CHEMISTRY 121: General Chemistry for Health Sciences – Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to CHEMISTRY 121

This course is a comprehensive survey of inorganic chemistry tailored for students in nursing and allied health sciences. It covers foundational topics in general chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodicity, stoichiometry, states of matter, equilibrium, solution chemistry, and nuclear chemistry. The course integrates both lecture and laboratory components to provide theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

• Course Credits: 5-credit laboratory science

• Format: Hybrid (online lectures, in-person labs)

• Prerequisite: Basic algebra proficiency

• Instructor: Dr. Michael E. Miller

Course Structure and Requirements

Materials and Resources

• Internet Access: Required for Canvas assignments and lecture videos

• Calculator: Must support logarithmic and exponential functions

• Textbook: Free downloadable textbook available via Canvas

Lecture Component

• Online video lectures with accompanying quizzes

• Lecture notes and practice problems provided

• Quizzes are open notes and must be completed before each lab

Laboratory Component

• In-person labs scheduled weekly

• Lab exercises and write-ups required for each session

• Lab quizzes follow each experiment

• Attendance is mandatory; no make-up labs

Exams and Grading

• Four in-person exams, each covering specific chapters

• Exam format: multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and written response

• Practice exams and study guides available on Canvas

• Strict policies on lateness and academic honesty

Grading Breakdown

Category	Number	Points Each	Total Points
First-Day Assignment	1	5	5
Lecture Video Quizzes	18 (out of 20)	5	90
Laboratory Exercises	14 (out of 16)	10	140
Lab Quizzes	14 (out of 16)	10	140
Exams	4	150	600
Total Possible Points			975

Grade Conversion Table

This table shows the conversion from percentage scores to decimal grades for transcripts.

%	Grade	%	Grade
100	4.0	79	2.7
99	4.0	78	2.6
98	4.0	77	2.5
97	4.0	76	2.4
96	3.9	75	2.4
95	3.9	74	2.3
94	3.8	73	2.2
93	3.7	72	2.1
92	3.6	71	2.1
91	3.6	70	2.0
90	3.5	69	1.9
89	3.4	68	1.8
88	3.3	67	1.7
87	3.3	66	1.6
86	3.2	65	1.5
85	3.1	64	1.4
84	3.0	63	1.3
83	3.0	62	1.2
82	2.9	61	1.1
81	2.8	60	1.0
80	2.7	59	0.0

Course Topics and Chapter Outline

Chapter Titles and Main Topics

• Chapter 1: Matter and Measurement

• Chapter 2: Atoms and the Periodic Table

• Chapter 3: Ionic Compounds

• Chapter 4: Molecular Compounds

• Chapter 5: Classification and Balancing of Chemical Reactions

• Chapter 6: Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships

• Chapter 7: Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rates, and Equilibrium

• Chapter 8: Gases, Liquids, Solids

• Chapter 9: Solutions

• Chapter 10: Acids and Bases

These chapters align with standard general chemistry topics, including atomic theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry.

Course Calendar and Progression

Weekly Schedule and Major Activities

• Lecture Videos: Assigned weekly, covering specific chapter slides

• Laboratory Sessions: Weekly, each with a unique experiment and quiz

• Exams: Four major exams, each covering several chapters

• Practice Exams and Study Guides: Available for exam preparation

Sample Laboratory Topics

• Chemical Changes

• Taking Measurements

• Determining the Formula of a Compound

• Bright Lights (likely atomic emission/absorption)

• Copper and Copper Compounds

• Lewis Structures

• Producing Water

• Chemical Equations

• Stoichiometry

• Chemical Kinetics

• Le Chatelier's Principle

• Gas Laws

• Melting Points of Solids

• Solubility

• Solution Preparation

• Titration

These laboratory topics reinforce key concepts from the lecture and provide hands-on experience with chemical principles and techniques.

Policies and Academic Support

Attendance and Participation

• Mandatory attendance for labs and exams

• Strict lateness and absence policies

• No make-up opportunities for missed labs or exams

Academic Integrity

• Any form of academic dishonesty results in a maximum grade of 2.0

• Student conduct governed by WAC Codes

Support Resources

• Online chemistry tutors available

• Study guides and laboratory keys posted on Canvas

• Instructor available for questions during laboratory sessions

Summary of Key General Chemistry Concepts Covered

• Matter and Measurement: Properties of matter, units, and measurement techniques

• Atomic Structure and Periodicity: Structure of atoms, periodic trends, and the periodic table

• Chemical Bonding: Ionic and molecular compounds, Lewis structures

• Chemical Reactions: Types, classification, balancing, and stoichiometry

• States of Matter: Properties and behavior of gases, liquids, and solids

• Solutions and Solubility: Preparation, concentration, and solubility principles

• Chemical Kinetics and Equilibrium: Reaction rates, energy changes, and equilibrium concepts

• Acids and Bases: Properties, reactions, and titration techniques

• Laboratory Techniques: Measurement, experimental design, and data analysis

Additional info: The syllabus provides a structured approach to general chemistry, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills. The course is designed to prepare students for further study in health sciences and related fields.