General Chemistry I (CHEM 201) Syllabus and Study Guide

General Chemistry I (CHEM 201) Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course is designed primarily for allied health science majors. It covers the fundamental principles of general, organic, and biological chemistry, with an emphasis on practical applications. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical bonding, chemical equations, stoichiometry, acids and bases, solutions, and the chemistry of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Key Course Topics

• Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table: Understanding the structure of atoms, electron configuration, and how elements are organized in the periodic table.

• Chemical Bonding: Exploration of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, including Lewis structures and molecular geometry.

• Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry: Writing and balancing chemical equations, types of reactions, and quantitative relationships in chemical reactions.

• States of Matter: Properties of solids, liquids, and gases, including gas laws and intermolecular forces.

• Solutions and Concentrations: Preparation and properties of solutions, concentration units (molarity, percent, etc.), and colligative properties.

• Acids, Bases, and pH: Definitions, properties, and calculations involving acids, bases, and pH.

• Organic and Biological Molecules: Introduction to the structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Class Materials

• Textbook: Organic and Biological Chemistry, 7th Edition by John McMurry, Jill Kirsten Robinson, and David S. Ball.

• Calculator: A scientific calculator is required for homework and exams. Cell phones are not permitted as calculators during exams or quizzes.

Grading System

The grading system is based on the accumulation of points for each type of assignment. Grades will be distributed as shown below:

Type of Assignment	Number	Points Each	Total Points	Percentage of Grade
Exams	3	100	300	30%
Final Exam	1	150	150	15%
Quizzes	10	10	100	10%
Lab Reports	10	15	150	15%
Homework	10	10	100	10%
Project	1	50	50	5%
Prelab Checks	10	5	50	5%
Miscellaneous	Varies	Varies	100	10%

Assignment Types and Policies

• Exams: Three midterm exams and one cumulative final exam. Exams cover lecture material, textbook readings, and lab content. Calculators are required; sharing is not permitted.

• Quizzes: Weekly quizzes based on recent lectures and readings. Quizzes may include multiple-choice, short answer, or problem-solving questions.

• Lab Reports: Each lab requires a written report, including data analysis and answers to assigned questions. Reports are due at the end of the lab session unless otherwise specified.

• Homework: Weekly assignments to reinforce lecture and lab concepts. Homework is due at the beginning of class on the specified date.

• Project: A molecular project will be assigned during the semester, requiring research and a written report.

• Prelab Checks: Short assignments to be completed before each lab session to ensure preparedness.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe the physical and chemical properties of matter.

• Use the periodic table to predict chemical behavior and classify elements.

• Write and balance chemical equations, including calculations involving moles and stoichiometry.

• Describe the structure and function of major classes of biomolecules.

• Conduct basic laboratory experiments and record observations accurately.

Course Schedule (Selected Weeks)

Week of (Monday date)	Monday	Wednesday	Thursday
8/25	Syllabus & Ch. 0: the Basics	Ch. 0: the Basics	Lab Safety Measurement & Density Lab
9/1	Labor day - no class	Ch. 1: Elements, Atoms & the Periodic Table	Pipet Lab; Ionic Compounds Quiz #1
9/8	Ch. 2: Ionic Bonding	Ch. 2: Ionic Bonding	Ionic Compounds Lab
9/15	Ch. 3: Covalent Bonding	Ch. 3: Covalent Bonding	Molecular Shape Lab
9/22	Ch. 4: Chemical Reactions	Exam 1 (Chapters 1-3)	Survey of Reactions Lab
9/29	Ch. 5: Chemical Quantities	Ch. 5: Chemical Quantities	Mole Ratio Lab; Quiz #3
10/6	Ch. 6: Energy	Ch. 6: Energy	Calorimetry Lab; Quiz #4
10/13	Ch. 7: Solids, Liquids, & Gases	Exam 2 (Chapters 4-6)	Intermolecular Forces Lab; Quiz #5
10/20	Ch. 8: Solutions	Ch. 8: Solutions	Osmosis Lab; Quiz #6
10/27	Ch. 9: Acids & Bases	Ch. 9: Acids & Bases	Extraction of Caffeine Lab; Quiz #7
11/3	Ch. 11: Organic Chemistry	Exam 3 (Chapters 7-9)	Hydrocarbon Isomerism Lab
11/10	Ch. 12: Carbohydrates	Ch. 12: Carbohydrates	Quiz #8; Lab on Carbohydrates
11/17	Ch. 13: Amino Acids, Proteins, & Enzymes	Ch. 13: Amino Acids, Proteins, & Enzymes	Quiz #9; Protein Lab
11/24	Ch. 15: Nucleic Acids	Ch. 15: Nucleic Acids	Quiz #10; Separation of Milk Lab

Important Course Policies

• Attendance: Regular attendance is expected and necessary for success. Participation in both in-person and online components is required.

• Academic Honesty: All submitted work must be your own. Cheating or plagiarism will result in disciplinary action.

• Electronics: Cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used as calculators during exams or quizzes.

• Make-up Policy: Make-up exams are only allowed in documented emergency circumstances and must be arranged with the instructor in advance.

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to form study groups but must submit individual work for graded assignments.

• Online resources and asynchronous lectures are available through the course Canvas page.

• For further details, refer to the full syllabus and course schedule provided by the instructor.