CHEM 131/031 Principles of Chemistry – Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, objectives, and expectations for CHEM 131/031: Principles of Chemistry. The course covers foundational topics in general chemistry, including matter, measurement, atomic structure, chemical reactions, and laboratory techniques. The course is designed to develop both conceptual understanding and practical laboratory skills.

Course Objectives

• Utilize standard laboratory equipment and techniques safely and effectively.

• Make observations, collect and interpret data, and analyze results.

• Apply theoretical concepts to understand observed chemical properties and reactions.

• Construct simple graphs to present data.

• Connect chemical data to solutions for basic problems.

• Interpret and solve problems that include a combination of concepts across all topics in this course.

• Describe the major components of the atom and their location in the atom.

• Write balanced chemical equations, name compounds, and predict the products of reactions.

• Relate macroscopic and microscopic features of matter.

• Apply the Gas Laws, stoichiometry, and Kinetic Molecular Theory to solve gas problems.

• Describe the Periodic Table and use it to predict chemical and physical properties.

• Apply the Quantum Mechanical Model to describe atomic structure and explain types of chemical bonds.

• Describe and predict molecular shapes using Lewis structures and VSEPR theory.

• Compare and contrast intermolecular forces in compounds and their influence on physical properties.

• Analyze and solve quantitative problems involving chemical reactions, solutions, and gases.

Course Structure and Grading

CHEM 031 (Exploration)

Category	Points Each	Best Of	Total Points
Developmental Practice	10	25 of 27	250
Good Habits	10	10	100
Final Exam	150	1	150
Total	500 points

CHEM 131 (Principles of Chemistry)

Category	Points Each	Best Of	Total Points
Weekly Preparation	3	12 of 14	36
Discussion Group	3	12 of 14	36
Weekly Quizzes	2	12 of 14	24
Practice Portfolios	3	12 of 14	36
Prelab Assignments	2	12 of 14	24
Lab Reports	10	10	100
Exams	100	4 of 5	400
Lab Practical	100	1	100
Final Exam	244	1	244
Total	1000 points

Points Earned	Letter Grade
900 – 1000	A
800 – 899	B
700 – 799	C
600 – 699	D
Below 600	F

Major Topics and Weekly Schedule

Week	Topic	Chapter
1	The Chemical World, Math & Measurement, Problem Solving	Chapters 0 & 1
2	Matter, Measurement and Problem-Solving	Chapters 1 & 2
3	Atoms and Elements	Chapters 2 & 3
4	Molecules and Compounds	Chapter 3
5	Chemical Reactions and Chemical Quantities	Chapter 4
6	Introduction to Solutions and Aqueous Reactions	Chapter 4
7	Gases and Gas Laws	Chapter 5
8	Thermochemistry	Chapter 6
9	The Quantum Mechanical Model of the Atom	Chapter 7
10	Periodic Properties of the Elements & Chemical Bonding	Chapters 8 & 9
11	Chemical Bonding II, Molecular Shapes	Chapters 9 & 10
12	Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces	Chapter 11
13	Solutions	Chapter 12
14	Review for ACS Final Exam	All course materials

Lab Schedule (Selected Experiments)

Week Of	Experiment
September 4	Safety & Orientation / Chapter 1 Lecture Topics
September 11	Measurement in the Laboratory & Chemical and Physical Changes
September 18	Density and Determination of Percent Alcohol
September 25	Three Chemical Reactions
October 2	Analysis of a Hydrate
October 9	Eight Bottles
October 16	Titration of an Acid with a Base
October 23	Determination of Acetic Acid in Vinegar
October 30	Molar Volume of a Gas
November 6	Determining Chemical Formulas
November 13	Elements: Their Properties and Relationships
November 20	LAB PRACTICAL EXAM
November 27	NO LAB – THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 4	Bonding and Molecular Geometries
December 11	Review for ACS Final Exam

Key Course Policies and Success Strategies

• Preparation: Complete assigned readings and preparation guides before class. Submit prelab assignments before lab sessions.

• Participation: Attend all class sessions, participate in discussions, and complete assignments on time.

• Practice: Work through assigned and extra practice problems. Maintain a practice portfolio for self-assessment.

• Performance: Grades are based on a combination of assignments, quizzes, lab reports, exams, and participation.

• Academic Honesty: All work must be your own. Collaboration is encouraged for understanding, but not for copying answers or calculations.

• Support: Utilize office hours, the Science Learning Center, and online resources for additional help.

Major Chemistry Topics Covered

• Matter, Measurement & Problem Solving: Classification of matter, units of measurement, significant figures, dimensional analysis.

• Atoms & Elements: Atomic theory, structure of the atom, isotopes, periodic table organization.

• Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations: Types of chemical bonds, molecular and empirical formulas, writing and balancing chemical equations.

• Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions: The mole concept, stoichiometry, solution concentrations, types of aqueous reactions.

• Gases: Gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’s, Avogadro’s, Ideal Gas Law), kinetic molecular theory.

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

• Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom: Electron configuration, quantum numbers, atomic orbitals.

• Periodic Properties of the Elements: Trends in atomic size, ionization energy, electron affinity.

• Chemical Bonding: Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, molecular geometry, polarity.

• Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces: Types of intermolecular forces, properties of liquids and solids.

• Solutions: Solution formation, concentration units, colligative properties.

Lab Techniques and Procedures

• Proper use of laboratory equipment (balances, glassware, burettes, etc.).

• Measurement of mass, volume, and temperature.

• Preparation and standardization of solutions.

• Observation and recording of chemical changes.

• Data analysis and error calculation.

• Safe laboratory practices and chemical waste disposal.

Exam and Assessment Structure

• Multiple in-semester exams covering specific chapters.

• Lab practical exam focusing on laboratory techniques and concepts.

• Comprehensive ACS Final Exam covering all course material.

Academic Integrity

• All submitted work must be original and reflect your own understanding.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration are strictly prohibited.

• Refer to the Montgomery College Student Code of Conduct for details.

Additional Info

• For detailed weekly topics, lab schedules, and assignment due dates, refer to the course Blackboard site and class calendar.

• Contact your instructor for accommodations or additional support as needed.