Chemistry
19 courses · San Diego Miramar College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
CHEM 100 Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introductory study of the language and tools of chemistry. Basic concepts of the structure, properties, interactions of matter and energy are studied, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Emphasis is placed on matter, chemical changes, chemical conversions, chemical bonding, and acid-base chemistry. This course is intended for students majoring in nursing, nutrition, or animal health technology and provides a foundation for further coursework in chemistry, in particular for introductory organic chemistry.
CHEM 100L Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is designed to illustrate the principles of inorganic and physical chemistry and to familiarize students with scientific reasoning, basic laboratory equipment and safe practices, scientific data collection methods and interpretation. This laboratory course is intended for students majoring in nursing, nutrition and allied health sciences, and provides a foundation for future lab work in chemistry.
CHEM 103 General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 64 - 72 hours lecture/48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
This course is a one-semester survey of general, organic, and biological chemistry for nursing and other health-related fields. Topics include general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological chemistry as they apply to the human body. The laboratory component includes qualitative and quantitative experiments as well as analysis of data. This course is intended for students majoring in nursing, nutrition, or allied health fields.
CHEM 111 Chemistry in Society
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
This course emphasizes conceptual, not mathematical, topics in chemistry and scientific thinking. Current issues in environmental chemistry such as energy resources, air and water pollution are explored. Students discuss the effects and controversy surrounding the use of different forms of energy. In addition, current issues in organic and biochemistry are examined including trends in diets, certain medicines and drugs, and household items. Students analyze current trends or news involving chemistry. Topics include a basic understanding of matter and energy, physical and chemical changes, the atom, nuclear chemistry, bonding, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. This course is intended for non-science majors.
CHEM 130 Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 130L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a one-semester course that introduces the basic physical, chemical and structural features of organic and biological compounds. Topics such as bonding, saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, the chemistry of organic functional groups, and the properties of important biological compounds such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are covered. The importance of these compounds in our daily lives is emphasized. This course is designed for nursing, nutrition, and allied health majors.
CHEM 130L Introduction to Organic and Biological Chemistry Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 100L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 130 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a one-semester laboratory course that illustrates the principles presented in introductory organic chemistry. Students are introduced to common organic chemistry laboratory equipment, fundamental organic and biochemical reactions, tests and techniques. Techniques covered include chromatography, recrystallization, and distillation. Tests and reactions of common organic functional groups, carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids are covered. Synthesis of a medicinal compound such as aspirin or a nitrogen-based analgesic is also covered. This course is designed for nursing, nutrition, and allied health majors.
CHEM 152 Introduction to General Chemistry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or placement Milestone M50 or M60 based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- MATH 116 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or MATH 104 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or STAT C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a one-semester preparatory course in chemistry consisting of an intensive study of the principles of inorganic and physical chemistry in preparation for General Chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, chemical nomenclature, periodicity, chemical equations, stoichiometry, solutions, and gas laws. Emphasis is placed on problem solving and chemical calculations. This course is intended for those students majoring in one of the natural sciences, engineering, or related curricula who need to take General Chemistry.
CHEM 152L Introduction to General Chemistry Laboratory
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or placement Milestone M50 based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a one-semester laboratory in the principles of inorganic and physical chemistry in preparation for General Chemistry. Topics include chemical measurement, significant figures, laboratory safety, laboratory techniques, chemical reactions and stoichiometry. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, data analysis and chemical calculations. This course is intended for students majoring in one of the natural sciences, engineering or related curricula who need to take General Chemistry.
CHEM 160 Introductory Biochemistry
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 130 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the chemistry of biochemical reactions and biochemical molecules. Topics include acid/base chemistry; thermodynamics; cell biology; amino acids and proteins; enzymes; lipids; membranes and transport; carbohydrates; metabolism; nucleic acids; and information transfer. This course is designed for students majoring in nutrition, allied health, nursing, and the chemical or life sciences.
CHEM 200 General Chemistry I - Lecture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations. and CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 200L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first course in a two-course sequence in general chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the principles and laws of inorganic chemistry, including quantitative, mathematical problem solving. Topics include chemical equations, stoichiometry, atomic theory and its relationship to periodicity of the elements, bonding theories, molecular geometry, calorimetry, thermochemistry, solution chemistry, liquids, solids, and the gas laws. This course is intended for science majors and all students interested in chemistry.
CHEM 200L General Chemistry I - Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations and CHEM 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 152L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 200 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first-semester laboratory course in a two-course sequence in general chemistry. Emphasis is placed on laboratory experiments that illustrate the fundamental principles and laws of chemical behavior and the properties of matter, including quantitative, mathematical problem-solving. Topics include techniques of data analysis, chemical formulas, equations, stoichiometry and maintenance of a laboratory notebook. This course is intended for science majors and all students interested in chemistry.
CHEM 201 General Chemistry II - Lecture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 200 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 200L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations.
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 201L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second course in a two-course sequence in general chemistry and is intended for students majoring in science or satisfying prerequisites for professional schools. The course covers the principles of physical and inorganic chemistry with an emphasis on quantitative, mathematical problem solving. Topics in the course include chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base theory, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination chemistry and nuclear chemistry. The course also includes an introduction to organic chemistry.
CHEM 201L General Chemistry II - Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of Intermediate Algebra with a grade of C or better or appropriate placement based on California Title 5 regulations and CHEM 200 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 200L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 201 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second-semester laboratory course of a two-course sequence in general chemistry. It is intended for students majoring in science or satisfying prerequisites for professional schools. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental principles of physical and inorganic chemistry. Topics include techniques of data analysis, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, acidic/basic salts, thermochemistry, electrochemistry, and coordination chemistry. Computer skills are introduced and applied to data analysis, laboratory simulations, and computer interfacing with laboratory equipment.
CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I - Lecture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 201 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 201L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 231L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the first semester of a one-year course in organic chemistry. Major themes include, but are not limited to, bonding, molecular structure, isomerism, conformational analysis, nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis. Emphasis is placed on the reactions of aliphatic compounds, such as alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and alcohols. Organic chemistry literature and spectral interpretation using techniques, such as infrared and nuclear magnetic spectroscopies, are introduced to support the above topics. This course is designed for students pursuing a degree in the chemical sciences or training in chemical technology, as well as other transfer students who need organic chemistry as part of preparation for majors, such as molecular biology, premedical, predental, and pharmacy.
CHEM 231L Organic Chemistry I - Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 201 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 201L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 231 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This laboratory course is designed to illustrate the principles presented in the first semester of organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the determination of physical properties and the separation, purification and identification of organic compounds. This course acquaints students with the equipment, glassware, techniques and safe practices specific to the organic chemistry laboratory. Techniques, such as measurement of physical constants, recrystallization, extraction, distillation and chromatography are used in the synthesis and/or characterization of selected classes of organic compounds, such as alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and alcohols. The organic chemistry literature and spectral interpretation using techniques, such as infrared and nuclear spectroscopies, are introduced to support the above topics. This course is designed for students pursuing a degree in the chemical sciences or training in chemical technology, as well as other transfer students who need organic chemistry as part of preparation for majors, such as molecular biology, premedical, predental, and pharmacy.
CHEM 233 Organic Chemistry II - Lecture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 231 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 231L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 233L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second semester of a one-year sequence in organic chemistry. Major themes include, but are not limited to, molecular structure, molecular behavior, nomenclature, reaction mechanisms, and synthesis. Emphasis is placed on the reactions of selected classes of organic compounds, such as alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, amines, benzenoid and heterocyclic aromatics and their derivatives, carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and their bio-organic compounds. The study of these molecules provides a backdrop for exploring the factors that govern particular transformations within a synthetic sequence. The use of print and electronic media and the interpretation of spectroscopic information (such as infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies, and mass spectrometry) for the analysis and differentiation of molecular structures is continued. This course is designed for students pursuing a degree in the chemical sciences or training in chemical technology, as well as other transfer students who need organic chemistry as part of preparation for majors, such as molecular biology, premedical, predental, and pharmacy.
CHEM 233L Organic Chemistry II - Laboratory
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 231 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 231L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: CHEM 233 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is designed to illustrate the principles presented in the second semester of organic chemistry. Emphasis is placed on synthesis, purification and/or characterization of selected classes of organic compounds, including but not limited to aromatics, alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, carboxylic acids, amines, and simple examples of bio-organic molecules. Additional emphasis is placed on multi-step synthetic pathways and product identification using selected methods of qualitative organic analysis such as wet chemical and advanced spectroscopic techniques. Variation of scale from micro- to macro-quantities, and more advanced separation and analytical techniques, distinguish the level of this course from the first semester of organic chemistry laboratory. This course is designed for students pursuing a degree in the chemical sciences or training in chemical technology, as well as other transfer students who need organic chemistry as part of preparation for majors, such as molecular biology, premedical, predental, and pharmacy.
CHEM 251 Quantitative Analytical Chemistry
- Units
- 5
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture/96-108 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- CHEM 201 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and CHEM 201L with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: MATH 121 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or MATH 150 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ENGL 105 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a course in quantitative analysis. Major topics include theory and practice of gravimetric and volumetric methods of chemical analysis and introduction to instrumental methods of analysis with a focus on precision and accuracy of experimental data. This course is intended for students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry and others who need the course for career advancement.
CHEM 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is designed for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of chemistry. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.