CHEM B11: Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry – Syllabus and Course Schedule Study Guide

Course Overview

Introduction

This study guide summarizes the syllabus and schedule for CHEM B11: Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry. The course covers foundational concepts in general, organic, and biological chemistry, with a focus on applications relevant to health sciences and nursing.

Course Structure and Requirements

Required Materials

• Textbook: Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 14th edition, by Karen Timberlake.

• Lab Manual: Provided by instructor.

• Online Homework: Aktiv Chemistry access code.

• Scientific Calculator: TI 30X or similar (non-programmable).

• Safety Goggles: Must meet ANSI Z-87.1 standard.

• Lab Apron/Coat, Nitrile Gloves, Cleaning Supplies: Required for lab safety.

Online System Requirements

• Reliable computer and internet access.

• Use Google Chrome for Canvas and Aktiv Chemistry.

Course Description and Objectives

Course Description

• Introduction to general, organic, and biochemistry using qualitative and quantitative approaches.

• Topics include physical principles, inorganic compounds and reactions, organic chemistry (classification, composition, reactions, nomenclature), and biochemistry (classification, composition, reactions of living organisms).

Student Learning Outcomes

• Employ dimensional analysis as a problem-solving tool.

• Relate the periodic table to prediction of properties of chemical compounds.

• Describe basic organic chemical compounds.

• Explain fundamental biological compounds.

• Describe processes of metabolism.

• Apply laboratory safety rules and manipulate laboratory equipment properly.

Course Objectives

• Create conversion factors from metric/American equalities, percent, density, molar mass, and use dimensional analysis.

• Describe periodic table arrangement, physical properties, and trends; convert atoms to ions and construct compounds.

• Illustrate how matter and energy are related; calculate temperature, specific heat, and dietary calories.

• Explain chemical systems and behaviors: electrolytes, buffers, equilibria, osmosis.

• Apply nomenclature rules for inorganic and organic compounds.

• Distinguish between reaction types and predict products.

• Identify solution properties, calculate percent, molarity, dilutions, Kw, and pH.

• Recognize organic functional groups and associate with properties.

• Recognize chemical structure of lipids, carbohydrates, proteins; describe functions and metabolic breakdown.

• Employ personal protective equipment and proper lab techniques.

Policies and Procedures

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is mandatory; participation and punctuality required.

• Absences, tardies, and missed assignments affect course standing.

Laboratory Safety

• Strict adherence to lab safety rules and dress code.

• Safety violations result in grade deductions or removal from lab.

Academic Integrity

• Zero tolerance for academic dishonesty and plagiarism.

• Improper collaborations and use of unauthorized materials are prohibited.

Use of Electronics

• Electronics allowed only for class-related purposes.

• Prohibited during exams and quizzes.

Classroom Decorum

• Respectful behavior and punctuality required.

• Disruptive behavior results in removal and disciplinary action.

Grading and Evaluation

Grade Breakdown

• Quizzes: 7%

• Worksheets: 3%

• Homework: 5%

• Lab Reports: 25%

• Exams (4): 45%

• Final Exam: 15%

Letter Grade Scale

• A: 90.00% – 100.00%

• B: 80.00% – 89.99%

• C: 70.00% – 79.99%

• D: 60.00% – 69.99%

• F: Below 60.00%

Lecture Schedule

Topics Covered

• Ch. 1: Chemistry in Our Lives

• Ch. 2: Chemistry and Measurements

• Ch. 3: Matter and Energy

• Ch. 4: Atoms and Elements

• Ch. 5: Nuclear Chemistry

• Ch. 6: Ionic and Molecular Compounds

• Ch. 7: Chemical Quantities and Reactions

• Ch. 8: Gases

• Ch. 9: Solutions

• Ch. 10: Acids and Bases and Equilibrium

• Ch. 11: Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons

• Ch. 12: Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones

• Ch. 13: Carbohydrates

• Ch. 14: Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides

• Ch. 15: Lipids

• Ch. 16: Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes

• Ch. 17: Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

• Ch. 18: Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production

Lecture Schedule Table

The following table summarizes the weekly lecture topics, homework, and worksheet deadlines:

Laboratory Schedule

Laboratory Experiments and Assessments

• Experiments cover measurement, safety, chemical reactions, properties of matter, periodic table, solution chemistry, acids/bases, organic and biological compounds.

• Lab reports and skill assessments are required for each experiment.

• Lab quizzes are administered throughout the semester.

Laboratory Schedule Table

The following table summarizes the weekly laboratory experiments, lab report deadlines, and quizzes:

Important Dates

• Last day to add class: 13-Sep

• Last day to drop with refund: 3-Sep

• Last day to drop without "W": 11-Sep

• Census Day: 14-Sep

• Last day to drop with "W": 29-Oct

• Final Exam: 11-Dec (10:00 am – 11:50 am)

Summary of Key Study Strategies

• Attend all lectures and labs; participation is essential.

• Complete all assignments, homework, and lab reports on time.

• Use dimensional analysis, understand periodic table trends, and master chemical nomenclature.

• Practice laboratory safety and proper technique.

• Utilize campus resources for tutoring and academic support.

Additional Info

• This course is designed for students in health-related majors, including nursing and paramedical fields.

• Success requires consistent study, organization, and communication with the instructor.