Chemistry Department Description of Chemistry Department Faculty Description of Courses Offered Link to Schedule of Classes

Description of Chemistry Department   (top of page)

The Chemistry Department is part of the Science and Math Division located in the SM building on the north side of the West Valley College campus.

Chemistry courses range from detailed major preparation to broad introductory courses. Laboratory experiences make up an integral part of most of our courses. Throughout the curriculum, the department emphasizes use of knowledge, rather than rote recognition of specific terms and structures. We seek to develop critical thinking and foster an awareness of the world of which we are a part.

Our courses meet general education and transfer requirements in physical sciences. In addition, courses can be taken to satisfy requirements for an Associate of Science degree or transfer major requirements in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, nursing, dental hygene, fire-science, chemical engineering, or a variety of pre-medical areas.

  Faculty (top of page) To access available web pages in support of a course you are taking, or to e-mail faculty member please use these links.

• Susan Weiner
• Blaine Harrison
• --Chemistry Lab Manager

Description of Courses Offered (top of page) To access available web pages in support of a course you are taking please use the links listed by instructor.

Chem 5 - Quantitative Analysis   | Chem 10- Survey Chemistry |  Chem 12A - Organic Chemistry  |  Chem 12B - Organic Chemistry  

Chem 30A - Fundamentals of Chemistry  | Chem 30B - Fundamentals of Chemistry  |  Chem 50 - Chemical Skills  |  Chem 100 - Special Topics   

Chemistry 1A - General Chemistry (5 units) (back)

Lecture 3 hours; lab 3 hours, recitation
Prerequisite: Chem2, or 1 yr. high school chemistry with a grade of B or better and Math 106 or 106R, or 1 yr. high school algebra II. Concurrent enrollment in Chem 50 strongly recommended.

Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
Emphasis on the understanding and applications of the principles of theoretical and structural chemistry.The nature of matter and the changes it undergoes are stressed qualitatively and quantitatively in lecture and laboratory. (CAN CHEM 2)
 

Chemistry 1B - General Chemistry (5 units) (back)

Lecture 3 hours; lab 3 hours, recitation 1 hour
Prerequisite: Chem 1A

Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
A continuation of Chemistry 1A. The units of study will include solution equilibria, thermodynamics, coordination compounds, and kinetics. The laboratory will consist of qualitative analysis of cations and anions and the synthesis of some specific compounds. (CAN CHEM 4)

Chemistry 2 - Introductory Chemistry (4 units) (back)

Lecture 3 hours; lab 3 hours
Prerequisite: Math 106 or 106R or 1 yr. high school algebra II
Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
Introduction to fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic theory, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, and solution chemistry. The course stresses problem solving and is designed specifically to prepare the student for Chemistry 1A.

Chemistry 5 - Quantitative Analysis (4 units) (back)

Lecture 2 hours; lab 6 hours
Prerequisite: Chem 1B

Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
The theory and practice of gravimetric and volumetric analysis, electrochemistry and instrumental methods will be discussed. The analysis of unknown samples by both classical and instrumental techniques will be undertaken.

Chemistry 12A - Organic Chemistry (5 units) (back)

Lecture 3 hours;lab 6 hours
Prerequisite: Chem 1B

Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
A study of the fundamentals of organic chemistry with emphasis on underlying concepts. Modern laboratory techniques, including instrumental methods of structure determination. Recommended for chemistry majors, chemical engineering majors, most biology majors, and for pre-medical and pre-dental students.

Chemistry 12B - General Chemistry (5 units) (back)

Lecture 3 hours; lab 6 hours
Prerequisite: Chem 12A

Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
A continuation of Chemistry 12A.

Chemistry 30A - Fundamentals of Chemistry (3 units) (back)

Lecture 2 hours; lab 3 hours

Prerequisite: Math 103 or 103R or 1 yr. of high school Algebra
Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
An elementary course covering the basic principles of inorganic chemistry and an introduction to organic chemistry. For non-science majors. Especially designed for the RN candidate and majors in the following four-year programs: Physical Education, Administration of Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Dental Hygiene, and Home Economics (except Dietetics). Not recommended for science majors. (CAN CHEM 6)

Chemistry 30B - Fundamentals of Chemistry (3 units) (back)

Lecture 2 hours; lab 3 hours
Prerequisite: Chem 30A

Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University
A continuation of Chemistry 30A with emphasis in the fields of organic and introductory biochemistry.

Chemistry 50 - Chemical Skills (1 unit) (back)

Laboratory 3 hours by arrangement.
Strongly recommended for students below the minimum assessment levels for Chem 1A.

This course is designed to strengthen the basic skills requred in Chem 1A. Included will be units from mathematics, measurement, chemical formulas, chemical equations, ahd chemical problem solving. Credt/No Credit Option.

Chemistry 100 - Special Topics (.5-3 units) (back)

Lecture and/or lab .5 to 9 hours
The course will explore topics related to this descipline and will be offered as needed. See the class schedule for current offerings. Credt/No Credit Option.

 

• Schedule of Classes