General Chemistry I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

General Chemistry I: Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, focusing on the composition, structure, and properties of matter. Students will develop a foundational understanding of atomic and molecular theory, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and the behavior of gases, liquids, and solids. The course also introduces basic concepts in thermodynamics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry.

Required Materials

• Textbook: N. J. Tro, Chemistry: Structure and Properties, 3rd edition, Pearson, 2024.

• Mastering Chemistry Online Homework System: Access code required.

• PointSolutions Account: For in-class clicker questions (requires a web-accessible device and subscription).

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Describe the composition of ordinary matter and atomic structure, including the mole as a counting unit.

• Apply the chemical bonding model to atoms and molecules, including the Periodic Table and trends in chemical properties.

• Explain the three models of chemical bonding: ionic, covalent, and metallic, and distinguish between them.

• Predict and explain the properties of covalent bonding, including polarity and resonance.

• Perform stoichiometric calculations involving molecular and ionic equations with participating solids, liquids, and gases.

• Analyze precipitation, acid-base, and gas evolution reactions in aqueous solutions.

• Balance oxidation-reduction reactions and understand electrochemical cells and electrolysis.

• Classify and name organic compounds and understand basic organic reactions.

Key Topics Covered

• Atomic Structure: Protons, neutrons, electrons, isotopes, and atomic mass.

• Chemical Bonding: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds; Lewis structures; resonance; polarity.

• Stoichiometry: Mole concept, molar mass, empirical and molecular formulas, limiting reactants, percent yield.

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

• Thermochemistry: Energy, enthalpy, calorimetry, Hess's Law.

• Chemical Equilibrium: Dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier's Principle, equilibrium constants.

• Acids and Bases: Definitions, pH calculations, titrations, buffer solutions.

• Electrochemistry: Redox reactions, balancing equations, electrochemical cells, standard reduction potentials.

• Organic Chemistry (Introduction): Classification and nomenclature of organic compounds, overview of organic reactions.

Grading Structure

The course grade is determined by the following components:

Assignment	Points per Assignment	Number of Assignments	Total Points
Clicker Questions	2 points	20+ (10 best scores counted)	20
Homework	10 points	13 (10 best scores counted)	100
Midterm Exams	100 points	3 exams	300
Final Exam	200 points	1 exam	200
TOTAL			620

Grades are based on the percentage of total points earned.

Assessment Details

• Clicker Questions: In-class participation using PointSolutions. Requires a web-enabled device and subscription.

• Homework: Online assignments via Mastering Chemistry. Access code and registration required.

• Exams: Three 50-minute midterm exams and one cumulative final exam. No electronic devices or outside materials allowed. Only non-programmable calculators permitted.

Course Policies

• Academic Integrity: All students must adhere to the University’s Code of Academic Integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty are strictly prohibited.

• University-Excused Absences: Absences for illness, family emergencies, religious observances, or participation in university activities must be documented. Make-up exams are only allowed for excused absences.

• Exam Re-Grades: Requests must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of the exam return. Attach a separate explanation for each question to be re-graded.

• Attendance: Strongly suggested for all lectures. Students are responsible for all material covered in class and for announcements made during lectures.

Tips for Success

• Attend all lectures and take thorough notes.

• Read the textbook chapters before class and review after each lecture.

• Practice solving problems at the end of each chapter; these are critical for mastering the material.

• Manage your time effectively and do not fall behind on assignments or studying.

• Participate in discussion sessions and ask questions when concepts are unclear.

Resources and Accommodations

• Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS): Provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities. Contact ADS as early as possible to arrange accommodations.

• Student Resources and Services: Academic support, mental health counseling, and other resources are available through the university.

• Mandatory Reporting: Instructors are required to report disclosures of sexual misconduct or discrimination.

Online Course Evaluation

Students are encouraged to complete the online course evaluation at the end of the semester to provide feedback for course improvement.

Example: Stoichiometry Calculation

• Problem: How many grams of water are produced when 2.00 g of hydrogen gas reacts with excess oxygen?

• Solution:

  1. Write the balanced equation: $2H_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2H_2O(l)$

  2. Calculate moles of $H_2$: $\frac{2.00\ g}{2.02\ g/mol} = 0.990\ mol$

  3. Use mole ratio: $0.990\ mol\ H_2 \times \frac{2\ mol\ H_2O}{2\ mol\ H_2} = 0.990\ mol\ H_2O$

  4. Convert to grams: $0.990\ mol \times 18.02\ g/mol = 17.8\ g$

Additional info:

• Students are expected to use the ELMS (Learning Management System) for course announcements, grades, and resources.

• All policies and procedures are subject to university guidelines and may be updated as needed.