CHEM&121: Introduction to Chemistry with Lab – Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Overview

Course Title and Structure

• Course: CHEM&121 – Introduction to Chemistry with Lab

• Credits: 5 units

• Format: Hybrid (Online asynchronous lectures + required in-person lab sessions)

• Instructor: Dr. Jeff Owens

• Contact: [e-mail] (Canvas email preferred)

Required Materials and Technology

• Textbook & Homework: "MASTERING CHEMISTRY" online program (includes eBook: General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry by Owens, Owens & Murkowski, Pearson)

• Technology: Reliable computer, high-speed internet, access to Canvas, Zoom, and Pearson’s Mastering Chemistry

Prerequisites

• ENGL& 101 and MATH 93 or MATH 97 placement

Course Description and Objectives

Course Description

This course provides a general introduction to chemistry with an emphasis on applications in the health and life sciences. It is intended for students in allied health fields such as nursing and dental hygiene. It is not recommended for students planning to continue with advanced chemistry courses beyond CHEM& 131.

Course Learning Objectives (CLOs)

• Perform measurements and make conversions, especially in laboratory contexts.

• Classify and visualize matter, distinguishing between elements, compounds, and mixtures.

• Explain interactions of matter and predict properties based on molecular structure.

• Examine the role of energy in chemical interactions.

Course Topics and Weekly Schedule

The course follows a structured progression through foundational topics in general, organic, and biological chemistry, with weekly quizzes, labs, and exams. The following chapters align with the GOB chemistry curriculum:

Week	Topic	Assessment	Lab Activity
1	Getting Started; Measurement (Ch. 2)	Ch. 2 Reading Quiz	Safety and Check-in
2	Atoms (Ch. 3)	Ch. 3 Reading Quiz	Measurements
3	Nuclear Chemistry (Ch. 4)	Ch. 4 Reading Quiz; Exam #1 (Ch. 2 & 3)	AI Database eLab (take-home)
4	Ionic Bonding (Ch. 5)	Ch. 5 Reading Quiz	Chemical Reactions
5	Covalent Bonding (Ch. 6)	Ch. 6 Reading Quiz	Molecular Structures
6	Molecular Polarity & Intermolecular Forces (Ch. 7)	Ch. 7 Reading Quiz	Preparation of Aspirin
7	Chemical Reactions (Ch. 8)	Ch. 8 Reading Quiz	No Lab
8	Energy, Rate, and Equilibrium (Ch. 9)	Ch. 9 Reading Quiz	Dialysis and Osmosis; Test Aspirin
9	Gases and Phase Changes (Ch. 10)	Ch. 10 Reading Quiz	Acid/Base Titration Lab
10	Solutions (in water) (Ch. 11)	Ch. 11 Reading Quiz	Buffer Lab Activity & Check-out
11	Acids and Bases (Ch. 12)	Final Exam (Ch. 2–11)	—

Additional info: The course covers the first 12 chapters of a standard GOB chemistry sequence, focusing on general chemistry concepts essential for health sciences.

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

Component	Weight (%)
Mastering Chemistry Homework, Pre-class Assignments & Reading Quizzes	35
Online Discussion Forums/Assignments	10
Exams	35
Labs	20
Total	100

Grading Scale

Decimal Grade	Percentage Range
4.0	>95
3.8	91–94
3.6	88–90
3.4	85–87
3.2	83–84
3.0	80–82
2.8	78–79
2.6	76–77
2.4	74–75
2.2	72–73
2.0	70–71
1.8	68–69
1.6	66–67
1.4	63–65
1.2	61–62
1.0	60
0.0	<60

Policies

• Attendance: Missing more than two lab sessions results in a zero grade for the course.

• Make-up Work: Only allowed with documented medical emergencies; late lab reports may not be accepted and will incur penalties if accepted.

• Academic Integrity: Cheating and plagiarism result in zero scores and possible disciplinary action. Use of AI tools must be minimal and cited.

Student Support and Resources

• Learning Support: Free tutoring, STEM Study Room, e-Tutoring, and library resources.

• Basic Needs: Food pantry, emergency funding, and housing support.

• Health and Well-being: Counseling, wellness center, and violence prevention resources.

• Technology Assistance: IT Help Center, START, computer labs, and Canvas orientation.

• Veterans and International Students: Dedicated support centers and advising.

Course Expectations and Community Standards

• Active participation in all course components is required.

• Respectful, mature, and honest conduct is expected at all times.

• Diversity and inclusion are valued; suggestions for improvement are welcome.

• Accommodations for disabilities and religious/conscience absences are available with proper documentation.

Summary of Key Chemistry Topics Covered

• Measurement in Science and Medicine (Ch. 2): Units, conversions, and laboratory measurements.

• Atoms and Nuclear Chemistry (Ch. 3–4): Structure of atoms, isotopes, radioactivity.

• Ionic and Covalent Compounds (Ch. 5–6): Bonding, naming, and properties of compounds.

• Molecular Polarity and Intermolecular Forces (Ch. 7): Polarity, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces.

• Chemical Reactions (Ch. 8): Types of reactions, balancing equations, reaction energetics.

• Energy, Rate, and Equilibrium (Ch. 9): Thermodynamics, kinetics, and chemical equilibrium.

• Gases and Phase Changes (Ch. 10): Gas laws, states of matter, phase transitions.

• Solutions, Acids, and Bases (Ch. 11–12): Solution concentration, properties, pH, titration.

Additional info: The course is designed to provide foundational chemistry knowledge for students entering health-related fields, emphasizing laboratory skills, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving abilities.