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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Chemistry

Chemistry

Overview

American River College’s chemistry program offers you a high quality education whether you are seeking to transfer to a four-year college, obtain an Associate’s Degree, or seeking to obtain career technical education. The highly trained faculty in the Chemistry Department is committed to rigorous academic standards, offering a large selection of classes at a variety of day and night times, a student-friendly atmosphere, and interactive classes. Our diverse faculty is dedicated to teaching and learning. They have backgrounds that cover all aspects of chemistry. The department provides hands-on experiential learning as well as access to a nationally award-winning peer assisted tutorial program (Beacon).

Degrees Offered

  • A.S. in General Science

Associate Degree

A.S. in General Science

This program provides a broad study in the fields of biological and physical sciences in preparation for transfer to a four-year program and continuation of studies in upper division science courses.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 181
Physical Science Courses
ASTR C1001 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 310 The Solar System (3)
ASTR 320 Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (3)
ASTR 330 Introduction to Astrobiology (3)
ASTR C1001L Introduction to Astronomy Lab (1)
ASTR 481 Honors Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and Cosmology (4)
ASTR 495 Independent Studies in Astronomy (1 - 3)
ASTR 499 Experimental Offering in Astronomy (0.5 - 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 310 Chemical Calculations (4)
CHEM 338 Chemistry In Your World (3)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 423 Organic Chemistry - Short Survey (5)
CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry (1 - 3)
CHEM 499 Experimental Offering in Chemistry (0.5 - 4)
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)
GEOG 307 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOG 308 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOG 309 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOG 391 Field Studies in Geography: Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 392 Field Studies in Geography: Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 393 Field Studies in Geography: Arid Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 394 Field Studies in Geography: Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOG 495 Independent Studies in Geography (1 - 3)
GEOG 499 Experimental Offering in Geography (0.5 - 4)
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 320 Global Climate Change (3)
GEOL 325 Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters (3)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 331 Introduction to Oceanography Lab (1)
GEOL 345 Geology of California (3)
GEOL 392 Field Studies in Mountain Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 393 Field Studies in Coastal Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 394 Field Studies in Volcanic Landscapes (1 - 4)
GEOL 495 Independent Studies in Geology (1 - 3)
GEOL 499 Experimental Offering in Geology (0.5 - 4)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311 Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 312 Conceptual Physics Laboratory (1)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 410 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (5)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PHYS 495 Independent Studies in Physics (1 - 3)
PHYS 499 Experimental Offering in Physics (0.5 - 4)
Biological Science Courses
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ANTH 370 Primatology (3)
ANTH 480 Honors Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 495 Independent Studies in Anthropology (1 - 3)
ANTH 499 Experimental Offering in Anthropology (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 301 Evolution (3)
BIOL C1000 Introduction to Biology with Lab (4)
BIOL 304 Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology (4)
BIOL 305 Natural History (4)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
BIOL 322 Ethnobotany (3)
BIOL 332 Introduction to Ornithology (4)
BIOL 342 The New Plagues: New and Ancient Infectious Diseases Threatening World Health (3)
BIOL 352 Conservation Biology (3)
BIOL 370 Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 375 Marine Ecology (3)
BIOL 390 Natural History Field Study (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 415 Introduction to Biology: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
BIOL 482 Honors Marine Biology (4)
BIOL 495 Independent Studies in Biology (1 - 3)
BIOL 499 Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
BIOT 301 Biotechnology and Human Health (3)
BIOT 305 Introduction to Bioinformatics (1)
BIOT 307 Biotechnology and Society (2)
BIOT 311 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Molecular Techniques (2)
BIOT 312 Biotechnology Laboratory Methods - Microbial and Cell Culture Techniques (2)
BIOT 499 Experimental Offering in Biology (0.5 - 4)
NATR 300 Introduction to Natural Resource Conservation and Policy (4)
NATR 301 Introduction to Ornithology (4)
NATR 302 Introduction to Wildlife Biology (4)
NATR 303 Energy and Sustainability (3)
NATR 304 The Forest Environment (3)
NATR 305 Fisheries Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 306 Introduction to Rangeland Ecology and Management (4)
NATR 307 Principles of Sustainability (4)
NATR 310 Study Design and Field Methods (4)
NATR 320 Principles of Ecology (4)
NATR 322 Environmental Restoration (3)
NATR 324 Field Studies: Birds and Plants of the High Sierra (2)
NATR 330 Native Trees and Shrubs of California (4)
NATR 332 Wildflowers of California (4)
NATR 346 Water Resources and Conservation (3)
NATR 495 Independent Studies in Natural Resources (1 - 3)
NATR 499 Experimental Offering in Natural Resources (0.5 - 4)
PSYC 310 Biological Psychology (3)
PSYC 311 Biological Psychology Laboratory (1)
Total Units: 18

1must be transfer-level and must include one laboratory course in a physical science and one laboratory course in a biological science

The General Science 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 ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • evaluate new and accepted ideas about the natural universe using scientific methods.
  • analyze a wide variety of natural phenomena using basic definitions and fundamental theories of biological or physical sciences.
  • apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze pertinent data.
  • outline the basic concepts and fundamental theories of a natural science.
  • articulate orally and/or in writing the importance of continuous examination and modification of accepted ideas as a fundamental element in the progress of science.
  • discuss ethical components of scientific decision making and apply personal and social values within the process of decision making in scientific endeavors.

Chemistry (CHEM) Courses

CHEM 82 Strategies for Problem Solving in Introduction to Chemistry

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 305; Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 305.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 305 at American River College, with content that is specific to CHEM 305. Pass/No Pass only.

CHEM 83 Strategies for Problem Solving in General, Organic and Biological Chemistry

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 309
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 309 at American River College. Pass/No Pass only.

CHEM 84 Strategies for Problem Solving in General Chemistry I

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 400; Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 400
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 400 at American River College, with content specific to CHEM 400. Pass/No Pass only.

CHEM 85 Strategies for Problem Solving in Chemical Calculations

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 310; Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 310.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 310 at American River College, with content that will be specific to CHEM 310. Pass/No Pass only.

CHEM 86 Strategies for Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry I

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:Concurrent enrollment in CHEM 420 (Organic Chemistry I).
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 420 at American River College, with content specific to CHEM 420. Pass/No Pass Only.

CHEM 87 Strategies for Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry II

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 421
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 421 at American River College.

CHEM 88 Strategies for Problem Solving in Short Survey Organic Chemistry

  • Units:0.75
  • Hours:40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 423
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course develops analytical reasoning strategies, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities for both quantitative and qualitative problems in organic chemistry. It is designed to support students enrolled in CHEM 423 at American River College.

CHEM 130 Chemistry for Funeral Service

  • Units:4
  • Hours:72 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Corequisite:BUS 340, FSE 310, and FSE 320
  • Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Funeral Service Education program.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of the basic principles of chemistry as they relate to funeral service. Topics include chemical principles involved in sanitation, disinfection, public health, and embalming practices. It also covers the development and use of personal, professional, and community sanitation practices, as well as use of and precautions related to potentially harmful chemicals that are currently used in the field of funeral service.

CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry

  • Units:5
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Successful completion of Algebra I/Integrated Math 1 or Beginning Algebra or through the Los Rios Math Placement Process.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit Limitation: CHEM 305, CHEM 306 and CHEM 400, CHEM 401 combined: maximum credit, 1 series; No 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; Part of C-ID PHYS 140
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers general principles of chemistry, such as unit analysis, atomic structure, nomenclature, mole concept, stoichiometry, and gases. It also introduces organic chemistry and biochemistry. This course is primarily designed for allied health majors.

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 (UC Credit Limitation: CHEM 305, CHEM 306 and CHEM 400, CHEM 401 combined: maximum credit, 1 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

This course is a continuation of CHEM 305. It covers the organic functional groups and reactions involved in the chemistry of life (biochemistry) as applied to the health sciences.

CHEM 309 Integrated General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

  • Units:5
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Successful completion of Algebra I/Integrated Math 1 or Beginning Algebra or through the Los Rios Math Placement Process.
  • Corequisite:CHEM 83
  • Advisory:One year of high school chemistry with a grade of "C" or better; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • 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 students majoring in nursing and other health-related fields. Topics include general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry as they apply to the chemistry of the human body. This course satisfies the requirements of those health-career programs which require one semester of chemistry. Students enrolled in this course are strongly encouraged to co-enroll in CHEM 83.

CHEM 310 Chemical Calculations

  • Units:4
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Algebra II/Integrated Math 3 or Intermediate Algebra or through the Los Rios Math Placement Process.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course introduces calculations, terminology, chemical techniques, and laboratory techniques. It provides intensive problem solving skills necessary for CHEM 400.

CHEM 338 Chemistry In Your World

  • Units:3
  • Hours:40.5 hours LEC; 40.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Completion of elementary algebra with a "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • C-ID:C-ID CHEM 100
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course forms links between chemistry and various academic disciplines. It explores the connection of chemistry to each and every one of us. This course begins with an introduction to the periodic table, basic atomic structure, and compounds. It covers fundamental concepts by analyzing environmental, health, social, historical, economic, cultural, and current scientific problems in chemical contexts. It applies the scientific method, introduces essential chemical laboratory techniques, and enhances research, written and oral communication skills.

CHEM 400 General Chemistry I

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Successful completion of Algebra II/Integrated Math 3 or Intermediate Algebra or through the Los Rios Math Placement Process AND one of the following: 1) CHEM 310 with a grade of "C" or better; or, 2) Previous chemistry course (such as CHEM 305, CHEM 309, or a full year of high school chemistry) with a grade of "C" or better AND a passing score on the Chemistry Assessment Test at American River College.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit Limitation: CHEM 305, CHEM 306 and CHEM 400, CHEM 401 combined: maximum credit, 1 series; No 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 110; Part of C-ID CHEM 120S
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course covers the basic principles of chemistry with an emphasis on chemical calculations, chemical reactions including balancing of complicated reduction-oxidation (REDOX) reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, atomic structure and bonding theories, ionic equations, solutions, intermolecular forces and phases of matter, and acid/base chemistry including titrations and pH. Laboratory work is devoted to investigations of the theoretical work discussed in lecture.

CHEM 401 General Chemistry II

  • Units:5
  • Hours:54 hours LEC; 108 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 400 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit Limitation: CHEM 305, CHEM 306 and CHEM 400, CHEM 401 combined: maximum credit, 1 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 principles of chemistry with emphasis on equilibria, bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry. A brief introduction to organic chemistry is included. Laboratory work is devoted to quantitative and qualitative analysis and experiments dealing with the theoretical work discussed in lecture.

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 (UC Credit Limitation: CHEM 420 and CHEM 423 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
  • 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 is designed to prepare students who are majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering, for transfer to a four-year institution, or to prepare students for entrance into professional schools in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, or dentistry. Emphasis is on the application of modern principles regarding structure, reactivity, methods of synthesis and physical properties of carbon compounds.

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 covers general physical and chemical properties of aromatic compounds, ethers, carbonyl compounds, amines, carbonyl derivatives, and biological compounds of interest. It also includes mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Special attention is given to development of reaction mechanisms, methods of organic synthesis, and instrumental analysis as they apply to organic chemistry.

CHEM 423 Organic Chemistry - Short Survey

  • Units:5
  • Hours:72 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:CHEM 401 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC (UC Credit Limitation: CHEM 420 and CHEM 423 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5A; Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is a survey of carbon containing compounds with emphasis on organic compounds of biological interest. Students learn topics that include organic functional groups, infrared spectroscopy, and mechanisms of reactions. This course is designed primarily for students majoring in the life sciences, nutrition/dietetics, and related fields. It is not recommended for students majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or chiropractics.

CHEM 495 Independent Studies in Chemistry

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

Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.

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