General Chemistry I (GOB Chemistry) Syllabus and Course Structure – Purdue Northwest CHM11900

Course Overview

Introduction to General Chemistry (CHM11900)

This course provides a foundational understanding of general, organic, and biological chemistry. It is designed for students pursuing health sciences and related fields, emphasizing the chemical principles that underlie biological and environmental processes.

• Instructor: Dr. FC Gombedza

• Schedule: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12:30PM–1:20PM

• Location: Gyte 103

• Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 11AM–12PM; Tuesdays & Thursdays 11AM–11:45AM and by appointment

Course Description

Scope and Topics

The course covers the following major areas:

• General Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and energy changes.

• Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, functional groups, and basic organic reactions.

• Biological Chemistry: Structure and function of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Students will develop skills in scientific reasoning, laboratory techniques, and quantitative analysis.

Course Objectives

• Describe and apply the scientific method.

• Explain atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactivity.

• Classify and balance chemical reactions.

• Understand the properties and reactions of organic compounds, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Required Materials

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

• Calculator: Scientific calculator (TI-30 or TI-84 recommended)

• Additional Materials: Study guides, online homework, and practice exercises may be assigned

Lecture Schedule

Weekly Topics and Chapters

Week	Date	Topic	Chapter
1	8/26	Chemistry in Our Lives	1
2	8/28	Chemistry in Our Lives II	1
3	9/2	Matter and Measurement I	2
4	9/4	Matter and Measurement II	2
5	9/9	Atoms and Elements I	3
6	9/11	Atoms and Elements II	3
7	9/16	Ionic and Molecular Compounds I	4
8	9/18	Ionic and Molecular Compounds II	4
9	9/23	Chemical Quantities and Reactions I	5, 6
10	9/25	Chemical Quantities and Reactions II	5, 6
11	9/30	Gases, Liquids, and Solids	7
12	10/2	Solutions	8
13	10/7	Acids and Bases	9
14	10/9	Nuclear Chemistry	10
15	10/14	Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons I	11
16	10/16	Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons II	11
17	10/21	Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones I	12
18	10/23	Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes and Ketones II	12
19	10/28	Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides	13
20	10/30	Carbohydrates I	15
21	11/4	Carbohydrates II	15
22	11/6	Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes I	16, 17
23	11/11	Lipids, Proteins, Enzymes II	16, 17
24	11/13	Comprehensive Review	Comprehensive

Lab Schedule

Lab Activities

Week of	Activity
August 25	Check-in & Lab Safety
September 1	NO LABS ALL WEEK
September 8	Lab 1: Basic Laboratory Techniques
September 15	Lab 2: Separation of Mixtures
September 22	OPEN DAY! NO LABS ALL WEEK
September 29	Lab 3: Names and Formulas of Chemical Compounds
October 6	Lab 4: Ionic and Molecular Bonding (PHET simulation)
October 13	Lab 5: Chemical Reactions and their Classification
October 20	Lab 6: Chemical Properties of Organic Compounds–Carbohydrates
October 27	Lab 7: Midperiodic Molecule: Hydrocarbon
November 3	Lab 8: Organic Chemistry Review
November 10	Lab 9: Check-out & Lab Final

Assessment and Grading

• Quizzes: 8 quizzes, 25 points each (total 200 points)

• Mid-term Exams: 2 exams, 100 points each (total 200 points)

• Final Exam: 200 points

• Lab: 200 points

• Total: 800 points

Grade Scale:

• A: 93–100%

• A-: 91–92%

• B+: 89–90%

• B: 83–88%

• B-: 80–82%

• C+: 77–79%

• C: 73–76%

• C-: 70–72%

• D+: 67–69%

• D: 65–66%

• D-: 60–64%

• F: <60%

Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is required for both lectures and labs.

• Participation is essential for success.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

• Use of generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) is strictly prohibited unless explicitly permitted by the instructor.

Student with Disabilities

• Accommodations are available through the Disability Access Center (DAC).

Non-Discrimination and Mental Health

• Purdue University Northwest prohibits discrimination and supports student mental health and well-being.

Emergency Procedures and COVID-19

• Emergency procedures and COVID-19 guidelines are outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Important Dates

Date	Event
Monday, August 26	Classes Begin
Monday, September 1	Labor Day (No classes, campus closed)
Monday and Tuesday, October 13-14	Fall Break (No classes)
Wednesday–Saturday, November 26-29	Thanksgiving Break (No classes, campus closed)
Friday, November 14	Last Day to Drop Class
Saturday, December 13	Classes End
December 13-20	Final Exams

Summary of Key GOB Chemistry Topics Covered

• Matter and Measurements: Properties of matter, units, and measurement techniques.

• Atoms and the Periodic Table: Atomic structure, elements, and periodic trends.

• Ionic and Molecular Compounds: Bonding, nomenclature, and properties.

• Chemical Reactions & Quantities: Balancing equations, stoichiometry, and reaction types.

• Gases, Liquids, and Solids: States of matter and their properties.

• Solutions, Acids, and Bases: Solution chemistry, pH, and acid-base reactions.

• Nuclear Chemistry: Radioactivity and nuclear reactions.

• Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons, functional groups, and biomolecules.

• Biochemistry: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and enzymes.

• Lab Techniques: Safety, measurement, separation, and chemical analysis.

Additional info: This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the GOB Chemistry curriculum, including all major topics relevant for exam preparation and laboratory work.