Chemistry
Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry at Ventura College offers a variety of lower-division courses covering general, organic, and biochemistry topics meant to prepare students for degrees in science, veterinary medicine, and healthcare as well as satisfying most general education science requirements through on site as well as partially online (online/onsite) offerings in both lecture and laboratory settings. A background in chemistry is essential for many fields. Opportunities await the chemist in such fields as medicine and pharmaceuticals, metals and polymers, petroleum, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, forensics, aerospace, paper, food technology, business, and education.
Note: All students taking a laboratory course must attend the entire mandatory safety lecture given at the start of the first class meeting or may be dropped from the class unless prior arrangements are made with the instructor.
This course is an introduction to matter and energy, atomic structure, nomenclature, chemical equations, stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, quantum chemistry, bonding, molecular geometry, oxidation-reduction, liquids and solids, and solutions.
The laboratory provides the student with experience in applying the principles developed in General Chemistry I lecture. Quantitative experiments that illustrate the fundamental laws of chemistry are emphasized.
This course presents a detailed study of chemical equilibrium, kinetics, electrochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, and a brief introduction to organic chemistry and nuclear reactions.
The laboratory provides the student with experience in applying principles developed in the General Chemistry II lecture, including experiments in kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, thermochemistry, qualitative analysis, and organic chemistry.
This course stresses molecular structure, chemical and physical properties, and the preparation of organic compounds with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms, structure determination, synthesis, and applications.
This course covers the utilization of the techniques of experimental organic chemistry, including physical and chemical methods of purification, separation, and structure determination, with an emphasis on synthesis and mechanisms. Infrared spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography are used extensively in this course.
This course continues the study of functional groups such as carboxylic acids and their derivatives, carbonyls, amines, and phenols. The emphasis is again on reaction mechanisms, structure determination using nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy, synthesis, and applications. A major part of this course is devoted to the study of biochemistry.
This course covers the utilization of the techniques of experimental organic chemistry, including chemical and physical separations, purification, chemical syntheses, extraction methods, and structure determinations, with an emphasis on functional group analysis, reactivity, and mechanisms. Extensive use of infrared spectroscopy, and analysis of gas chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectra will be included.
This course includes fundamental theories, laws, and techniques of general chemistry, together with their more important applications, drill in chemical formulas, equations and calculations.
This course is an introduction to laboratory techniques. The experiments illustrate typical chemical reactions and the principles covered in the lecture.
This course is an introduction to organic and biological chemistry. It covers the preparation, chemical properties, physical properties, and applications of both organic and biological compounds.
This course is an introduction to organic and biological chemistry laboratory. The reactions and properties of both organic and biological compounds will be studied.
This course is for biological and health science majors. General, organic and biological chemistry are studied with an emphasis placed on medical applications. Topics in general chemistry will include the modern view of the atom, molecules, chemical compounds, and reactions. Topics in organic chemistry will include hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Topics in biochemistry will include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and metabolism.
This course consists of laboratory investigations of general, organic, and biological chemistry with an emphasis on medical applications. Experiments in general chemistry will include measuring densities, the separation of mixtures, and chemical reactions. Experiments in organic chemistry will include examining the properties of hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Experiments in biochemistry will include examining carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
This course offers specialized study opportunities for students who wish to pursue projects not included in the regular curriculum. Students are accepted only by a written project proposal approved by the discipline prior to enrollment.