Mar 15, 2026  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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CHM 210 - Inorganic, Organic, and Biochemistry


Description
CHM 210 is designed to emphasize selected topics in general chemistry and introduce topics in organic and biological chemistry.  Emphasis is on measurement, bonding, acids and bases, and the classes, physical properties, and reactivity of organic molecules. These concepts are applied to the study of biomolecules and biological pathways.  Chemistry skills and knowledge consistent with a passing grade in a prior chemistry course are expected and used repeatedly in CHM 210.
Credit Hours: 5
Contact Hours: 6
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $20.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Dental Hygiene, A.A.A.S.
General Education Requirement:
Natural Sciences
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
Natural Sciences: Adapt and evaluate processes to find solutions to multistep or multi component problems. (NS1), Natural Sciences: Apply general science or mathematics principles to explain an observed phenomenon or the results of an experiment. (NS2), Natural Sciences: Discern relevant and irrelevant information when seeking the solutions to problems. (NS4), Natural Sciences: Use calculation and measurement to solve problems, and use estimation to evaluate if the outcome to the problem is reasonable. (NS5)
Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Use dimensional analysis to set-up and solve multistep problems, discern relevant and irrelevant information, and evaluate if the outcome is reasonable. (NS1)

2. Use the theory of intermolecular forces to explain and predict the physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, and solvation of common organic substances. (NS2)

3. Use bonding theory to develop hypotheses around structure and geometry of common inorganic and organic chemicals and use molecular modeling to verify predictions and develop and express conclusions. 

4. Select appropriate information to solve pH and pOH problems. (NS5)

5. Discern relevant and irrelevant information when solving weak acid/base and buffer problems and evaluate if the solution is reasonable. (NS4)

6. Apply knowledge of collision theory and chemical kinetics to explain and solve chemical equilibrium problems. (NS5)

7. Identify, name, and draw the major classes of organic compounds.

8. Discern relevant information when predicting the chemical and physical properties of the common classes of organic molecules. 

9. Use the theory of reactivity to develop hypotheses to predict the outcomes of various organic reactions (oxidation and reduction, hydration, dehydration etc.)  and use experimentation to study and verify outcomes and express conclusions. (NS4)

10. Identify the different types of biochemical molecules and know their essential chemical characteristics that make them indispensable for life.

11. Explain how 3-dimensional structure and chirality relates to the properties of carbohydrates.

12. Apply theories based in structure and reactivity of organic molecules to biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids. 

13. Use the theories of acids/bases and intermolecular forces to predict the properties of amino acids and use structural information to understand the role of these molecules in protein structure.

14. Demonstrate appropriate laboratory techniques.

15. Use effective writing and oral communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and outcomes of laboratory experiments.

16. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue. (CT1)

17. Complete work accurately, with attention to detail. (PR3)
Course Outline:
I. Matter

    A. Pure substances

    B. Mixtures

        1. Homogeneous
        2. Heterogeneous

    C. Physical properties and changes

    D. Chemical properties and changes

    E. Atoms and molecules

II. Measurement

    A. Metric system

    B. Significant figures

    C. Scientific notation

    D. Dimensional analysis

    E. Density

III. Atomic Structure

    A. Subatomic particles

    B. Atomic number and mass number

    C. Isotopes

    D. Atomic masses of elements

    E. Periodic Law and the Periodic Table

IV. Bonding Models

    A. Ionic bonding model

        1. Structure of ionic compounds
        2. Sign and magnitude of ionic charge
        3. Lewis structures for ionic compounds
        4. Polyatomic ions

    B. Covalent bonding model

        1. Lewis structure drawing
        2. VSEPR theory
        3. Electronegativity

    C. Polarity of molecules

    D. Intermolecular forces in molecules

    E. Intermolecular forces in a solution

V. Stoichiometry

    A. Atomic mass in terms of grams and moles

    B. Balancing chemical reactions

    C. Chemical calculations in a reaction

    D. Percent yields

    E. Solution stoichiometry

        1. Molarity
        2. Percent by mass

VI. Chemical Reactions

    A. Classifications of reaction

    B. Redox reactions

    C. Collision theory

    D. Kinetics

    E. Chemical equilibrium

VII. Acids and Bases

    A. Strong and weak acids

    B. Strong and weak bases

    C. pH calculation

    D. Ka and pKa

    E. Buffers and pH

    F. Salts

VIII. Saturated Hydrocarbons

    A. Bonding

        1. Cyclic and acyclic

    B. Structural formulas

    C. Nomenclature of alkanes

    D. Drawing alkanes

    E. Cycloalkanes

    F. Physical properties

IX. Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

    A. Alkenes and cycloalkenes

    B. Nomenclature

    C. Isomerism

    D.  Reactions of alkenes

        1. Hydrogenation
        2. Halogenation
        3. Hydrohalogenation
        4. Hydration

    E. Alkynes

    F. Aromatic hydrocarbons

X. Alcohols, Phenols, and Eithers

    A. Bonding  and structure

    B. Nomenclature

    C. Physical properties

    D. Classifications

    E. Preparation from alkene

    F. Reactions of alcohols

        1. Oxidation of primary
        2. Oxidation of secondary

    G. Phenols

    H. Physical properties of phenols

    I. Ethers

    J. Thiols

XI. Aldehydes and Ketones

    A. Carbonyl functional group

    B. Aldehyde and ketones groups

    C. Nomenclature

    D. Physical properties

    E. Oxidation and reduction of aldehydes

    F. Oxidation and reduction of ketones

XII. Carboxylic Acids and Esters

    A. Physical properties

    B. Preparation

    C. Acidity

    D. Reactions

    E. Preparation

    F. Esters

XIII. Amines and Amides

XIV. Carbohydrates

    A. Classification of carbohydrates

    B. Chirality

    C. Stereoisomerism

    D. Monosaccharides

    E. Cyclic monosaccharides

    F. Haworth projection

    G. Reactions

    H. Disaccharides

    I. Polysaccharides

XV. Lipids

    A. Classification

    B. Types of fatty acids

    C. Triglycerides

XVI. Proteins

    A. Amino acids

    B. Structures of proteins

    C. Functions

XVII. Enzymes

    A. Structures

    B. Classifications

    C. Models

    D. Functions


Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 45-55%

Classroom discussion: 5-15%

Classroom demonstrations/problems: 5-15%

Facilitated laboratory discussion: 5-10%

Instruction on laboratory equipment: 5-10%

Individualized instruction in lab: 5-10%

Laboratory experiments: 5-20%
Mandatory Course Components:
Students in CHM 210 are required to write a paper over a topics or article selected by the instructor
Equivalent Courses:
None


Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 99
Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 4
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 2
People Soft Course ID Number: 101042
Course CIP Code: 51.9999
Maximum Course Enrollment: 40
General Room Request: 5th floor of CSC
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: NA
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of STEM
Department: Physical Sciences
Discipline: CHM
First Term Valid: Fall 2019 (8/1/2019)
1st Catalog Year: 2019-2020
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), 18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
None
Last Revision Date Effective: 2018-2019
Course Review & Revision Year: 2025-2026
Essential Abilities/Technical Standards:

The Grand Rapids Community College Chemistry faculty has specified essential abilities and technical standards critical to the success of students in any GRCC chemistry course. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in these courses. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities and technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

1.  Essential judgment skills include the ability to identify, assess, and comprehend situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.  Specifically, students must be able to:

  • Apply mathematical concepts to solve problems
  • Discern relevant and irrelevant information when solving problems
  • Express knowledge of the appropriate level of chemistry in written and/or  verbal formats
  • Draw conclusions based on knowledge and experimental results
  • Recognize unsafe situations  in a laboratory environment

2.  Essential physical/neurological functions include the ability to use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Students must meet expectations necessary to safely perform tasks required to study chemistry, which include the need for manual dexterity and the ability to use sight and hearing. Specifically, students must be able to:

  • Manipulate equipment and glassware to prepare for and conduct laboratory procedures
  • Write in a laboratory notebook during the course of a laboratory experiment
  • Observe and note changes (in color, sound, etc.) as experimental conditions progress or change
  • Operate a computer for the purposes of inputting or graphing data and writing laboratory reports
  • Operate analytical instrumentation for the purpose of collecting and analyzing data in the course of scientific study and experimentation
  • Read and /or hear laboratory directions that involve either experimental procedures or safety concerns
  • Tolerate odors and chemicals commonly found in a chemistry laboratory
  • Inform the course instructor of any allergies (chemical, latex etc.) that may lead to an allergic reaction

3.  Essential communication skills include the ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Physical Sciences department. Specifically, students must be able to:

  • Understand written and verbal direction when completing tasks and assignments associated with the lecture portion of science courses
  • Understand written and verbal directions when completing laboratory tasks and assignments
  • Understand written and verbal directions when following all   Departmental safety rules and procedures
  • Communicate any issues that involve health or safety in a laboratory environment
  • Use information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

4.  Essential emotional coping skills include the ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of scientific discovery.  Specifically, students must be able to:

  • Engage in multitasking without becoming overly stressed
  • Practice safe laboratory procedures and be mindful of the safety of others
  • Realize that exposure to chemicals can have consequences if the correct safety procedures are not followed
  • Collaborate with lab partners to complete a task in the classroom or laboratory
  • Cooperate with others and work in groups or alone as indicated by a particular course

5.  Essential intellectual/conceptual skills include the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of Chemistry. Specifically, students must be able to:

  • Select appropriate methods to solve mathematical problems
  • Use a calculator to complete calculations
  • Use a computer to generate graphs and reports
  • Use equipment and instrumentation to make measurements
  • Analyze complex graphical data and/ or concepts
  • Express an understanding of the concepts learned in chemistry in written form or verbally

6.  Other essential behavioral attributes include the ability to engage in activities consistent with safe practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Physical Sciences Department and as a developing professional in the field of chemistry consistent with accepted standards of practice.

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

  • With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Physical Sciences.
  • Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of (field of study) and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the (field of study) office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.





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