General Chemistry Foundations 1 (CHEM 1206) Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Overview

Introduction to General Chemistry

This syllabus outlines the structure, requirements, and learning outcomes for CHEM 1206, the first course in a two-course series covering foundational topics in general chemistry. The course is designed for college students and covers essential concepts such as matter, measurement, atomic structure, electron configuration, periodic trends, bonding, and molecular structure.

• Course Code: CHEM 1206

• Credit Hours: 3

• Instructor: Dr. Nikki Robishaw

• Delivery: In-person lectures, online homework, and digital resources

Course Description

Main Topics Covered

CHEM 1206 introduces students to the basic facts, principles, theories, and methods of general chemistry. The following topics are included:

• Matter and Measurement

• Atomic Structure

• Electron Configuration

• Periodic Trends

• Chemical Bonding

• Molecular Structure

Additional topics such as mathematical operations, lab techniques, and aqueous reactions may be included as part of the course series.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Objectives

Upon successful completion of CHEM 1206, students will be able to:

• Understand the basic facts, principles, and theories of general chemistry, including atomic structure and chemical bonding.

• Apply scientific reasoning and problem-solving strategies to chemical phenomena.

• Interpret and analyze chemical data, including atomic properties and electron configurations.

• Communicate chemical concepts effectively in written and oral formats.

• Work collaboratively in laboratory and group settings.

Pre-requisites

Mathematics Placement

• Math Placement Level R or higher

• Completed MATH1148 or MATH1120, or currently enrolled in these courses

Required Materials

Textbook and Online Resources

• Textbook: "Chemistry: Structure and Properties" (3rd edition) by Nivaldo J. Tro

• Online Homework: Mastering Chemistry via Carmen

• Calculator: Scientific calculator (TI-30XS, TI-30XIIS, TI-30X, TI-30XB, TI-84)

• Computer: Mac (MacOS) or PC (Windows 10) with internet, webcam, and microphone

• Tablet for Digital Notetaking: Optional, for enhanced note-taking

• BuckeyePass: Mobile device for authentication

• Microsoft Office 365: Free for students

Course Structure and Grading

Assessment Components

Grades are based on a combination of online homework, participation, quizzes, exams, and a cumulative final exam. The breakdown is as follows:

Item	Delivery Location & Platform	Weighting (%)
Online Homework	At-home using Mastering Chemistry via Carmen	15%
Participation & Engagement	In-class using Carmen	10%
Quiz (Checkpoints) (4 of them)	At-home using Carmen	14%
Exams (3 of them)	In-class using Carmen	36%
Cumulative Final Exam	In-person using Carmen	25%

Policies and Procedures

Attendance and Absences

• Illness-related Absences: Notify the instructor for extended absences due to illness.

• Faith-related Absences: Up to three absences for religious observances are permitted with advance notice.

Assignment Policies

• Assignments must be submitted by the due date and time.

• Late submissions may incur penalties unless excused for illness or religious observance.

• Online homework assignments are accessible through MyLab & Mastering on Carmen.

Communication and Support

Instructor Contact

• Email: [e-mail]

• Office: CN 282

• Office Phone: [phone]

• Office Hours: Thursdays 11:30-12:30pm and by appointment

Technical Support

• Contact IT Service Desk for Carmen, BuckeyePass, and Office 365 support

Key Concepts in General Chemistry

Definitions and Examples

• Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space. Example: Water, air, and rocks are all forms of matter.

• Measurement: The process of quantifying physical properties such as mass, volume, and temperature. Example: Measuring the mass of a sample using a balance.

• Atomic Structure: The arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom. Example: The carbon atom has 6 protons, 6 neutrons, and 6 electrons.

• Chemical Bonding: The interaction between atoms that leads to the formation of molecules. Example: The covalent bond in a water molecule ($H_2O$).

• Periodic Trends: Patterns in the properties of elements across the periodic table. Example: Atomic radius decreases across a period.

Important Equations

• Density: $\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$

• Mole Concept: $1 \text{ mole} = 6.022 \times 10^{23} \text{ particles}$

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

Example Application

• Calculating the number of moles in 18 grams of water ($H_2O$): $\text{Moles} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Molar Mass}} = \frac{18\,g}{18.02\,g/mol} = 1\,mol$

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure and expectations for General Chemistry students. For detailed content on each topic, refer to the textbook and lecture notes.