CHE 1111 Chemistry 1: Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to General Chemistry I

This course provides a foundational understanding of chemistry, focusing on the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and quantitative problem-solving. It is designed for students pursuing careers in science or related fields and aims to develop both conceptual and practical laboratory skills.

• Course Number and Title: CHE 1111 Chemistry 1

• Credit Hours: 4 credit hours

• Academic Term: Fall 2025

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Lorraine Laguerre

• Office Location: FSC 213

• Office Hours: M 10:50 am – 12:30 pm; T 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm; W 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm; F 10:50 am – 11:00 am or by appointment

• Email: [e-mail]

Course Delivery and Description

Delivery Mode

Classes are held face-to-face in assigned rooms and times, divided into sections with different instructors and schedules.

Course Description

This course is designed for students pursuing careers in the sciences or related disciplines. It covers the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic properties, and the behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. Laboratory work is integrated to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop practical skills.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Chemistry: Structure and Properties 3rd Edition by Tro (with access to Mastering Chemistry online platform).

• Scientific Calculator: Students should bring a calculator to class and exams (not a phone or electronic device).

• Online Access: Canvas LMS for course materials, assignments, and announcements.

Course Objectives and Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Explain the basic concepts and principles of chemistry, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

• Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the structure and properties of matter at the atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels.

• Balance chemical equations and perform stoichiometric calculations.

• Identify different forms of energy and manipulate the conversions between them.

• Relate the chemical and physical properties of elements to their positions in the periodic table.

• Determine bonding arrangements and predict molecular structure and geometry.

• Apply the ideal gas law to relate pressure, volume, temperature, and amount of gas.

• Demonstrate proficiency in basic laboratory techniques.

Course Assessment and Grading

Assessment Components

• Exams (3 x 12% = 36%): Three equally weighted exams covering comprehension and application.

• Final Exam (15%): Cumulative, administered during exam week.

• Laboratory (25%): Includes prelab assignments, lab reports, post-lab assignments, quizzes, and a final exam. Passing the lab is required to pass the course.

• Homework (15%): Weekly assignments on Mastering Chemistry, due by 11:59 pm on the due date.

• Quizzes/Participation (5%): In-class or online quizzes and participation in discussions.

• Attendance Policy (4%): Attendance is mandatory; absences must be excused in advance for valid reasons.

Assignment and Evaluation Methods

Assignment/Evaluation	Weight
Attendance	4%
Quizzes/Participation	5%
Homework (lowest grade dropped)	15%
Exams (3 x 12% each)	36%
Final Exam	15%
Laboratory	25%
Total	100%

Grading Scale

Numeric Grade	Letter Grade	GPA Equivalent	Keyword
90-100%	A	4.0	Mastery
80-89%	B	3.0	Proficiency
70-79%	C	2.0	Competency
60-69%	D	1.0	Formality
<60%	F	0	Insufficiency

Course Schedule

Tentative Weekly Schedule

Week	Topics	Chapter/HW due dates
Week 1	Syllabus, Essentials: Units, Unit Conversions, and Problem Solving	Ch. E
Week 2	Continuation of Ch. E and Atoms	Ch. 1
Week 3	Continuation of Ch. 1 and the Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom	Ch. 1 and Ch. 2, HW #1 due 9/5
Week 4	Continuation of Ch. 2	HW #2 due 9/12
Week 5	Molecules and Compounds; Periodic Properties and the Elements	Ch. 3, HW #3 due 9/19
Week 6	Chemical Bonding I	Ch. 4, HW #4 due 9/26
Week 7	Continuation of Ch. 4	HW #5 due 10/3
Week 8	Chemical Bonding II	Ch. 5, HW #6 due 10/10
Week 9	Continuation of Ch. 5	HW #7 due 10/17
Week 10	Fall Break	Enjoy!
Week 11	Chemical Bonding II	Ch. 6, HW #8 due 10/31
Week 12	Chemical Reactions	Ch. 7, HW #9 due 11/7
Week 13	Continuation of Ch. 8 Solutions	Ch. 8
Week 14	Thanksgiving Break – NO CLASSES
Week 15	Thermochemistry	Ch. 9, HW #10 due 12/8
Week 16	Gases
FINAL EXAMS	Final Exam Day and Time TBD

Academic Policies and Integrity

• Attendance: Required for all lectures and laboratories. Absences must be excused in advance for valid reasons.

• Honor Code: Students are expected to uphold academic integrity and honesty in all coursework.

• Use of AI Tools: Permitted for brainstorming, editing, and certain assignments, but not for submitting AI-generated solutions as original work.

General Chemistry I: Key Topics Overview

• Units and Measurements: Understanding SI units, unit conversions, and significant figures.

• Atomic Structure: Structure of atoms, subatomic particles, and quantum mechanics.

• Periodic Table: Organization, periodic trends, and properties of elements.

• Chemical Bonding: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds; Lewis structures; molecular geometry.

• Chemical Reactions: Types of reactions, balancing equations, stoichiometry.

• Thermochemistry: Energy changes in chemical reactions, enthalpy, calorimetry.

• Gases: Gas laws, ideal gas equation, and applications.

Example Equation:

• Ideal Gas Law:

$PV = nRT$

• Stoichiometry (General Reaction):

$aA + bB \rightarrow cC + dD$

Additional info: For more detailed explanations and worked examples, refer to the course textbook and weekly assignments.