Chemistry

Lindsay Groce
509.793.2157

Aaron Mahoney


chemistry@bigbend.edu

Chemistry courses may be taken as part of the Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree or as part of the Associate in Science-Transfer (AS-T 1) degree. Within the Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree, these courses may be used toward the Natural Science Breadth requirement or for Specified or General Elective credit. Students seeking Associate in Arts and Science DTA degree should refer to the catalog section “Degrees & Certificates” for a detailed description of the degree, its program outcomes, and courses that will satisfy degree requirements.

Within the Associate in Science-Transfer degree, chemistry courses satisfy the AS-T 1 Chemistry pre-major. The Associate in Science-Transfer degree allows students to prepare for upper division study toward a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry (as well as other sciences). This degree gives students the opportunity to make substantial progress toward fulfilling major requirements while completing at least half of the Breadth requirements for Humanities and Social Science. Chemistry is a known as the central science because it is the study of the structure and behavior of all materials. This includes everything from the most infinitesimal particles to the vastness of the cosmos. A major in chemistry prepares students for career fields such as medicine, pharmacology, environmental science, engineering, education, ecology, or public service, and forensic science. The chemistry program provides courses to meet a variety of student needs.

For science and engineering majors, up to one year of college transfer course work is available (General Chemistry). The following recommended courses prepare students for most baccalaureate institutions, but students should still consult the program outlines published by the college or university to which they intend to transfer to make sure the courses taken here are in alignment with the specific transfer program. Students should prepare their quarterly schedules with the assistance of an advisor knowledgeable in this transfer area.

Degree Requirements:

To earn the Associate in Science-Transfer degree, a student must:

  • Complete their degree within three years from the quarter of entry based on the catalog in use at time of entering BBCC. After that date, students must meet any changes in graduation.
  • Complete at least 90 transferable credits in courses numbered 100 or above with a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher.
  • Earn a grade of at least a 1.0 in each college level course used in the degree.
  • Complete and submit an application for graduation to the Student Administrative Support Services Office before a degree with be awarded.

Note: No course may be used more than once for meeting degree requirements. Courses being used for the basic or breadth requirements in the Associate in Science-Transfer degree may not be taken pass/fail.

Courses

CHEM& 105: Chemical Concepts

Credits 5
This course is intended for non-science majors. The focus is on fundamental topics of chemistry such as; atoms and molecules, periodic table, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and radioactivity as they relate to current society. This class is intended to increase scientific literacy in non-science majors. This class can also provide some preparation for students with a limited chemistry background planning to continue on to CHEM& 121. This course is distinct from CHEM& 110 in both content and practice.

CHEM& 110: Chemical Concepts w/Lab

Credits 5

This course is intended for non-science majors. It will provide a basic introduction to chemical principles as they apply to the structure and behavior of matter with an emphasis in examples and application from everyday life. This course can prepare students with limited chemistry background who are planning to pursue further chemistry courses. The course does not meet the chemistry requirement for pre-nursing or nursing degrees. This course is distinct in content and practice from CHEM& 105.

CHEM& 121: Intro to Chemistry

Credits 5

This course is designed primarily for the allied health student. In addition this class serves students wanting an introductory chemistry course prior to the full year CHEM& 161,162,163 sequence. Topics include basic chemical vocabulary, atomic structure, stoichiometry, periodic behavior of elements and compounds, gases, liquids, solids, solutions, water and equilibria. The course includes 22 hours of laboratory. Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce classroom learning as well as providing hands on experience with chemical reactions. Relevance of course material to current practices in chemistry is a fundamental focus.

CHEM& 131: Intro to Organic/Biochem

Credits 5

This course is designed for Allied Health transfer students and for students wanting an introductory organic chemistry course in preparation for a complete organic chemistry sequence at a baccalaureate institution. Topics include an introduction to alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, an exploration of common functional groups, and organic nomenclature. The course also explores the relationship of organic compounds such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and enzymes with the human body. CHEM& 131 includes 25-30 hours of laboratory. Laboratory exercises are designed to reinforce classroom learning as well as providing hands on experience with chemical reactions.

CHEM& 161: General Chem w/Lab I

Credits 5

The first in a three-quarter series examining the principles of General Chemistry with the primary emphasis on inorganic chemistry. This series is designed for physical science majors, pre-medical, pre-veterinary and pre-pharmacy students, and for students who are required to take one or more quarters of majors-level chemistry. Topics include: matter and measurements, atoms, molecules and ions, chemical formulas, chemical reactions and equations, electronic structure of atoms and periodic properties of elements.

CHEM& 162: General Chem w/Lab II

Credits 5

The second in a three-quarter series examining the principles of General Chemistry with the primary emphasis on inorganic chemistry. Topics include: Chemical equilibrium, gas laws, molecular geometry, introduction to solution chemistry (acids and bases, precipitation reactions, redox chemistry), reaction rates and states of matter. Relevance of course material to current practices in chemistry is a fundamental focus.

CHEM& 163: General Chem w/Lab III

Credits 5

The final course in a three-quarter series examining the principles of General Chemistry with the primary emphasis on inorganic chemistry. Topics include acid-base chemistry, chemical equilibria, solubility, nuclear reactions, and electrochemistry. An introduction to organic chemistry and an introduction to inorganic qualitative analysis are included. A portion of the laboratory component is devoted to inorganic qualitative analysis..