General Chemistry I (CHEM135) Syllabus and Course Overview

General Chemistry I (CHEM135) Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Information and Structure

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of general chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and chemical equilibrium. The syllabus outlines course objectives, required materials, grading policies, and expectations for student success.

• Instructor: Dr. Andrei Vedernikov

• Teaching Assistants: Pierce van Mulbregt, Sophia Brandon

• Lecture Time and Place: Tu/Th, 11:00-12:15 pm, CHM 1407

• Office Hours: W, 4:00-5:00 pm (in person and on Zoom), or by appointment

Required Materials

• Textbook: N. J. Tro, Chemistry: Structure and Properties, 3rd edition, Pearson, 2024. ISBN: 9780138031823. (Electronic version available.)

• Mastering Chemistry Online Homework System: Access code required.

• Clicker Questions: PointSolutions account and app for in-class participation.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to master the following topics:

• Composition of Matter and Atomic Structure: Understanding atoms, molecules, and the mole as a counting unit.

• Quantum Mechanical Model: Structure of the atom, periodic table organization, and periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronegativity).

• Chemical Bonding: Three models (ionic, covalent, metallic), naming ionic and binary covalent substances, Lewis theory, and valence bond theory.

• Stoichiometry: Calculations involving mole and ionic equations with solids, liquids, and gases.

• Precipitation, Acid-Base, and Gas Evolution Reactions: Reactions in aqueous solutions.

• Redox Reactions: Balancing redox reactions, electrochemical cells.

• Thermochemistry: Energy of chemical reactions, enthalpy, calorimetry, Hess's law.

• Chemical Kinetics and Equilibrium: Rate of reaction, temperature effects, reaction mechanisms, catalysis, equilibrium calculations.

• Acids and Bases: Brønsted-Lowry theory, pH, calculations involving acids and bases.

• Organic Chemistry Overview: Classification and nomenclature of organic compounds.

Grading Policy

The course grade is based on a point system, with the following components:

Component	Points	Details
Clicker Questions	20	10 best scores counted
Homework	100	13 assignments, 10 best scores counted
Midterm Exams	300	3 exams, 100 points each
Final Exam	200	1 exam
Total	620

Grade Scale (percent of total points):

Grade	Percent	Points
A+	≥95%	≥588
A	88-94%	543-585
A-	85-87%	524-542
B+	82-84%	506-523
B	78-81%	481-505
B-	75-77%	462-480
C+	72-74%	444-461
C	63-71%	388-443
C-	60-62%	369-387
D+	57-59%	351-368
D	53-56%	328-350
D-	50-52%	307-325
F	<50%	<306

Exams and Assignments

• Midterm Exams: Three 50-minute exams (dates specified in syllabus).

• Final Exam: Cumulative, 2-hour exam.

• Homework: Assigned via Mastering Chemistry; 10 best scores count toward final grade.

• Clicker Questions: In-class participation using PointSolutions app; 10 best scores counted.

Policies and Expectations

• Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to the University of Maryland's Code of Academic Integrity. Cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism are strictly prohibited.

• Attendance: Students are responsible for all material covered in lectures and announcements.

• Make-Up Exams: Only allowed for university-excused absences with proper documentation.

• Exam Re-Grades: Requests must be submitted in writing with an explanation and turned in with the exam.

• Accessibility: Accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) office.

Tips for Success

• Attend all lectures and discussion sections.

• Actively participate in class and complete all assignments on time.

• Practice solving problems at the end of each chapter.

• Manage your time effectively and seek help when needed.

Additional info:

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