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 | 100 | 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. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly CHEM 004.
| CHEM | 105 | Nursing Chemistry | 4.0 Fall |
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. Formerly CHEM 026.
| CHEM | 107 | General Chemistry for Applied Sciences | 4.0 Fa/Spr |
A survey of the principles of chemistry, primarily for students in agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly CHEM 027.
| CHEM | 107X | General Chemistry Problem Session | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Designed to supplement CHEM 107 with additional applications of general chemistry for applied sciences. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing problem-solving abilities. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 027X.
| CHEM | 108 | Organic Chemistry for Applied Sciences | 4.0 Fa/Spr |
A survey of organic chemistry primarily for agriculture, industry and technology, and pre-nursing students. Formerly CHEM 028.
| CHEM | 111 | General Chemistry | 4.0 Fa/Spr |
Principles of chemistry for students in science, medical, and related professions. Atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, periodic table, gases, solids, liquids, solutions, and equilibrium. This is an approved General Education course. Formerly CHEM 037. CAN CHEM 2.
| CHEM | 111X | General Chemistry Problem Session | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Designed to supplement CHEM 111 with additional applications of general chemistry. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing problem-solving abilities. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 037X.
| CHEM | 112 | General Chemistry | 4.0 Fa/Spr |
A continuation of CHEM 111. Chemical energetics, rates of reaction, acids and bases, solubility, oxidation-reduction, and nuclear chemistry. Formerly CHEM 038. CAN CHEM 4.
| CHEM | 112X | General Chemistry Problem Session | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Designed to supplement CHEM 112 with additional applications of general chemistry. Provides the student with the opportunity for additional assistance in developing problem-solving abilities. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 038X.
| CHEM | 180 | Scientific Glass Blowing | 1.0 Spring |
Instruction and practice in scientific glass-blowing. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 060.
| CHEM | 270 | Organic Chemistry | 4.0 Fa/Spr |
An introduction to the theory and mechanism of organic reactions. To be followed by CHEM 370, which completes the two-semester sequence for science majors. Formerly CHEM 070.
| CHEM | 300 | The Chemical Literature | 1.0 Fall |
Supervised studies in individual literature searches, including the use of Chemical Abstracts, Chemische Central-blatt, Patent Indexes, and other reference compilations. This is a writing proficiency, WP, course; a grade of C- or better certifies writing proficiency for majors. Formerly CHEM 201.
| CHEM | 320 | Quantitative Analysis | 4.0 Fa/Spr |
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. Formerly CHEM 105.
| CHEM | 331 | Physical Chemistry | 3.0 Fall |
Thermodynamics of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; electrochemistry, kinetics, chemical equilibria, introduction to quantum mechanics, and chemical statistics. Formerly CHEM 210A.
| CHEM | 332 | Physical Chemistry | 3.0 Spring |
A continuation of CHEM 331. Formerly CHEM 210B.
| CHEM | 345 | Toxicology | 1.0 Spring |
A brief introduction to the principles of toxicology and presentation of facts about current issues related to toxic substances. Formerly CHEM 203A.
| CHEM | 347 | Radiation and Radioisotopes | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Radiochemical techniques, detection, and measurement of radiation, or radiation safety. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Formerly CHEM 203A.
| CHEM | 350 | Introductory Biochemistry | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
A survey of biochemistry, principally for agriculture, child development, and nursing students. Normally not open to chemistry or biological sciences majors. Formerly CHEM 153.
| CHEM | 350L | Introductory Biochemistry Laboratory | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
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. Formerly CHEM 154.
| CHEM | 360 | Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry | 3.0 Inquire |
A systematic study of inorganic substances, with emphasis on environmental aspects of the chemical behavior of the elements and their compounds. Formerly CHEM 140.
| CHEM | 361 | Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry | 2.0 Fall |
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. Formerly CHEM 214A.
| CHEM | 362 | Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry | 2.0 Spring |
A continuation of CHEM 361. Formerly CHEM 214B.
| CHEM | 370 | Organic Chemistry | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Lecture continuation of the theory and mechanisms of organic reaction. Formerly CHEM 170.
| CHEM | 370L | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Laboratory continuation of the theory and mechanisms of organic reactions. Completes the two-semester sequence for science majors. Formerly CHEM 170L.
| CHEM | 370M | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2.0 Spring |
Laboratory continuation of the theory and mechanisms of organic reactions. Completes the two-semester sequence for chemistry majors. Formerly CHEM 170M.
| CHEM | 381 | Integrated Chemistry Laboratory I | 2.0 Fall |
Integrated application of concepts and techniques in analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Formerly CHEM 215A.
| CHEM | 382 | Integrated Chemistry Laboratory II | 2.0 Spring |
A continuation of CHEM 381. Formerly CHEM 215B.
| CHEM | 382R | Integrated Chemistry Discussion | 1.0 Spring |
Integrated applications of concepts and techniques in analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Formerly CHEM 215R.
| CHEM | 390 | Special Problems in Science Education | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a supervised study in science outreach to K-14 schools and is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 190.
| CHEM | 398 | Special Topics | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
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. Formerly CHEM 198.
| CHEM | 399 | Special Problems | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 199.
| CHEM | 400 | Senior Seminar in Chemistry | 1.0 Spring |
Presentation and discussion of topics from chemical literature. Formerly CHEM 202.
| CHEM | 420 | Instrumental Analysis | 2.0 Fall |
Theory and procedures used in separations and instrumental analysis. Formerly CHEM 218.
| CHEM | 420L | Instrumental Analysis Laboratory | 2.0 Fall |
Laboratory experience to accompany CHEM 420. Formerly CHEM 215C.
| CHEM | 425 | Basic Instrumental Analysis | 3.0 Spring |
Basic theory and practices of analytical instruments. Care and use of instruments; interpretation of results. Formerly CHEM 255.
| CHEM | 435 | Chemical Thermodynamics | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
Principles of thermodynamics, application to methods in chemical problems, introduction to the use of statistical thermodynamics, and calculations of thermodynamic functions from spectroscopic data. Formerly CHEM 290.
| CHEM | 440 | Environmental Chemistry | 3.0 Spring |
A general study of the chemistry of the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere; special focus on the sources and fates of inorganic environmental pollutants. Formerly CHEM 204.
| CHEM | 445 | Environmental Toxicology | 2.0 Spring |
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 345. Formerly CHEM 203B.
| CHEM | 451 | Biochemistry | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
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. Formerly CHEM 250A.
| CHEM | 452 | Biochemistry | 3.0 Spring |
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. Formerly CHEM 250B.
| CHEM | 455L | Biochemistry Laboratory | 2.0 Fa/Spr |
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. Formerly CHEM 251.
| CHEM | 473 | Synthetic Organic Chemistry | 1.0-3.0 Fall |
This course is offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Modern synthetic reactions and processes, with emphasis on rearrangement reactions, stereospecific methods, and synthetic design. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Formerly CHEM 228.
| CHEM | 474 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 3.0 Spring |
Resonance and orbital theory; mechanisms, kinetics, and thermodynamics of organic reactions. Formerly CHEM 227.
| CHEM | 475 | Advanced Organic Laboratory | 2.0 Fa/Spr |
Application of modern techniques and spectroscopy in organic synthesis, product identification, reaction mechanisms, and natural product chemistry. Formerly CHEM 172.
| CHEM | 477 | Seminar in Organic Spectroscopy | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Solving problems in organic chemistry using NMR, IR, UV, and mass spectral analysis. Formerly CHEM 271.
| CHEM | 490 | Research in Chemistry | 1.0-2.0 Fa/Spr |
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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 4.0 units. Formerly CHEM 200.
| CHEM | 491 | Research Project | 3.0 Fall |
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. Formerly CHEM 285A.
| CHEM | 492 | Research Project | 3.0 Spring |
A continuation of CHEM 491. Formerly CHEM 285B.
| CHEM | 495 | Selected Topics in Physical, Analytical, Inorganic Chemistry | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Formerly CHEM 280.
| CHEM | 496 | Selected Topics in Organic and Biochemistry | 1.0-3.0 Spring |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 2.0 units. Formerly CHEM 281.
| CHEM | 499H | Honors Research Project | 3.0 Fa/Spr |
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. 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. ABC/no credit grading only. Formerly CHEM 299H.
| CHEM | 600 | Special Topics in Chemistry | 1.0-3.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a special topic offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Students must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Presentation of selected topics of current interest, with emphasis on recent developments. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 3.0 units. Formerly CHEM 300.
| CHEM | 610 | Chemistry Seminar | 1.0 Fa/Spr |
Presentation and discussion of reports on current literature and special studies in chemistry. Formerly CHEM 390.
| CHEM | 697 | Independent Study | 1.0-4.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-4.0 units. 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. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly CHEM 398.
| CHEM | 699T | Master's Thesis | 1.0-6.0 Fa/Spr |
This course is offered for 1.0-6.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Formerly CHEM 399.