Course Descriptions
Chemistry Courses
CHEM 114 Survey of Chemistry and Physics (4 units)
Equivalent to PHYS 114. A conceptual survey of physical science (physics and chemistry) intended for non-science majors at the General Education level. A general discussion of the scientific method and techniques are followed by physics, chemistry, and integrated topics. The laboratory portion covers a hands-on exploration of phenomena discussed in lecture. The physics component of the course discusses motion, force, energy, electricity and magnetism, waves and light. The chemistry component of the course focuses on chemicals and reactions common in everyday life. Concepts relating to the nature and interactions of atoms, ions, and molecules are presented. Students also learn to use and evaluate information presented on product labels, in advertisements, and online.
CHEM 192 Elementary Chemistry (4 units)
Comprehensive introductory chemistry course covering basic concepts, theories and laws with emphasis on reasoning and problem solving skills. Topics include but are not limited to chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, electron configuration, atomic orbitals, molecular geometry and bonding. The laboratory component of this course introduces students to both qualitative techniques and quantitative techniques appropriate for data collection, manipulation and analysis of a variety of chemical systems.
CHEM 210 General Chemistry I (5 units)
This course is the first half of a two-semester sequence in general chemistry intended for students pursuing majors in physical sciences, biological sciences and engineering. The topics include atomic theory, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, thermochemistry, periodicity, molecular geometry, gas laws, solution stoichiometry, intermolecular forces and selected topics covering redox and acid-base reactions. The laboratory program includes gravimetric, colorimetric, and selected volumetric methods of analysis. Students are introduced to spreadsheet and graphical analysis of laboratory data and molecular modeling, and perform a variety of computer-interfaced experiments.
CHEM 220 General Chemistry II (5 units)
This course is the continuation of CHEM 210 and is intended for students pursuing majors in physical sciences, biological sciences and engineering. The topics discussed include properties of solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, thermodynamics, spontaneity, electrochemistry, nuclear reactions, and the chemistry of complex ions. The laboratory program extends the use of spreadsheet, graphical analysis and computer interfaced experimentation in acid-base titrations, rates of reactions, electrochemistry and volumetric analysis. A brief qualitative analysis scheme is also carried out in the laboratory program.
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
Introduction to the chemistry of hydrocarbons with emphasis on structure and reactivity of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and conjugated systems. Mechanisms, stereochemistry and spectroscopy are an integral part of the course. Basic synthesis, separation, purification and spectroscopic techniques are introduced in the laboratory. Designed as the first semester of a one-year organic chemistry sequence.
CHEM 232 Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
This course is a continuation of CHEM 231. It introduces the chemistry of aromatic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins with emphasis on synthesis and reaction mechanisms. Laboratory work emphasizes techniques for the synthesis, purification and identification of organic compounds by spectroscopic methods.
CHEM 410 Chemistry for Health Sciences (4 units)
A survey of basic concepts in general, organic and biological chemistry relevant to the allied health science fields including nursing, radiological technology, respiratory therapy, etc.
CHEM 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.
Geography Courses
GEOG 100 Physical Geography (3 units)
A study of the Earth and the processes that create and shape its physical features and landforms. Topics include Earth dimensions and motions, seasons, map reading, weather and climate, tectonic and surface process, landforms, and tools used by geographers. Emphasis is placed on recognizing, describing, and interpreting the spatial distribution of Earth features, the processes that form these features, and their relationship to humanity. Field trip may be required.
GEOG 101 Physical Geography Lab (1 units)
Practical application of the basic concepts of Physical Geography. Students use the tools of geography, such as maps and field observations, to enrich their understanding of the Earth’s physical processes. Topics include Earth-Sun relationships, weather, climate, tectonic and surface processes, landforms, water, and ecosystems. Fieldtrips may be required.
GEOG 110 Cultural Geography (3 units)
Cultural geography is the spatial study of human populations, cultural origins, and the diffusion of cultural expression over time. Topics include demography, the influence of environmental landscape modification, language, religion, political and economic systems, and the role of factors on human settlement, urbanization and technology. Emphasis is placed on the spatial interactions amongst nature, society, and culture.
GEOG 150 World Regional Geography (3 units)
Geographic analysis of the physical, cultural, and population patterns of world regions. A critical examination, with historical context, is also made of the economy and politics, sociocultural issues, environmental issues, and measures of human well-being within each region. This course is aimed at helping students make sense of world events, environments, cultures, conflicts, and lifestyles, and to begin to prepare them for life in an increasingly global community.
GEOG 695 Independent Study (0.5- 3 units)
Designed for students who are interested in furthering their knowledge via self-paced, individualized instruction provided in selected areas or directed study to be arranged with instructor and approved by the division dean using the Independent Study Form. Varying modes of instruction can be used -- laboratory, research, skill development, etc. For each unit earned, students are required to devote three hours per week throughout the semester. Students may take only one Independent Study course within a given discipline.
Physics Courses
PHYS 114 Survey of Chemistry and Physics (4 units)
Equivalent to CHEM 114. A conceptual survey of physical science (physics and chemistry) intended for non-science majors at the General Education level. A general discussion of the scientific method and techniques are followed by physics, chemistry, and integrated topics. The laboratory portion covers a hands-on exploration of phenomena discussed in lecture. The physics component of the course discusses motion, force, energy, electricity and magnetism, waves and light. The chemistry component of the course focuses on chemicals and reactions common in everyday life. Concepts relating to the nature and interactions of atoms, ions, and molecules are presented. Students also learn to use and evaluate information presented on product labels, in advertisements, and online.
PHYS 210 General Physics I (4 units)
Covers basic concepts of physics, including the nature of physics, mechanics, elasticity and simple harmonic motion, waves and sound, fluids, heat and temperature, and the kinetic theory of gases. This course meets general education requirements for a Physical Science.
PHYS 220 General Physics II (4 units)
Basic concepts of physics including the nature of physics, electricity and magnetism, electromagnetic waves, optics, the special theory of relativity, atomic physics, and quantum mechanics.
PHYS 250 Physics with Calculus I (4 units)
This course is the first in a three-semester series designed to provide a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of physics to students majoring in engineering or the physical sciences. Topics include classical mechanics, fluids, and wave motion.
PHYS 260 Physics with Calculus II (4 units)
This course is the second in a three-semester series designed to provide a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of physics to students majoring in engineering or the physical sciences. Topics include electricity, magnetism and electro-magnetic waves.
PHYS 270 Physics with Calculus III (4 units)
This course is the third in a three-semester series designed to provide a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of physics to students majoring in engineering or the physical sciences. Topics include thermodynamics, geometrical and physical optics, and modern physics.
PHYS 405 Applied Radiographic Physics (3 units)
Introduction to the basic ideas about matter, energy, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic radiation, with emphasis on X-ray phenomena. Applications to the interaction of radiation with matter and X-ray circuits are included. This course is required for students pursuing careers as Radiologic Technologists.