Syllabus and Study Guide: Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (GOB Chemistry)

Course Overview

Introduction to GOB Chemistry

This course, CHEM 1060: Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, provides an introductory survey of chemistry concepts relevant to students in health sciences and related fields. The curriculum covers general chemistry principles, organic chemistry basics, and foundational biochemistry.

• Course Credits: 5.0

• Prerequisite: Passing MATH 0080 (C or better), or equivalent placement.

• Instructor: Kurt Weigel

• Location: Rapids Campus, Science 206

• Class Times: MWF 10:10-11:40am, F 1:00-3:30pm

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

Lecture Portion Outcomes

Upon completion of the lecture portion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate competency in solving quantitative chemical problems, including dimensional analysis and stoichiometry.

• Apply scientific notation, significant figures, and unit conversions.

• Describe atomic structure, periodic trends, and chemical bonding.

• Write chemical formulas and balance chemical equations.

• Relate chemical formulas and equations to laboratory and real-world chemical processes.

• Distinguish between chemical and physical properties/changes.

• Recognize the properties of solutions and perform calculations involving concentration, dilution, and pH.

• Describe acid-base reactions and the relationship between H3O+ and OH- ions.

• Identify and describe organic functional groups and basic organic reactions.

• Explain basic biochemistry concepts, including macromolecules and metabolic pathways.

Laboratory Portion Outcomes

Upon completion of the laboratory portion, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.

• Record and analyze chemical data in tables and graphs.

• Follow laboratory methods and procedures.

• Apply chemical concepts to laboratory experiments, including those pertaining to waste disposal and chemical hygiene.

• Work effectively in teams.

Course Materials

Required Texts and Technology

• Textbook: "Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry" (custom edition)

• Online Homework: Mastering Chemistry Access Code (comes with textbook)

• Lab Manual: CHEM 1060/1061 Cambridge Laboratory Manual

• Calculator: Scientific calculator (TI-30XS recommended)

• Computer Access: Required for online homework, quizzes, and communication

Grading and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

Component	Percent
Homework (threshold graded)	18
Dosage Quick ACP	10
Quizzes	10
Semester Exam	16
Final Exam	16
Lab Practical	10
Extra Credit/Opportunities	0-8
Total	100

Letter Grade Breakdown

Percent Range	Letter Grade
90 - 100	A
80 - 89	B
70 - 79	C
60 - 69	D
Below 60	F

Homework and Quizzes

Homework Policy

Homework is assigned weekly and is the primary method for practicing and gaining confidence with course material. Homework is completed online via Mastering Chemistry and is graded on a threshold scale. Assignments are due the following Monday at the start of class after new content is covered.

• Threshold grading: Scores are converted to a scale where 83% is the maximum score for full credit.

• Late homework: No penalty for completing late homework assignments, but you must keep up with the material.

Quizzes

Quizzes are held every other week and based on class and online homework. Dosage Quick ACP quizzes are a key content area for students in health fields.

Course Policies and Support

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is expected for all class meetings and labs.

• Participation in group work and discussions is encouraged.

Accommodations and Resources

• Disability accommodations are available through the Office for Students with Disabilities.

• Support for military-affiliated students is available.

• Resources for students experiencing harassment or discrimination are provided.

Key Concepts in GOB Chemistry

General Chemistry

• Atomic Structure: Atoms consist of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atomic number defines the element.

• Periodic Table: Elements are arranged by increasing atomic number; groups and periods indicate chemical properties.

• Chemical Bonding: Atoms form ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds to achieve stability.

• Stoichiometry: Quantitative relationships in chemical reactions. $\text{Moles} = \frac{\text{Mass}}{\text{Molar Mass}}$

• Solutions: Homogeneous mixtures of solute and solvent. Concentration measured in molarity. $\text{Molarity} = \frac{\text{moles of solute}}{\text{liters of solution}}$

• Acids and Bases: Acids donate H+ ions; bases accept H+ ions. pH measures acidity. $\text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}_3\text{O}^+]$

Organic Chemistry

• Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine chemical reactivity (e.g., alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines).

• Hydrocarbons: Compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen; classified as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.

• Isomerism: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures.

Biochemistry

• Macromolecules: Large molecules essential for life, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

• Enzymes: Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms.

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in a living organism.

Study Tips and Success Strategies

• Attend all classes and labs; participation is key to understanding concepts.

• Complete all homework and quizzes on time to reinforce learning.

• Form study groups to discuss and solve problems collaboratively.

• Utilize office hours and ask questions when concepts are unclear.

• Review textbook chapters and practice problems regularly.

Additional Info

• Extra credit opportunities may be available throughout the semester.

• Dosage calculations are emphasized for students entering health fields.

• Lab safety and teamwork are essential components of the course.