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, is an introductory survey designed for students in health sciences and related fields. It covers foundational concepts in general, organic, and biological chemistry, emphasizing their applications in biological and health contexts.

• Course Credits: 5 credits

• Prerequisite: Passing MATH 0080 (C or better), or placement into a higher-level math course

• Instructor: Kurt Weigel

• Class Times: MWF 10:00-11:50 AM, F 1:00-3:30 PM

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

Lecture Portion

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

• Solve scientific notation, dosage calculations, and dimensional analysis problems using unit conversions and significant figures.

• Describe atomic and molecular structure, including electron configuration, periodic trends, and bonding.

• Write and balance chemical equations and perform stoichiometric calculations.

• Relate chemical formulas and reactions to real-world applications, such as acid-base chemistry and solution preparation.

• Distinguish between chemical and physical properties/changes.

• Recognize the structure and function of biological molecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids).

• Describe the behavior of solutions and perform calculations involving concentration, dilution, and pH.

• Explain the relationship between acids and bases, and the role of buffers in biological systems.

• Identify and describe organic functional groups and their chemical reactivity.

• Interpret and analyze chemical structures using Fisher projections, line-angle drawings, and molecular models.

Laboratory Portion

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

• Demonstrate safe laboratory practices and proper use of equipment.

• Record and analyze data using tables and graphs.

• Follow laboratory methods and techniques, including those pertaining to waste disposal and chemical hygiene.

• Work effectively in teams to complete experiments and communicate results.

Course Materials

Required Texts and Technology

• Textbook: "Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry" (Timberlake, 16th edition)

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

• Lab Manual: CHEM 1060/1061 2025 On-Campus Laboratory Manual (purchase at bookstore)

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

• Technology: Reliable internet, computer for online work, access to D2L (course website)

Grading and Evaluation

Grading Breakdown

Component	Percent
Homework (threshold graded, see page 8)	15
Dosage Quizzes (ACP graded, see page 9)	5
Semester Exams	40
Final Exam	10
Lab Practical	10
Lab Reports	10
Extra Credit/Opportunities	0-1
Total	100

Letter Grade Breakdown

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

Note: Final course percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole number.

Course Policies and Support

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is expected at all class meetings and labs.

• Participation in discussions, group work, and laboratory activities is required.

• Missing more than 5 class sessions may result in being dropped from the course.

Homework and Assignments

• Homework is assigned weekly via Mastering Chemistry and is the primary way to practice and gain confidence.

• Homework is threshold graded: scores are converted to a 3/3, 2/3, 1/3, or 0/3 scale based on original percent.

• Assignments are due the following Monday at the start of class after new content is finished.

• Late homework is not accepted except for documented emergencies.

Quizzes and Dosage Checks

• Quizzes are held every 1-2 weeks and may be online or in-class.

• Dosage Quizzes check understanding of key content areas, especially for health science students.

Exams and Final Exam

• There are multiple semester exams and a comprehensive final exam.

• Make-up exams are only allowed for documented emergencies.

Accommodations and Resources

• Students with disabilities should contact the instructor and ARCC Disability Services for accommodations.

• Veterans and military members may contact ARCC’s dedicated coordinator for support.

• Additional resources include tutoring, counseling, and technology support.

Key Concepts and Skills in GOB Chemistry

Scientific Notation and Significant Figures

• Scientific Notation: A way to express very large or small numbers using powers of ten. Example: $6.02 \times 10^{23}$

• Significant Figures: Digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit. Used to express the precision of measurements.

Dimensional Analysis and Unit Conversions

• Dimensional Analysis: A method to convert units using conversion factors. Example: $\text{Given unit} \times \frac{\text{Desired unit}}{\text{Given unit}} = \text{Desired unit}$

• Application: Used in dosage calculations and laboratory measurements.

Atomic Structure and Periodic Table

• Atoms: The basic unit of matter, composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Periodic Table: Organizes elements by increasing atomic number and similar chemical properties.

• Groups and Periods: Vertical columns are groups (families); horizontal rows are periods.

Chemical Bonding

• Ionic Bonds: Formed by transfer of electrons from metals to nonmetals.

• Covalent Bonds: Formed by sharing of electrons between nonmetals.

• Polar and Nonpolar Bonds: Determined by differences in electronegativity.

Chemical Reactions and Equations

• Balancing Equations: Ensures the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

• Types of Reactions: Synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, combustion.

• Stoichiometry: Calculations involving the quantities of reactants and products. Example: $\text{mol A} \rightarrow \text{mol B}$ using mole ratios from balanced equations.

Solutions, Acids, and Bases

• Solutions: Homogeneous mixtures of solute and solvent.

• Concentration: Expressed as molarity ($M = \frac{\text{mol solute}}{\text{L solution}}$).

• Acids and Bases: Acids donate protons (H+), bases accept protons. pH measures acidity: $\text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+]$

• Buffers: Solutions that resist changes in pH, important in biological systems.

Organic and Biological Molecules

• Organic Chemistry: Study of carbon-containing compounds.

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

• Biological Molecules: Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids are essential for life processes.

Tips for Success in GOB Chemistry

• Attend all classes and labs, participate actively, and ask questions.

• Complete all homework and assignments on time.

• Form study groups and seek help from the instructor or tutoring resources as needed.

• Practice problems regularly to reinforce understanding.

Additional info: The above notes synthesize and expand on the syllabus content, providing academic context and examples for key GOB Chemistry concepts.