General Chemistry I (CH105) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Chemistry I (CH105) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

General Chemistry I (CH105) is the first part of a two-course sequence designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of chemistry. The course covers atomic structure, composition, properties of matter, and chemical reactions, providing a foundation for further study in chemistry, biology, and health sciences.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Chemistry: Atoms First 2e (OpenStax)

• Calculator: Scientific or graphing calculator

• Online Resources: Canvas course materials

Course Goals

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

• Understand key concepts related to the physical and chemical properties of matter.

• Compare and contrast the composition and properties of materials at the microscopic and macroscopic levels.

• Develop problem-solving skills through laboratory and analytical activities.

• Appreciate the relationship between chemistry, technology, and society.

• Work safely in a laboratory setting.

Learning Objectives

• Use SI units to solve problems.

• Describe the structure and components of an atom.

• Name basic ionic and covalent compounds and molecules.

• Describe covalent bonding using hybrid orbitals and molecular orbitals.

• Draw Lewis structures for main group elements and molecules.

• Use stoichiometry to determine quantities of chemicals involved in reactions.

• Classify chemical reactions and predict molecular geometries.

• Understand the difference between covalent, nonpolar, covalent polar, and ionic compounds in the context of electronegativity and solutions.

• Calculate percent yield and theoretical yield.

• Determine the polarity of chemical bonds and molecules.

• Use stoichiometry to determine physical and chemical properties of materials.

Course Topics

Chapter	Topic
1	Essential Ideas
2	Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
3	Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties of Elements
4	Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
5	Advanced Theories of Bonding
6	Composition of Substances and Solutions
7	Stoichiometry of Chemical Reactions
8	Gases
9	Thermochemistry
10	Liquids and Solids
11	Solutions and Colloids (if time allows)

Key Dates

• Exam 1: Friday, September 26th

• Exam 2: Friday, October 31st

• Exam 3: Friday, November 21st

• Final Exam: Tuesday, December 16th, 11:30–13:30

Grading Policy

Your grade for the course will come from the following areas:

• Exams: 4 total, 100 points each, 300 points total

• Quizzes: 11 total, 10 points each, lowest score dropped

• Laboratory: 91 points total

Grades will be assigned according to the following point distributions:

Grade	Maximum	Minimum
A	600	546.1
A-	546.0	526.2
B+	526.1	509.6
B	509.5	491.8
B-	491.7	476.1
C+	476.0	464.1
C	464.0	448.6
C-	448.5	431.4
D+	431.3	414.1
D	414.0	390.3
D-	390.3	360

Keys to Success

• Attend every lecture and actively participate.

• Review notes before and after class.

• Be prepared to ask questions about material you do not understand.

• Study regularly and avoid cramming.

• Work on assigned problems and practice exams.

• Seek help from the instructor during office hours.

Collaboration and Academic Integrity

• All submitted lab work, quizzes, and exams must be performed and submitted by you as an individual.

• Do not copy someone else's work.

• Follow the university's policy on academic integrity.

Accommodations

• Students with documented disabilities should contact the instructor and Student Disability Services for accommodations.

• Religious observance accommodations are available; contact the instructor in advance.

Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• AI tools may be used for certain academic tasks, but must comply with university policies and not violate academic integrity.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure, expectations, and resources for success in General Chemistry I.

• Students are encouraged to use the textbook and online resources for further study and practice.