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Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

General and Introductory Chemistry Education

While the entire Chemistry Department shares the responsibility of teaching general and introductory chemistry courses, the following faculty have invested considerable effort in developing pedagogy and materials to invest our students with the strongest possible foundation in basic chemistry.

Table 1: Educational Specialists
Name Rank Discipline(s)
Dermot Donnelly-Hermosillo, Ph.D. Associate Professor Chemical Education
Joseph Gandler, Ph.D. Professor Organic Chemistry

The following is a summary of our lower division offerings. It is important to choose the courses that fit your academic goals. Read the catalog for more complete descriptions.

Table 2: General and Introductory Chemistry Courses
Course Number Course Name

CHEM 1A-1B

CHEM 1AL-1BL

General Chemistry - 2 semester sequence for science related majors, pre-med, pre-dental, pharmacy, etc.
CHEM 3A
Introductory Chemistry - less rigorous than 1A, for applied science and non-science majors.
CHEM 3B
Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry - an introduction to organic and biochemistry for health-oriented professions other than the pre-professional programs noted above.
CHEM 8
Elementary Organic Chemistry - for students who need a one semester course in organic chemistry.
CHEM 10
Chemistry and Society - for non-science majors to gain perspective on how chemistry is applied to and impacts today's society (not for students with college credit in chemistry).

The Chemistry Department also provides specific courses for those who seek a career in teaching, as well as interdisciplinary courses in science that provide units in general education.

Table 3: Natural Science Courses
Course Number Course Name
NSCI 1A
Integrated Science: Physics and Chemistry - Basic concepts and misconceptions in physics and chemistry; of special interest to K-6 teachers.
NSCI 4
Science and Nonsense: Facts, Fads, and Critical Thinking - This course fulfills GE requirement A3 (Critical Thinking) by critically examining pseudoscientific beliefs vs. arguments based on the process of science.
NSCI 116
Energy, Technology, and Society - Examines the role that chemistry, physics, and technology play in our society. Designed especially for students planning careers as elementary school teachers.