    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 250A.

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.

CHEM 251

Biochemistry Laboratory    2.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 105, CHEM 250A; CHEM 170L or CHEM 170M.

Separation, identification, and/or analysis of biological materials by modern procedures, such as spectrophotometry, chromatography (gas, paper, TLC, column, ion exchange), electrophoresis, enzymology, fluorimetry, and high-speed centrifugation. 6.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 252

Clinical Chemistry    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 105, CHEM 250A; CHEM 170L or CHEM 170M.

An introduction to the biochemistry of blood and body fluids, with emphasis placed on laboratory analytical techniques and instrumentation. Intended for Microbiology majors with the Option in Clinical Laboratory Science. 1.0 hour discussion, 6.0 hours laboratory.

CHEM 255

Basic Instrumental Analysis    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 037, CHEM 038.

Basic theory and practices of analytical instruments. Care and use of instruments; interpretation of results. 2.0 hours discussion, 2.0 hours workshop.

CHEM 271

Seminar in Organic Spectroscopy    1.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of CHEM 170.

Solving problems in organic chemistry using NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectral analysis.

CHEM 280

Selected Topics in    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr
Physical, Analytical, Inorganic Chemistry

Prerequisites: CHEM 210B, CHEM 214A, CHEM 215B, CHEM 218.

This course is a special topic offered as 280A-C, for 1-3 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Presentation of topics of current interest, such as in Physical: theories of x-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, NMR, etc.; Inorganic: reaction mechanisms, non-aqueous solvents; Analytical: ion exchange, selective ion electrodes. Three-hour laboratory optional.

CHEM 281

Selected Topics in    1.0-3.0 Spring
Organic and Biochemistry

Prerequisites: CHEM 170, CHEM 210A, CHEM 250A.

This course is a special topic offered as 281A-C, for 1-3 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Presentation of topics of current interest, such as in Organic: heterocyclic, polymer, organometallic, and natural product chemistry; Biochemistry: biosynthesis and metabolism, enzymes, biophysical chemistry, and bioenergetics.

CHEM 285A

Research Project    3.0 Fall

Prerequisites: Open by invitation to chemistry majors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; faculty permission.

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.

CHEM 285B

Research Project    3.0 Spring

Prerequisites: CHEM 285A. Not open to students who have completed CHEM 299H; faculty permission.

A continuation of CHEM 285A.

CHEM 290

Chemical Thermodynamics    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 210B.

Principles of thermodynamics, application to methods in chemical problems, introduction to the use of statistical thermodynamics, and calculations of thermodynamic functions from spectroscopic data.

CHEM 299H

Honors Research Project    3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: ENGL 001 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, CHEM 105, CHEM 170M, CHEM 210A, CHEM 210B, MATH 007C, PHYS 004A, PHYS 004B, PHYS 004C; faculty permission.

Open by invitation to chemistry majors who have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Not open to students who have credit for CHEM 285A or CHEM 285B. This is an “Honors in the Major” course. ABC/no credit grading only. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors.

CHEM 300

Special Topics in Chemistry    1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr

Prerequisites: CHEM 210A, CHEM 210B, faculty permission.

This course is a special topic offered as 300A-C for 1.0 to 3.0 units respectively. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Presentation of selected topics of current interest, with emphasis on recent developments.

CHEM 390

Chemistry Seminar    1.0 Fa/Spr

Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in chemistry.

CHEM 398

Independent Study    1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a graduate level independent study offered as 398A-D for 1.0 to 4.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Investigation involving scientific literature and laboratory or field experimentation. Maximum of 8 units of credit may be used for a master’s degree.

CHEM 399

Master’s Study    1.0-6.0 Fa/Spr

This course is a master’s study offered as a Master’s Thesis, identified as 399A-F for 1.0 to 6.0 units respectively. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member.