CHEM 161 - Basic Chemistry for the Health Sciences

Units: 4 ; Breadth Area: GE-B1, GE-B3
A one semester, terminal course in chemistry for students preparing for careers in health-related sciences including nursing. Covers basic inorganic and organic chemistry, and an introduction to biochemistry. Lecture Units: 3; Lab Units: 1.

Co-requisites: STAT 100 or MATH 115; or MATH 120, MATH 125, or MATH 130.
Credit Restrictions: Not for Chemistry or Biochemistry major or minor credit; not open to students with credit for CHEM 165.

Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B1 - Lower Division Physical Science, GE-B3 - Lower Division Laboratory Activity
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

classify matter and explain the physical and chemical properties of matter, and physical and chemical changes of matter;
demonstrate an understanding of the composition of atoms, isotopes, and ions and their relationship to atomic number, mass number, and charge;
demonstrate an understanding of the differences between ionic and covalent bonding of compounds in terms of their composition, properties, electron interactions, and Lewis structures;
apply the concept of mole to solving mathematical problems involving molar mass, molarity, and mass to mole conversions;
demonstrate an understanding of pH, strong and weak acids, bases, and electrolytes;
classify organic compounds by functional groups, and identify by name using IUPAC nomenclature;
predict the properties of organic compounds based on their functional groups and predict the product of common organic reactions;
differentiate composition, properties, and biochemical reactions of the biological compounds: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, DNA and RNA;
work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment to perform general chemistry procedures.

B1. Physical Science Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical sciences;
demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method; and
describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.

B3. Laboratory Activity Learning Outcomes

Apply their knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical and sciences through laboratory activities;
apply their understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method in a laboratory setting; and
demonstrate accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry, while completing laboratory activities.