Cosumnes River College
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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Chemistry

Chemistry

Overview

The chemistry curriculum consists of a series of chemistry courses designed to meet transfer requirements for chemical, physical, and biological science majors, a series of courses intended for students majoring in fields other than chemistry, biology, or physical science, and a course designed specifically for students who require preparation or review of the more basic chemical concepts. All chemistry courses at Cosumnes River College include a practical component where students conduct hands-on chemical experimentation in a modern, well-equipped laboratory.

Degrees Offered

  • A.S. in Chemistry
  • A.S. in General Science

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Chemistry

The Chemistry Program at CRC consists of: a series of courses designed to meet transfer requirements for chemical, physical and biological science majors; a series of courses intended for students majoring in fields other than chemistry, biology, or physical science; and a course designed specifically for students who require preparation or review of the more basic chemical concepts.

All chemistry courses at CRC include a practical component where students conduct hands-on chemical experimentation in a modern, well-equipped laboratory.

HIGHLIGHTS
*An outstanding chemistry faculty striving to maintain an excellent and well-respected chemistry program
*Ample contact with the instructor and the relaxed atmosphere that only a limited class size can offer
*A Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) program

This degree is designed to meet common lower division requirements for a major in chemistry.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I 5
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II 5
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
MATH 401 Calculus II 5
MATH 402 Calculus III 5
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids 4
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism 4
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics 4
Total Units: 47

The Chemistry Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See CRC graduation requirements.

Career Information

Biochemist; Chemist; Pharmacist; Chemical Engineer; Chemical Technology; Physician; Dentist; Veterinarian; Allied Health Professional; Biologist; Physicist; Geologist; Geochemist; Oceanographer. Some career options require more than two years of college study. Classes beyond the associate degree may be required to fully prepare students for transfer to a university program.

A.S. in General Science

Areas of Study include:

• Biological Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Physical Geography
• Geology
• Physics

Eighteen (18) units of transfer-level course work in science are required. Two laboratory courses must be included: one in the physical sciences and one in the biological sciences. Courses may be selected from astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical geography, biological anthropology, and physics. The student, in consultation with a counselor, should choose science courses to meet their program, transfer, or general education requirements.

Students interested in transferring to a four-year university with a science major are encouraged to complete a science AS or AS-T degree such as Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Geography, Geology, or Physics. This General Science degree may not include the majors-level transfer courses needed for many science majors. Students are strongly recommended to see a counselor for guidance.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
Life Science with Lab :
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
and ANTH 482 Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
BIOL C1001 Introduction to Biology (3)
and BIOL C1001L Introduction to Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
Physical Science with Lab:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
and ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
and GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
and GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
and GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
and GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
ENGR 304 How Things Work (3)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 370 Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380 Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Additional Science Courses :
A minimum of 11 units from the following: 111
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 482 Honors Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
BIOL C1001 Introduction to Biology (3)
BIOL C1001L Introduction to Biology Lab (1)
BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 352 Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry (4)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
ENGR 304 How Things Work (3)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 305 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 390 Field Studies in Geology (1 - 4)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 370 Introductory Physics - Mechanics and Thermodynamics (5)
PHYS 380 Introductory Physics - Electricity and Magnetism, Light and Modern Physics (5)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
Total Units: 18

1Courses used in A or B above will not count towards C, except units exceeding the 4 or 3 unit minimum in A and B. For example, a student completing the 5 unit CHEM 309 under B could apply 2 of those units towards C. A total of 18 science units is required.

The General Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local CRC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See CRC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • explain the core perspectives of the scientific method and apply it to at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 1)
  • solve introductory problems of a conceptual and/or numerical nature of at least one scientific discipline. (PSLO 2)
  • accurately apply the basic vocabulary and concepts of at least one scientific discipline verbally and in writing. (PSLO 3)
  • recognize the use and misuse of scientific concepts in society including politics and the media. (PSLO 4)

Chemistry (CHEM) Courses

CHEM 300 Beginning Chemistry

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (1) No credit for CHEM 300 if taken after CHEM 306 )
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers an introduction to fundamental chemical concepts, problem-solving and laboratory skills. CHEM 300 is designed for students needing a comprehensive review of or intensive preparation in chemistry. This course is primarily intended to prepare students for CHEM 400.

CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry

  • Units:5
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400, and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series; 2) No transfer credit for CHEM 305 if taken after CHEM 400)
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 101
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a general chemistry course intended for students majoring in the allied health fields, such as nursing, physical therapy, dental hygiene, veterinary technology, and environmental technology. This course emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry: types of matter, physical and chemical processes, atomic and molecular structure, stoichiometry, properties and theories of gases, properties of solutions, acids and bases, equilibria, oxidation-reduction and an introduction to organic functional groups as they pertain to medicine or biological systems.

CHEM 306 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry

  • Units:5
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 305 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400, and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series)
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 102
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The organic chemistry portion of this course emphasizes the major classes of organic compounds: their structure, physical and chemical properties related to biological systems, and nomenclature. Some clinical and pharmacological aspects are also discussed. The biochemistry portion of this course emphasizes the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in biological systems. Special topics include enzymes and enzyme regulation, drugs and their bioavailability and metabolism.

CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

  • Units:5
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Elementary Algebra or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300); Successful completion of high school Chemistry.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an intensive survey of general, organic, and biological chemistry specifically designed for nursing majors and other health-related fields. Topics include general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry. This course satisfies the requirements of those health-career programs that require one semester of chemistry. Students who had chemistry in high school and retained some of it are advised to take CHEM 309. Students who have not taken a chemistry course recently or have never taken a chemistry course are advised to take the CHEM 305 and CHEM 306 sequence.

CHEM 400 General Chemistry I

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Intermediate Algebra or higher with a "C" or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics to meet the Math prerequisite AND one of the following to meet the Chemistry prerequisite: CHEM 300 or CHEM 305 or CHEM 309 with a "C" or better, OR one year of high school chemistry with lab with grade of “C” or better in both semesters.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400 and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series )
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is a general college chemistry course intended for students majoring in the scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, physics, geology and engineering. This course emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include chemical measurement, physical and chemical processes, nomenclature, atomic structure, quantum theory, stoichiometry, molecular structure, bonding theory, physical properties of gases, thermochemistry, modern materials, and properties of solutions.

CHEM 401 General Chemistry II

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (1) CHEM 305, 306, 400, and 401 combined: maximum transfer credit is one series)
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a continuation of the two-semester series in general college chemistry. Topics presented in the course include kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base chemistry, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, radiochemistry, coordination chemistry, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Laboratory exercises include qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques.

CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 150; Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course surveys the principles of organic chemistry intended for chemistry and biological science majors or those students interested in the medical and related professions. Units covered include chemistry of alkanes/cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alcohols with emphasis on physical and chemical properties, nomenclature, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms (SN1, SN2, E1, and E2) and spectroscopy (FT-IR and MS). Laboratory work includes characterization of organic molecules using analytical instrumentation such as FTIR, GC, and GC/MS. Modern separation and purification techniques are also introduced
such as HPLC, Packed-column GC, and Capillary GC, as well as traditional techniques such as distillation, liquid-liquid extraction, recrystallization, column chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography.

CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 420 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:Part of C-ID CHEM 160S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a continuation of CHEM 420. Units covered include an in-depth study of the physical and chemical properties of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, amines, carboxylic acids and its derivatives. A special emphasis is placed on structural analysis/elucidation of these compounds by the various spectroscopic techniques. In addition, an introduction to pericyclic reactions and biomolecules is presented.

CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog