Course Description
This course explores chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solution pH, buffers, and chemical kinetics. Students will analyze reaction dynamics, equilibrium shifts, and the factors influencing reaction rates, building essential skills for advanced studies in chemistry and the life sciences.
Topics
- Quantitative and Stoichiometric Reasoning Students develop core quantitative skills-mole calculations, molar mass, and stoichiometry-to analyze chemical reactions, including those involving gases, solutions, and redox processes.
- Gas Laws and Chemical Equilibrium The course examines the behavior of gases and the principles governing equilibrium in gaseous and aqueous systems, emphasizing the dynamic nature of reversible reactions.
- Acid-Base Chemistry Students explore the properties, equilibria, and reactions of acids and bases, including pH, buffer systems, and titrations, through both conceptual and quantitative lenses.
- Thermodynamics and Reaction Energetics Key thermodynamic principles-including the First and Second Laws, entropy, and Gibbs free energy-are used to evaluate the spontaneity and energy changes in chemical reactions.
- Redox Reactions and Electron Transfer The course concludes with oxidation-reduction processes, focusing on electron flow, energy transfer, and stoichiometric analysis of redox systems.
Expected Effort
At UC schools, 1 credit hour typically requires about 3 hours of student work per week. Actual class meeting times may vary by course.
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
Skills Needed:
- Prerequisites: CHEM.X001_A (General Chemistry I) with a grade of C or better or equivalent non-UCSC course. Previous or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus or higher.This course is intended for postbaccalaureate students. UCSC undergraduates should follow their major's course requirements.
- Live-Online Attend via Zoom at scheduled times.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Meeting Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, 09-24-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-01-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-08-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-15-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-22-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 10-29-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 11-05-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 11-12-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 11-19-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 12-03-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Live-Online | REMOTE |
| Thu, 12-10-2026 | 6:00pm | 9:00pm | Final Exam | REMOTE |
NOTE: SECTION DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. COURSE MODALITY AND DATES TBD.
Weeks 1-10 will consist of three hours of lecture. Information regarding the final week and exam will be provided by the instructor. Required textbook and materials will also be announced by the instructor. No meeting on November 26, 2026.
The laboratory is a separate offering and requires separate enrollment.
Access to the course site and materials in Canvas will be available approximately 24 hours prior to the published start date. To view all meeting dates, click Full Schedule below.
|| Skills Needed:
Prerequisites / Skills Needed
This course applies to these programs: