General Chemistry I (CHE1401) – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

General Chemistry I (CHE1401) – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational introduction to the principles of chemistry, focusing on the structure of matter, chemical reactions, atomic theory, periodicity, chemical bonding, and laboratory techniques. It is designed for first-year college students in science and engineering disciplines.

Course Structure and Materials

Textbook and Resources

• Primary Textbook: Brown, Theodore, E. et al. (2021). Chemistry: The Central Science, Expanded Edition, 15th Global Edition in SI units. Pearson. ISBN 9781292408897.

• Supplementary Materials: Homework assignments, lecture slides, and video lectures available on Canvas.

• AI Tools: Students may use AI-powered study tools provided with the textbook for self-study, but not for graded assignments unless authorized.

Course Format

• Lectures: Twice weekly (Tue. & Thu.), 11:30am - 12:50pm.

• Laboratory Sessions: Weekly, starting from the second week. Attendance and preparation are mandatory.

• Office Hours: Available for additional support and clarification of course material.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

• ILO1: Understand significant figures in scientific calculations.

• ILO2: Demonstrate mastery of mole calculations.

• ILO3: Demonstrate mastery of thermochemistry calculations.

• ILO4: Understand the electronic structure of atoms and ions.

• ILO5: Conduct chemistry experiments, generate data, and draw scientific conclusions.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

The following table outlines the main topics and laboratory experiments covered each week:

Week	Chapter/Topic	Laboratory Experiment
1	Ch. 1: Introduction: Matter and Measurement	/
2	Chemistry laboratory and Safety	Lab Safety
3	Ch. 2: Atoms, Molecules, and Ions	Experiment 1: Basic laboratory techniques
4	-	Experiment 2: Identification of substances by physical properties
5	-	Experiment 3: Separation of the components of a mixture
6	Ch. 3: Stoichiometry: Calculations with Chemical Formulas and Equations	Experiment 4: Chemical formulas
7	-	Experiment 5: Chemical reactions
8	Examination I (Chapters 1-3)	Experiment 6: Vinegar analysis
10	Ch. 4: Aqueous Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry	-
11	Ch. 5: Thermochemistry	Experiment 7: Reactions in aqueous solutions
12	Ch. 6: Electronic Structure of Atoms	Experiment 8: Analysis of bleach
13	-	Experiment 9: Bomb calorimetry
14	Ch. 7: Periodic Properties of Elements (Flipped learning mode)	Experiment 10: Flame test; Lab review session
15	Ch. 8: Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding	-
16	Ch. 9: Chemical Thermodynamics	-
17	Examination III (comprehensive: chapters 10-20)	-

Key Topics Covered

• Ch. 1: Matter, Energy, and Measurement

• Ch. 2: Atoms, Molecules, and Ions

• Ch. 3: Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry

• Ch. 4: Reactions in Aqueous Solution

• Ch. 5: Thermochemistry

• Ch. 6: Electronic Structure of Atoms

• Ch. 7: Periodic Properties of the Elements

• Ch. 8: Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding

• Ch. 9: Chemical Thermodynamics

• Lab Techniques: Safety, measurement, separation, chemical analysis, calorimetry, and flame tests.

Assessment and Grading

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of quizzes, examinations, laboratory work, and participation. The following table summarizes the grade distribution:

Evaluation Procedure	Grade Contribution (%)
Quizzes (6 total, including pop quizzes)	15
Examination I	15
Examination II	15
Examination III (comprehensive)	20
Forum discussion assignments (2)	10
Classroom participation	5
Laboratory work (10 labs + lab exam)	20
Total	100%

Attendance Bonus: Up to 2 points may be added based on attendance (bonus = 2 - (# absences ÷ 3)).

Laboratory Policies and Safety

• Lab sessions begin in the second week. Preparation is required before each session.

• Lab reports are due at the end of each session.

• Strict safety protocols must be followed: lab coats, appropriate attire, and no eating or drinking.

• Lab safety training and manuals are provided in the first session.

Exams and Quizzes

• Quizzes may be announced or unannounced and are based on lecture and reading material.

• Exams are computer-based and require the LockDown Browser for security.

• No make-up exams or quizzes except for documented extenuating circumstances.

Academic Integrity and Conduct

• All students must adhere to the university's academic integrity policy. Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of dishonesty are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.

• Professional and respectful behavior is expected at all times in class and laboratory settings.

Summary of Main Chemistry Topics

• Matter and Measurement: Classification of matter, physical and chemical properties, units of measurement, and significant figures.

• Atomic Structure: Structure of atoms, subatomic particles, isotopes, and atomic mass.

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

• Stoichiometry: Balancing chemical equations, mole concept, and quantitative relationships in reactions.

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

• Periodic Properties: Trends in the periodic table, such as atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity.

• Laboratory Techniques: Measurement, separation, analysis, and safety procedures.

Example: Significant Figures in Scientific Calculations

• Definition: Significant figures are the digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one digit that is estimated.

• Rules:

  • All nonzero digits are significant.

  • Zeros between nonzero digits are significant.

  • Leading zeros are not significant.

  • Trailing zeros are significant only if there is a decimal point.

• Example Calculation: $0.004560$ has 4 significant figures.

Example: The Mole Concept

• Definition: The mole is the SI unit for amount of substance, defined as the amount containing $6.022 \times 10^{23}$ entities (Avogadro's number).

• Formula: $\text{Number of moles} = \frac{\text{mass (g)}}{\text{molar mass (g/mol)}}$

• Application: Used to relate mass, number of particles, and volume in chemical calculations.

Additional info:

• This syllabus covers all major foundational topics in general chemistry, including laboratory safety and experimental skills, which are essential for further study in chemistry and related fields.