General Chemistry I Syllabus and Course Structure Study Guide

General Chemistry I: Course Syllabus and Structure

Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of general chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, solutions, and related topics. The syllabus outlines required materials, grading policies, important dates, and a week-by-week schedule of topics and assessments.

Required Text and Materials

• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry by Nivaldo J. Tro, 7th edition (6th edition also acceptable).

• Online Homework: ALEKS (adaptive online homework system).

• Calculator: Scientific calculator (non-graphing, non-programmable).

• iClicker: For in-class participation and quizzes.

• Course Website: Canvas for announcements, assignments, and grades.

Prerequisites

• Completion of Natural Science 1B, Chem 1A, or Chem 2A, or concurrent enrollment in Chem 1A, Chem 2A, or Chem 3A.

Important Dates

• Holidays: November 11th, 27th, and 28th

• Final Exam: Wednesday, December 11th, 8:00–9:00 am

Grading Breakdown

Component	Points
Quizzes	45
Midterms	200
ALEKS Homework	133
Final Exam	100
Total	593

• Lowest quiz and homework scores may be dropped.

• Attendance in discussion sections is mandatory and counts toward the final grade.

• No make-up quizzes or midterms except for documented emergencies.

• Final exam score may replace the lowest midterm score if higher.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks)

Week	Monday	Wednesday	Friday
1	Chap. 2 – Measurement & Unit Conversions	Chap. 2 – Measurement & Unit Conversions	Syllabus, ALEKS, and information
2	Chap. 4 – Atoms & Ions	Chap. 4 – Atoms & Ions	Chap. 4 – Atoms & Ions
3	Chap. 13 – Molecules & Compounds	Chap. 5 – Molecules & Compounds	Chap. 5 – Molecules & Compounds
4	Chap. 6 – Chemical Calculations	Chap. 6 – Chemical Calculations	Chap. 6 – Chemical Calculations
5	Chap. 7 – Chemical Reactions	Chap. 7 – Chemical Reactions	Chap. 7 – Chemical Reactions
6	Chap. 8 – Quantities in Chemical Reactions	Chap. 8 – Quantities in Chemical Reactions	Chap. 8 – Quantities in Chemical Reactions
7	Chap. 13 – Solutions	Chap. 13 – Solutions	Chap. 11 – Gases
8	Chap. 11 – Gases	Chap. 11 – Gases	Chap. 11 – Gases or Review

Note: Midterms and quizzes are scheduled throughout the term. See the full syllabus for exact dates.

Key Policies

• DSP Accommodations: Contact the DSP office for disability-related accommodations.

• Student Conduct: Academic honesty is strictly enforced. Cheating or plagiarism will be reported.

• Attendance: Required for discussion sections; participation is graded.

• Homework: Assigned via ALEKS. Deadlines are strictly enforced.

• Quiz and Exam Guidelines:

  • Quizzes are in-person, 15 minutes, and may include multiple-choice and short-answer questions.

  • Midterms and finals are comprehensive and must be taken as scheduled.

Weekly Topics Overview

• Measurement & Unit Conversions: Understanding SI units, dimensional analysis, and significant figures.

• Atoms & Ions: Atomic structure, isotopes, ions, and the periodic table.

• Molecules & Compounds: Chemical bonding, molecular formulas, and compound naming.

• Chemical Calculations: Moles, molar mass, and stoichiometry.

• Chemical Reactions: Types of reactions, balancing equations, and reaction stoichiometry.

• Quantities in Chemical Reactions: Limiting reactants, percent yield, and solution stoichiometry.

• Solutions: Concentration units, solution preparation, and properties.

• Gases: Gas laws, kinetic molecular theory, and real gases.

Example: Gas Laws

• Boyle's Law: $P_1V_1 = P_2V_2$ (at constant temperature and amount of gas)

• Charles's Law: $\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}$ (at constant pressure and amount of gas)

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to attend office hours and utilize online resources for additional help.

• All deadlines and policies are strictly enforced to maintain academic integrity and fairness.