CHEM 1120 Syllabus and Study Guide: Introduction to Chemistry for Non-Science Majors

Course Overview

This course provides a qualitative and quantitative introduction to the principles of chemistry for non-science majors and some health professions. Students will learn fundamental concepts in chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, the periodic table, chemical reactions, and basic problem-solving skills.

Course Structure and Requirements

Course Format

• 15-week face-to-face course

• Midterm and Final exams

• Regular class meetings and online participation

Prerequisites

• Reading & Writing Skills: 2

• Math Skills: 2

• Recommended: CHEM 1120L

• Students needing only the prerequisite may be able to take FYEX 1110 as a pre- or co-requisite

Required Materials

• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry by Nivaldo J. Tro (with Mastering Chemistry access)

• Calculator: Scientific calculator with functions for exponentials, logarithms, and basic arithmetic

• CNM Brightspace: Online platform for assignments and resources

Technical Skills Required

• Read and follow directions

• Complete basic algebraic calculations and use a scientific calculator

• Use a computer and the internet

• Use Brightspace, including uploading/downloading documents

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Use different systems of measurement and perform conversions within and between them.

2. Identify elements from their names and symbols, use the periodic table to describe reactivity patterns, and predict compound formation.

3. Describe the basic structure of an atom using subatomic particles and apply these concepts to nuclear reactions.

4. Describe the difference between covalent and ionic compounds, name and write formulas for simple compounds.

5. Write and balance chemical equations, use balanced equations in stoichiometric calculations.

6. Describe differences between solid, liquid, and gas phases; use the gas laws in calculations and apply these laws to everyday situations.

7. Explain different types of energy and how energy is released or absorbed in a reaction.

8. Describe characteristics and behaviors of acids and bases and the nature of buffer solutions.

9. Identify organic compounds, name simple hydrocarbons and functional groups.

10. Predict solubility and solubility trends with temperature and pressure; perform calculations using percent mass, molarity, dilution, and solution stoichiometry.

Course Requirements and Grading

• Study the Chapter and Attend Class: Use the textbook, lecture slides, and practice problems.

• Homework: Assigned weekly, submitted via Mastering Chemistry.

• Exams: Two midterms and one final exam, proctored at the assessment center.

• Participation: Attendance and participation in class discussions are required.

Grading Scale

Percentage	Grade
100–90%	A
89.9–80%	B
79.9–70%	C
69.9–60%	D
<60%	F

Weekly Schedule (Sample)

Week	Topics	Assignments/Exams
1	Introduction, measurements, properties	Mastering Chemistry Homework, Math Review
2	Math, Quantitative skills	Reading Chapter 2, Mastering Chemistry
3	Atoms, Quantum mechanics, Electron configurations	Mastering Chemistry Chapter 4
4	Exam 1 (Ch 1-4)	Exam 1
5	Chemical composition	Mastering Chemistry Chapter 5
6	Chemical reactions	Mastering Chemistry Homework
7	Stoichiometry	Mastering Chemistry Chapter 6
8	Exam 2 (Ch 5-8)	Exam 2
9	Intermolecular forces, Organic chemistry	Mastering Chemistry Chapter 12
10	Acids and bases	Mastering Chemistry Chapter 13
11	Final Exam (all chapters)	Final Exam

Additional info: The schedule above is a sample and may be adjusted according to the instructor's plan.

Policies and Additional Information

• Attendance: Required for all class sessions.

• Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to the CNM Academic Integrity Policy.

• Accessibility: Accommodations are available for students with disabilities through CNM Accessibility Services.

• Support Services: Tutoring, TRIO, Veteran Services, and PaperCut printing are available.

Key Chemistry Concepts (for Non-Science Majors)

Measurement and Units

• SI Units: Standard units for scientific measurement (meter, kilogram, second, mole, etc.).

• Unit Conversion: Use conversion factors to change from one unit to another.

• Example: Convert 5.0 grams to kilograms: $5.0\ \text{g} \times \frac{1\ \text{kg}}{1000\ \text{g}} = 0.005\ \text{kg}$

Atomic Structure

• Atoms: Composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Atomic Number ($Z$): Number of protons in the nucleus.

• Mass Number ($A$): Total number of protons and neutrons.

• Isotopes: Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons.

• Example: Carbon-12 ($^{12}\text{C}$) has 6 protons and 6 neutrons.

Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry

• Chemical Equation: Represents a chemical reaction using symbols and formulas.

• Balancing Equations: The number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides.

• Stoichiometry: Calculations based on the relationships between reactants and products.

• Example: $2\text{H}_2 + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow 2\text{H}_2\text{O}$

States of Matter and Gas Laws

• States: Solid, liquid, gas.

• Gas Laws: Describe the relationships between pressure, volume, temperature, and amount.

• Boyle's Law: $P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$ (at constant temperature)

• Charles's Law: $\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}$ (at constant pressure)

Acids, Bases, and Solutions

• Acids: Substances that donate protons ($\text{H}^+$).

• Bases: Substances that accept protons or donate hydroxide ions ($\text{OH}^-$).

• pH Scale: Measures acidity or basicity: $\text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+]$

• Solution Concentration: $\text{Molarity} = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}}$

Organic Chemistry (Introduction)

• Organic Compounds: Contain carbon and hydrogen, often with other elements.

• Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms that determine chemical properties (e.g., alcohols, carboxylic acids).

• Example: Methane ($\text{CH}_4$) is the simplest hydrocarbon.

Additional info: These study notes are based on the course syllabus and schedule for CHEM 1100, an introductory chemistry course for non-science majors. The content is not directly related to College Algebra, but provides foundational chemistry concepts and skills.