Chemistry 121: Course Overview and Success Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to Chemistry Fundamentals for Healthcare

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to general, organic, and biochemistry, with a focus on applications relevant to nursing and health sciences. Students will explore chemical principles as they relate to the human body and clinical practice, preparing for further study and professional work in healthcare fields.

• Course Credits: 4

• Instructor: Dr. Marc Lamontagne

• Required Textbook: Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 14th edition, Timberlake (Pearson)

Course Learning Outcomes

• Perform unit conversion problems

• Qualitatively and quantitatively describe chemical processes, including states of matter, reactions, rates, and solutions

• Identify and understand the differences between ionic and covalent compounds

• Understand the fundamentals of acid-base chemistry, including buffers and equilibrium

• Understand the fundamentals of organic chemistry (e.g., identification of functional groups)

• Understand the structure, properties, and reactions of biomolecules (e.g., carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids)

Required Materials

• Textbook: Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 14th edition

• Calculator: A simple nonprogrammable scientific calculator (e.g., TI-30XIIs) is recommended for this course. Calculators should be able to perform exponents and log functions.

• Computer: Access to Chrome or Firefox web browser and internet

Grading Policy

• Exams: 60% (Three unit exams and one comprehensive final exam)

• Quizzes: 15% (Four online quizzes; lowest quiz grade dropped)

• Lab: 25% (Lowest lab grade dropped)

Exam Format: Multiple-choice, true-false, and matching-type questions. Exams are closed book/notes, and students may bring one handwritten 3"x5" index card for reference.

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is encouraged but not required for grade calculation.

• Attendance is taken during the first week for enrollment verification.

• Students are responsible for all material covered in class, regardless of attendance.

Laboratory Requirements

• Bring a laptop or tablet to lab sessions.

• No make-up labs; lowest lab grade will be dropped.

• Lab grade determined by lab instructor.

Technology and Communication

• Check RIC email and Blackboard regularly for announcements and assignments.

• Use your RIC email account and proper subject line for correspondence.

• Blackboard Ultra is the learning platform for lecture and lab.

Classroom Etiquette

• No personal conversations during lecture.

• Cell phones should be off or in silent mode.

• Raise your hand before speaking in class.

Tips for Success

• Work through assigned homework problems for each chapter.

• Apply knowledge to experiments and problems, not just reading or watching videos.

• Keep up with reading, notes, videos, and homework.

• Ask questions as needed; instructor is available after class, by appointment, or by email.

Academic Honesty Policy

Violations of academic honesty (e.g., cheating, plagiarism) are subject to penalties, including grading consequences, academic probation, or expulsion, as outlined in the RIC Student Handbook.

Important Dates

• Exam #1: 2/18 (Wednesday)

• Exam #2: 3/30 (Monday)

• Exam #3: 4/29 (Wednesday)

• Final Exam: 5/6-5/12 (during final exam period)

• Quiz #1: 1/30 – 2/2

• Quiz #2: 2/13 – 2/16

• Quiz #3: 3/20 – 3/23

• Quiz #4: 4/18 – 4/21

Tentative Lecture Topics

• Measurements and Unit Conversions

• Atoms, ions, ionic compounds

• Covalent bonding, VSEPR, and polarity

• States of Matter, focus on intermolecular forces

• Chemical reactions

• Solutions

• Acids and Bases, including buffers

• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (functional groups, alkanes/alkenes)

• Carbohydrates

• Lipids

• Amino acids and Proteins; enzymes

• Nucleic Acids

Additional info: The course topics directly correspond to the chapters listed in the gob college curriculum, including chemistry fundamentals, measurements, matter, atomic structure, chemical reactions, solutions, acids and bases, organic chemistry, and biomolecules.