BackCHEM-101: General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry Syllabus and Study Guide
Study Guide - Smart Notes
Tailored notes based on your materials, expanded with key definitions, examples, and context.
Course Overview
Introduction to CHEM-101
This course provides a foundational study of the nature of matter and its chemical and physical transformations. It covers essential topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical reactions, and the properties of compounds. The course is designed for students who have not previously studied chemistry and is suitable for allied health majors.
Course Title: General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry
Instructor: Prof. C. Hernandez
Prerequisite: Completion of Intermediate Algebra or higher, or placement by multiple measures
Textbook: General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry by Kalyani Shah Owens, Jeff Owens, Ann Murokwsi (1st Edition)
Course Objectives
Key Learning Goals
Students will develop a broad understanding of chemistry concepts relevant to health and science fields. The objectives align with the major topics in GOB Chemistry:
Measurement and Quantities: Apply rules for significant figures and solve problems involving measured and exact quantities.
Atomic Theory: Evaluate atomic theory, atomic structure, and electron behavior.
Periodic Table: Use the periodic table to identify key properties of common elements.
Nuclear Chemistry: Construct and balance nuclear equations; provide names and symbols of nuclear species.
Chemical Bonding: Illustrate electron structures for ionic and molecular compounds.
VSEPR Theory: Define valence shell electron pair repulsion theory and use it to predict molecular geometry.
Intermolecular Forces: Evaluate electronegativity values and identify polar and nonpolar molecules.
Energy Changes: Calculate the energy lost or gained during a change of state.
Chemical Kinetics: Compare and contrast the states of matter and describe the kinetic theory of gases.
Chemical Reactions: Construct balanced chemical equations for various types of chemical reactions and predict reaction products.
Gas Laws: Use gas laws to develop mathematical relationships between the initial and final states of a gas.
Solutions: Calculate the concentration of an aqueous solution.
Colloids and Suspensions: Distinguish between a solution, a colloid, and a suspension.
Acids and Bases: Assess Kw and evaluate [H+] and pH.
Stoichiometry: Evaluate quantities of substances and energy involved in chemical reactions.
Laboratory Skills: Utilize basic laboratory equipment safely and obtain valid experimental data.
Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret results obtained in the laboratory.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
Expected Competencies
SLO 1: Demonstrate ability in problem solving with respect to chemical reactions qualitatively and quantitatively.
SLO 2: Demonstrate basic laboratory safety and experimental skills.
Course Schedule
Weekly Topics and Assessments
The course is organized into weekly modules covering the following chapters and topics:
Ch. 1: Introduction to Chemistry
Ch. 2: Measurement in Science and Medicine
Ch. 3: Atoms: The Building Blocks of Chemistry
Ch. 4: Nuclear Chemistry
Ch. 5: Ionic Compounds
Ch. 6: Covalent Compounds
Ch. 7: Molecular Polarity and Intermolecular Forces
Ch. 8: Chemical Reactions
Ch. 9: Energy, Rate, and Equilibrium
Ch. 10: Gases and Phase Change
Ch. 11: Solutions
Ch. 12: Acids and Bases
Ch. 13: Introduction to Organic Molecules
Ch. 14: Alcohols, Ethers, Thiols, and Chiral Molecules
Ch. 15: Aldehydes and Ketones
Ch. 16: Carbohydrates
Ch. 17: Carboxylic Acids, Esters, and Amides
Ch. 18: Lipids
Ch. 19: Amines and Neurotransmitters
Ch. 20: Amino Acids and Proteins
Ch. 21: Enzymes: Biological Catalysts
Ch. 22: Nucleic Acids, DNA, and Genetic Testing
Ch. 23: RNA and Protein Synthesis
Ch. 24: Metabolism: Generating Energy from Carbohydrates
Ch. 25: Metabolism of Lipids and Amino Acids
Assessments include quizzes, homework, lab reports, and exams. Attendance and participation are required.
Grading Scale
Percentage | Grade |
|---|---|
85-100 | A |
72-84 | B |
58-71 | C |
45-57 | D |
0-44 | F |
Laboratory Component
Lab Safety and Skills
Students are expected to demonstrate safe laboratory practices, proper use of equipment, and accurate data collection. Laboratory attendance is mandatory, and lab quizzes and reports contribute to the final grade.
Lab Quizzes: 10%
Lab Reports: 25%
Academic Honesty Policy
Integrity in Coursework
Cheating, plagiarism, and unauthorized collaboration are strictly prohibited. Violations may result in disciplinary action and a failing grade for the assignment.
Safe Classroom Environment
Health and Safety Guidelines
Students are expected to follow health protocols, including hand washing and cough etiquette. If you are ill or test positive for an infectious disease, refrain from attending class and notify the instructor.
Support and Accommodations
Student Resources
Library Reserve: Access to textbooks and materials in case of emergency.
Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD): Contact for reasonable accommodations.
Technical Support: Assistance with online platforms and eBook access.
Example Equations and Concepts
Significant Figures
Definition: Digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit.
Example: The number 2.50 has three significant figures.
Balancing Chemical Equations
General Form:
Application: Coefficients are adjusted so that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Gas Laws
Boyle's Law: (at constant temperature)
Charles's Law: (at constant pressure)
pH Calculation
Formula:
Application: Used to determine the acidity of a solution.
Stoichiometry
Definition: The calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions.
Example: Using molar ratios from a balanced equation to determine the amount of product formed.
Additional info: These notes are based on the syllabus and course outline for CHEM-101, which covers all major GOB Chemistry topics. For detailed study, refer to the textbook and attend all lectures and labs.
