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CHEM121 Chemistry I

Department of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Chemistry

I. Course Number and Title

CHEM121 Chemistry I

II. Number of Credits

4 credits

III. Number of Instructional Minutes

4500

IV. Prerequisites

MATH120 (C or better) and Chemistry Placement Exam Score of 1

Corequisites

None

V. Other Pertinent Information

Four-hour lecture and two-hour laboratory per week. Safety glasses or goggles required. Non-programmable, non-graphing scientific calculator required.

This course meets the General Education requirement for Scientific Literacy.
This course meets the General Education requirement for Quantitative Literacy.

VI. Catalog Course Description

Science and engineering majors take this lecture and laboratory course to study fundamental theories and principles of chemistry. Topics include stoichiometry, atomic/molecular structure, bonding, states of matter, changes of state, and solutions. A quantitative study of each area is stressed; a strong background in chemistry and mathematics is required.

VII. Required Course Content and Direction

Chemistry 121(General Chemistry I) is a college level chemistry course for Science and Engineering majors. Students intending to transfer to a four-year institution will complete their basic level chemistry requirements with Chemistry 121 and Chemistry 122 (General Chemistry I and II).

Students intending to take this course require a background in chemistry, such as the one provided by a General Chemistry program in high school or any other introductory chemistry course. Students should be familiar with the elements, their symbols, and the periodic table. Students should have a basic understanding of the properties of matter and chemical reactions, including stoichiometry, in order to succeed in this course. Students will need to apply the concepts learned in College Algebra in Chemistry 121.

As one of the Natural Sciences, chemistry has evolved out of careful observation and experimentation; as technology evolves, so does the body of chemical knowledge. This course will integrate important technological advances and their impact in the formulation of chemical principles and their applications. The laboratory component of the course will help to illustrate and apply some of these technological advances.

Chemistry I is a qualitative and quantitative study, both in the classroom and the laboratory, of matter and energy as they relate to the chemical properties of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions. These properties are correlated with atomic structure, chemical bonding, and the periodic law. Certain conceptual models, such as atomic orbitals, ideal gases, solutions, and the mole are utilized to predict the chemical properties of real systems.

Course Learning Goals

Students will:
1. apply mathematical concepts and methods to chemical phenomena and to chemical problems;
2. recognize the basic vocabulary and notation of chemistry, develop an awareness of the origin of scientific knowledge, and realize the importance of experimental verification of such knowledge;
3. demonstrate an understanding of some of the basic theories and concepts of chemistry and be able to use these in verbal, mathematical, and graphical representations [Scientific Literacy]. These include:
4. demonstrate an understanding of the following laws governing chemical phenomena, and be able to apply these laws to the solution of qualitative and quantitative problems [Quantitative Literacy]. These include:
5. demonstrate basic laboratory skills as they pertain to: safety, management of both qualitative and quantitative work, ability to draw conclusions from experiments, and understanding the importance of technological advances and scientific knowledge.
Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities

Course Outline:
1. Introduction to Chemistry
2. Measurement
3. Atoms, Molecules and Ions
4. Chemical Reactions
5. Calculations with Chemical Formulas and Equations
6. Gaseous State
7. Thermochemistry
8. Atomic Structure
9. The Periodic Table
10. Bonding
Laboratory Experiments:
While specific laboratory experiments vary depending on the instructor and the semester, the following list is representative of the experiments that are used:
1. Safety Practices in the Chemistry Laboratory
2. Measurement of Mass and Volume
3. Measurement and Significant Figures
4. Density and % Composition: Graphical Interpretation
5. Precipitation Reactions: Balancing Net Ionic Equations
6. Formula and Composition of a Hydrate
7. The Stoichiometry of a Reaction
8. Titration of Acids and Bases
9. Evaluation of the Gas Law Constant
10. Determination of the Specific Heat of a Metal
11. Determination of the Heat of Formation of MgO
Learning Activities:
Instruction aims to enable the student to:
1. describe the classifications of matter and energy;
2. apply atomic theory to the understanding of chemical formulas, the Law of conservation of mass, the Law of Definite Proportions, and the Law of Multiple Proportions;
3. discuss chemical equations and their interpretation in accordance with the Law of Conservation of Mass;
4. understand the mole and its use with respect to formulas and equations;
5. define in a qualitative and quantitative manner the energy changes accompanying physical and chemical changes;
6. discuss the Gas Laws and their interpretation in accordance with the Kinetic Theory;
7. integrate the mole concept with gas behavior;
8. understand the qualitative aspects of the step-by-step determination of atomic structure;
9. describe the Periodic Law and its relationship to atomic structure;
10. discuss ionic and covalent bonds as related to periodicity and atomic structure;
11. use the bonding theory as it applies to concepts, such as nomenclature, formula writing, and acid and base properties;
12. carry out collection, evaluation, and interpretation of experimental data, as well as exercise proper handling and disposal of chemicals in a safe and environmentally responsible manner;
13. work as a member of a team in solving classroom problems and in the laboratory;
14. use appropriate current technology in the laboratory to obtain data and understand the impact recent technology has on the field;
Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
Course learning goals are continuously assessed by: periodic written examinations, class exercises, laboratory preparation, laboratory results, laboratory reports, and assigned work.
Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students will use approved text, laboratory modules and handouts, laboratory and demonstration equipment, library, science learning center, and computer programs. Please refer to the course syllabus for specific information.

Review/Approval Date - 3/99; Core Goals/Objectives added 2/05; Revised 6/08; New Core 8/2015

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