CHEM 1406: Introduction to Chemistry for Allied-Health Majors – Course Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction

This course, CHEM 1406: Introduction to Chemistry for Allied-Health Majors, is designed as a survey course covering general, organic, and biological chemistry. It is intended for non-science and allied health students, emphasizing the importance of chemical concepts to living organisms, including humans. The course includes both lecture and laboratory components.

Required Materials

Lecture and Lab Texts

• Textbook: Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry by Karen C. Timberlake (14th edition or previous editions).

• Online Homework: Mastering Chemistry (access required).

• Lab Platform: Labflow (access required).

Supplies and Equipment

• Calculator: Nonprogrammable scientific calculator (TI-30XS or TI-30XIIS recommended).

• Pencil with eraser for quizzes and exams.

• Photo ID required at all exams.

• Lab Safety: Gloves and goggles provided; personal goggles must be approved.

Course Structure and Focus

Topics Covered

• Matter and Measurements

• Atoms and the Periodic Table

• Ionic and Molecular Compounds

• Chemical Reactions and Quantities

• Gases, Liquids, and Solids

• Solutions

• Acids and Bases

• Nuclear Chemistry

• Introduction to Organic Chemistry

• Organic Compounds with Oxygen and Sulfur

• Carbohydrates, Lipids, Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes

Additional info: The course calendar and lab schedule confirm coverage of all major GOB Chemistry topics, including lab techniques and mathematical operations.

General Skills Developed

• Communication Skills: Expressing scientific investigation results through written, oral, or visual communication.

• Critical Thinking Skills: Using inquiry, analysis, and evaluation to classify matter, reactions, and compounds.

• Empirical and Quantitative Skills: Manipulating and analyzing numerical data and observable facts.

• Teamwork: Collaborating in laboratory experiments and discussing results.

Classroom and Lab Etiquette

Lecture Etiquette

• Turn off or silence all electronics before entering the classroom.

• Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.

• Respect all members of the scholarly community.

Lab Etiquette and Safety

• Safety goggles must be worn at all times in the lab.

• No food or beverages allowed in the lab.

• Follow all experimental and safety procedures.

• Clean up work areas and return equipment after experiments.

Grading Criteria

Grade Distribution

Component	Percentage
Lecture Exams (lowest replaced by final)	30%
Online Homework	20%
Lecture Final Exam	15%
Class Participation	10%
Lab Midterm Exam	2.5%
Lab Final Exam	2.5%
Lab Reports	16.25%
Lab Quizzes (lowest dropped)	3.75%

Letter Grades

Grade	Percentage Range
A	89.50 – 100%
B	79.50 – 89.49999%
C	69.50 – 79.49999%
D	59.50 – 69.49999%
F	< 59.50%

Course Calendar

Lecture Topics by Week

• Week 1: Chemistry in our lives, Chemistry and Measurements, Matter and Energy

• Week 2: Atoms and Elements, Nuclear Chemistry, Ionic and Molecular Compounds

• Week 3: Chemical Quantities and Reactions, Gases, Solutions

• Week 4: Acids, Bases, and Equilibrium, Introduction to Organic Chemistry

• Week 5: Organic Compounds with Oxygen and Sulfur, Carbohydrates

• Week 6: Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, Amides, Lipids, Amino Acids, Proteins, Enzymes

• Week 7: Final Exam Review

• Week 8: Final Exam

Lab Topics by Week

• Safety and Lab Check-In, Chemistry Math and Labware

• Conversion Factors and Problem Solving, Chemistry Glassware and Measurement

• Determination of Density, Chemical and Physical Properties

• Chemical Reactions and Equations, Empirical Formulas

• Solutions, Acids, Bases, Buffers, pH

• Naming and molecular models of alkanes, Carbohydrates, Synthesis of Esters

• Laboratory Midterm and Final

Lab Techniques and Procedures

Key Laboratory Skills

• Making measurements and recording scientific data

• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of results

• Safe handling of chemicals and glassware

• Proper use of lab equipment (balances, glassware, etc.)

• Completion of lab reports and quizzes

Mathematical Operations and Functions

Essential Chemistry Math Skills

• Use of conversion factors for unit analysis

• Calculation of density, molarity, and other chemical quantities

• Balancing chemical equations

• Application of formulas provided on periodic tables during exams

Example formula for density: $\text{Density} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Volume}}$

Example formula for molarity: $\text{Molarity} = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}}$

Course Policies and Additional Information

Attendance and Participation

• Regular and punctual attendance is required for both lecture and lab.

• Active participation is necessary for successful completion.

• Absences must be documented and excused according to college policy.

Communication and Academic Integrity

• Use Canvas inbox for communication with the instructor.

• Professional and courteous communication is expected.

• Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and will result in penalties.

Accessibility and Support

• Students with documented disabilities should contact Student Accessibility Resources (SAR) for accommodations.

• Science Center offers tutoring and study resources.

• CARE Team available for students in distress or facing basic needs challenges.

Course Evaluation and Feedback

• Students are encouraged to participate in course evaluations for quality improvement.

• Feedback is anonymous and used for teaching and academic excellence.

Student Agreement

Students are required to read, understand, and agree to follow all course policies as outlined in the Instructor Course Requirements (ICR).

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