CHM 130: General, Organic, & Biochemistry Syllabus and Course Guide

Course Overview

Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry (GOB Chemistry)

This course provides a foundational survey of basic facts and principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. It is designed for students in health and allied health fields, covering essential chemical concepts, laboratory skills, and their applications to biological systems.

• Course Code: CHM 130

• Credits: 4

• Format: Seated (in-person)

• Instructor: Dr. Deidre Allen

Course Description and Objectives

Course Description

This course covers the structure of matter, chemical and physical changes, chemical bonding, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic and biochemistry. Laboratory work is included to reinforce theoretical concepts.

Course Objectives

• Demonstrate knowledge of scientific processes and numbers in science, including measurement, units, and conversions.

• Identify atomic structure, elements, isotopes, and nuclear applications.

• Describe how elements combine to form compounds and distinguish between ionic and covalent bonding.

• Classify and balance chemical reactions, including recognizing reaction types.

• Explain the properties of solutions, acids, bases, and buffers, and their relevance to biological systems.

• Describe the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.

• Apply chemical concepts to metabolism and energy transformations in living systems.

Course Outline

Main Topics (corresponding to GOB Chemistry chapters)

• Chemistry Basics: Matter, measurement, and scientific method

• Atoms and Radioactivity: Atomic structure, isotopes, and nuclear chemistry

• Compounds: Ionic and covalent bonding, chemical formulas

• Introduction to Organic Compounds: Structure, nomenclature, and functional groups

• Chemical Reactions: Types, balancing, and energy changes

• Carbohydrates: Structure, function, and biological importance

• States of Matter: Properties and intermolecular forces

• Solution Chemistry: Concentration, solubility, and colligative properties

• Acids, Bases, and Buffers: pH, neutralization, and biological buffers

• Proteins: Structure, function, and enzymes

• Nucleic Acids: DNA, RNA, and genetic information

• Food as Fuel: Metabolism and energy pathways

Grading Policy

Type of Assignment	Percentage	Description	Grading Turnaround
Unit Exams (4)	60%	Traditional paper-based exams in class	1-2 days
Final Exam	15%	Cumulative, in-person	1-7 days
Homework	25%	Online assignments via Mastering Chemistry	Automatically graded

Course Policies

Attendance and Withdrawals

• Regular attendance is required. Excessive absences may result in withdrawal from the course.

• Students may officially withdraw up to the 80% point of the semester and receive a grade of 'W'.

• Absences due to religious observances are accommodated per college policy.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and may result in academic penalties.

• All submitted work must be original and completed independently unless otherwise specified.

Classroom Etiquette

• Respectful and positive learning environment is expected.

• Collaboration is encouraged for group assignments, but individual work must be your own.

Course Schedule (Sample)

Lesson	Date	Topic	Reading	Due Dates
1	Mon 1/8	Intro, Syllabus, Ch. 1	1.1-1.5	HW1 due Tues 1/16
2	Wed 1/10	Ch. 1, Ch. 2	2.1-2.5	HW2 due Tues 1/23
3	Mon 1/15	NO CLASS (Holiday)	-	-
4	Wed 1/17	Ch. 2, Ch. 3	3.1-3.5	HW3 due Tues 1/30
...	...	...	...	...

Additional info: The full schedule includes all chapters and exam dates; see syllabus for details.

Student Support and Resources

• Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC): Free tutoring and academic support for chemistry and related subjects.

• Disability Support Services (DSS): Accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

• STEM Initiatives: Opportunities for internships, research, and STEM events.

• Care Center: Support for academic and personal challenges, including counseling and financial resources.

Key Dates

• First Day of Class: Monday, January 8

• Last Day to Withdraw: Friday, March 22

• Last Day of Semester: Friday, April 26

Study Tips

• Practice problems regularly to reinforce concepts.

• Attend all classes and participate actively.

• Utilize office hours and tutoring resources for additional help.

• Stay organized and keep up with assignments and readings.