General Chemistry I: Course Syllabus and Chapter Overview

General Chemistry I: Course Syllabus and Chapter Overview

Course Structure and Policies

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of general chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and properties of matter. The syllabus outlines the schedule, grading policies, exam procedures, and essential course logistics.

• Instructor: Dr. Lianchun Wang, PhD

• Office Hours: Mon/Wed 10:30 AM to 1 PM or by appointment (Knight Physics 156)

• Textbook: Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 8th Edition by McMurry, Ballantine, Hoeger, Petersen. ISBN: 9780134813169

• Lectures: In-person by default; Zoom link available if needed

• Homework: Mastering Chemistry (Pearson), available with textbook purchase

• Exams: Five midterm exams and one cumulative final exam

• Grading: Based on exams, homework, and online assignments (see table below)

• Calculators: Scientific calculators allowed; programmable calculators and cell phones are prohibited on exams/quizzes

• Disability Services: Accommodations available through the Office of Disability Services (ODS)

Grading Policy

The course grade is determined by a combination of midterm exams, a cumulative final exam, and homework/online assignments. The higher of two grading options will be used for each student.

Component	Option 1	Option 2
Five midterm exams	65% (lowest score dropped)	100% (if all midterms are replaced by final exam)
Cumulative final exam	25%
Homework/Online assignments	10%

Grading Scale:

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	90-100
A-	89-89.9
B+	83-88.9
B	82-82.9
B-	78-81.9
C+	76-77.9
C	72-75.9
C-	69-71.9
D	60-68.9
F	Below 60

Course Schedule and Topics

The following schedule outlines the chapters and topics to be covered throughout the semester. Each topic corresponds to a chapter in the textbook and is aligned with the General Chemistry curriculum.

Date	Chapter	Topic
August 18, 20, 22	1	Matter and Measurements
August 25, 27, 29	2	Atoms and the Periodic Table
September 3, 5	3	Ionic Compounds
September 10, 12	3/4	Ionic/Molecular Compounds
September 15, 17	4	Molecular Compounds
September 22, 24	5	Classification and Balancing of Chemical Reactions
September 26, 29	6	Chemical Reactions: Mole and Mass Relationships
October 1, 3, 6, 8	7	Chemical Reactions: Energy, Rates, and Equilibrium
October 15, 17	8	Gases, Liquids, and Solids
October 20, 22	8	Gases, Liquids, and Solids (continued)
October 27, 29, 31	9	Solutions
November 3, 5	9	Solutions (continued)
November 10, 12, 14	10	Acids and Bases
November 17, 19	10	Acids and Bases (continued)

Final Exam: Covers all chapters, scheduled for December 5th, 2025, 8:30-9:40AM in LC120.

Key Course Policies

• Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes and notify the instructor of any absences.

• Missed Exams: No make-up exams except for approved reasons; documentation required.

• Exam Replacement: With proper documentation, a missed exam may be replaced by the corresponding section of the final exam.

• Email Protocol: Allow up to 24 hours for a response.

• Disability Accommodations: Contact ODS for arrangements.

Summary of Main Chemistry Topics Covered

• Matter and Measurements: Properties of matter, units of measurement, significant figures.

• Atoms and the Periodic Table: Atomic structure, elements, periodic trends.

• Ionic and Molecular Compounds: Types of chemical bonds, nomenclature, molecular structure.

• Chemical Reactions: Types of reactions, balancing equations, stoichiometry, energy changes, reaction rates, and equilibrium.

• Gases, Liquids, and Solids: States of matter, gas laws, intermolecular forces.

• Solutions: Concentration units, solubility, properties of solutions.

• Acids and Bases: Definitions, properties, pH calculations, acid-base reactions.

Additional info: For each chapter, students are expected to review detailed chapter notes provided on BlackBoard for in-depth explanations, worked examples, and practice problems.