General Chemistry I (CHEM 117) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Chemistry I (CHEM 117) Syllabus Overview

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including chemical reactivity, atomic structure, and laboratory techniques. It is designed for students with at least one year of high school chemistry or completion of Chemistry 117.

• Textbook: Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity by Kotz and Treichel, 11th edition.

• Calculator: Scientific calculator required (TI-30XA recommended).

• Prerequisites: 1 year of high school chemistry or Chemistry 117.

• Course Website: Moodle Course Site

Course Structure and Requirements

• Quizzes: Short, 10-point quizzes at the beginning of class. Lowest two quiz scores dropped.

• Exams: Three in-class exams plus a cumulative final exam.

• Homework: Assigned via OWL (Cengage OWLv2 platform). All problems must be completed for credit.

• Laboratory: Separate syllabus provided. Attendance is mandatory.

• Extra Credit: Not available for this course.

Grading Policy

The final grade is determined by total percentage. The breakdown is as follows:

Component	Percentage
3 Hour Exams	45% (15% each)
Final Exam	15%
Quizzes	10%
Laboratory	15%
Homework	10%
Total	100%

Letter grades are assigned as follows:

Percentage	Grade
90% - 100%	A
80% - 89%	B
70% - 79%	C
62% - 69%	D
Below 62%	F

Course Policies

• Attendance: Required for both lecture and laboratory. Excessive absences may result in grade penalties.

• Cell Phones: Not allowed during quizzes or exams.

• Reporting Absences: Notify the instructor in advance for excused absences.

• Artificial Intelligence: Use of AI for homework is not permitted.

• FERPA: Grades are private and not distributed publicly.

Accommodations and Support

• Disabilities: The Centre for Holistic Health provides accommodations for students with disabilities.

• Tutoring: Chemistry tutoring is available through the Center for Student Success and online platforms such as Knack (Knack Tutoring).

Keys to Doing Well in General Chemistry

• Study every day for 1-2 hours and stay ahead of the material.

• Read assigned textbook pages before class.

• Download and print notes for quizzes and exams.

• Complete all assigned homework problems, not just OWL assignments.

• Attend class every day and participate actively.

Important Dates

• Exam 1: Friday, October 11th

• Exam 2: Friday, November 21st

• Final Exam: Date and time set by college final exam schedule

Additional Info

• Much of the first three chapters will review high school chemistry; new material will follow.

• Students are expected to handle themselves professionally and communicate respectfully.

• Laboratory attendance is mandatory; missing labs may result in course failure.