BackCHEM 010: Introduction to Chemistry – Course Syllabus and Overview
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Course Overview
Introduction
CHEM 010: Introduction to Chemistry is a one-semester, elementary chemistry course designed for students with little or no prior background in chemistry. It provides foundational knowledge and laboratory experience, preparing students for advanced chemistry courses or fulfilling general education science requirements.
Instructor: Prof. Jennifer Verissimo
Format: Online lecture (asynchronous) and in-person laboratory
Lab Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:10–9:35 AM, Room JM 220
Contact: Email (jenniferv@cos.edu), Office (John Muir Building, Room 236)
Course Description and Objectives
Purpose and Scope
This course is intended for students who have not taken high school chemistry or need a refresher. It covers the basic principles of chemistry, including matter, energy, chemical reactions, measurements, formula writing, nomenclature, and chemical calculations.
Prepares students for advanced chemistry courses
Satisfies general education physical science requirements
Emphasizes both conceptual understanding and practical laboratory skills
Student Learning Outcomes
Skills and Competencies
Quantitative Analysis: Apply theories and techniques to solve quantitative problems, including significant figures, dimensional analysis, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics.
Qualitative Analysis: Classify matter, understand nomenclature, write and balance chemical equations, and interpret periodic trends.
Laboratory Skills: Collect, record, organize, and analyze experimental data, recognizing the limitations of measurements.
Required Materials
Textbooks and Tools
Lecture Text: Basic Chemistry, 6th edition by Timberlake and Timberlake (e-text or any previous edition)
Lab Manual: CHEM 010 Course Pack (available via Canvas or bookstore)
Homework Platform: Aktiv Chemistry (subscription required)
Calculator: Any non-graphing scientific calculator with log and exponent functions (e.g., TI-30XIIS)
Web Access: Required for Canvas, Aktiv, Pearson+, and other online resources
Course Topics and Schedule
Lecture Topics
Chapter 1: Chemistry in Our Lives
Chapter 2: Chemistry and Measurement
Chapter 3: Matter and Energy
Chapter 4: Atoms and Elements
Chapter 5: Electronic Structure of Atoms and Periodic Trends
Chapter 6: Ionic and Molecular Compounds
Chapter 7: Chemical Quantities
Chapter 8: Chemical Reactions
Chapter 9: Chemical Quantities in Reactions
Chapter 10: Bonding and Properties of Solids and Liquids
Chapter 11: Gases
Exam Schedule
Exam | Chapters Covered | Date |
|---|---|---|
Exam 1 | Ch. 1 – 3 | Thursday, June 11th |
Exam 2 | Ch. 4 – 6 | Wednesday, June 17th |
Exam 3 | Ch. 7 – 9 | Wednesday, June 24th |
Exam 4 | Ch. 10 – 11 | Tuesday, June 30th |
Final Exam | Cumulative (Ch. 1–11) | Thursday, July 2nd |
Grading Policy
Grade Components
Category | Weight |
|---|---|
Exams (4) | 30% |
Final Exam | 20% |
Lab Reports | 20% |
Quizzes | 15% |
Homework | 15% |
Lowest quiz and exam grades are dropped (see syllabus for details).
Grades are calculated mathematically and are not rounded up except as specified (e.g., 89.5% rounds to 90%).
Letter Grade Scale
Letter Grade | Percentage Range |
|---|---|
A+ | 97–100% |
A | 93–97% |
A- | 90–93% |
B+ | 87–90% |
B | 83–87% |
B- | 80–83% |
C+ | 77–80% |
C | 70–77% |
D+ | 67–70% |
D | 63–67% |
D- | 60–63% |
F | Below 60% |
Laboratory Policies
Attendance and Preparation
Attendance at all lab sessions is required; missing three or more labs risks course failure.
Preparation includes reading the experiment and completing the Pre-Lab before class.
Lab reports must show all work, include correct units and significant figures, and be neat and legible.
Late lab reports lose 10% per day.
Course Technology and Communication
Canvas and Email
Canvas is used for announcements, assignments, grades, and communication.
Official communication is via COS email; students must check regularly.
Homework is completed through Aktiv Chemistry.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism and Cheating
All forms of plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.
Turnitin is used for plagiarism and AI detection on written assignments.
Consequences include a zero on the assignment, formal reporting, and possible grade reduction.
Accommodations and Support
Accessibility and Resources
Students with disabilities should contact the Access and Ability Center (AAC) for accommodations.
Video content is closed-captioned; alternate media available upon request.
Free tutoring and academic workshops are available on campus.
Important Dates
Date | Event |
|---|---|
June 4th | Course Start Date |
June 5th | Last day to use add codes |
June 8th | Last day to drop for refund (no "W") |
June 19th | Holiday (No School) |
June 22nd | Final drop date (with "W") |
July 2nd | Final Exam (7:10–9:35 AM) |
Study Recommendations
Expect to spend approximately 8 hours per day on class, homework, and study during the summer session.
Form study groups and seek tutoring or Supplemental Instruction (SI) early if needed.
Consistent work and follow-up reading are essential for success.
Additional info:
This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course policies, expectations, and resources. For detailed content on each chemistry topic, refer to the course textbook and lecture materials.
