CHEM 095 Essentials of Chemistry – Course Syllabus Overview and Study Guide

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, policies, and schedule for CHEM 095 Essentials of Chemistry at Hudson Valley Community College. The course introduces foundational concepts in chemistry, laboratory skills, and scientific reasoning, preparing students for further study in chemistry and related fields.

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Donna Barnes

• Email: Provided in syllabus

• Office: SCI 221

• Office Hours: Monday 11:00am – 1:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am – 10:00am

Course Structure and Grading

Grade Computation

• Class Work (including four exams, homework, and quizzes): 50%

• Laboratory Exercises: 25%

• Final Exam: 25%

Attendance Policy

• Attendance is required and considered in grading.

• Absences are excused only with documentation of a legitimate reason.

• Students are responsible for all missed material and assignments.

Exams

• Four unit exams and one comprehensive final exam.

• Lowest exam grade may be replaced by the final exam grade if the final is higher.

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

Homework

• Homework is assigned through the Mastering Chemistry online program.

• Assignments are due by the posted deadlines; late work is not accepted.

• Homework is essential for reinforcing lecture and laboratory concepts.

Laboratories

• Laboratory exercises are completed using Science Interactive Lab kits and online modules.

• Lab work is required for course completion; unsatisfactory lab completion results in course failure.

• Lab grades are based on completion and quality of submitted reports.

Blackboard

• Course materials, announcements, and grades are managed through the Brightspace platform.

• Students are expected to check Brightspace regularly for updates and assignments.

Academic Integrity

• All students must adhere to the college’s academic honesty policy.

• Cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized collaboration will result in disciplinary action.

Course Schedule and Topics

The following schedule outlines the main topics and laboratory activities for each week. This structure ensures coverage of essential introductory chemistry concepts.

Week Starting	Topic	Lab Activity
9/1	Orientation	Science Interactive Orientation and Safety
9/8	Module 1: Introduction & Safety	Lab Kit Science Interactive Orientation and Safety
9/15	Module 2: Measurements & Units	Measuring Volume and Mass, Making Observations
9/22	Atoms and Matter / Exam 1	Lab Kit: Density of Liquids
9/29	Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends	Periodic Table and Electron Configuration Workshop
10/6	Chemical Bonding / Exam 2	Modeling Molecular Structures
10/13	Finish Module 2, Begin Module 3	Simulated Precipitation Reactions
10/20	Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry	Finish first half, begin next lab
10/27	Properties of Solutions / Exam 3	Laboratory Workshop
11/3	Thermochemistry	Laboratory Workshop
11/10	Acids and Bases	Laboratory Workshop
11/17	Module 4: Nuclear Chemistry	Laboratory Workshop
11/24	Thanksgiving Week, no lecture	No lab
12/1	Module 4: Finish Nuclear Chemistry	Lab: Titration of Acetic Acid in Vinegar
12/8	Organic Chemistry / Exam 4	Lab: Titration of Acetic Acid in Vinegar
12/14	Final Exam	—

Key Topics Covered

• Introduction to Chemistry: Scientific method, safety, and laboratory skills.

• Measurements and Units: SI units, significant figures, and measurement techniques.

• Composition of Matter: Atomic structure, elements, and compounds.

• Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends: Electron configurations and periodic properties.

• Chemical Bonding: Ionic and covalent bonds, molecular geometry.

• Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry: Types of reactions, balancing equations, mole concept.

• Properties of Solutions: Concentration units, solubility, and colligative properties.

• Thermochemistry: Energy changes in chemical reactions.

• Acids and Bases: Definitions, pH, and titration.

• Nuclear Chemistry: Types of nuclear reactions and their applications.

• Organic Chemistry: Introduction to structure and nomenclature of organic compounds.

Additional Information

• Students with disabilities should contact the Disability Resource Center for accommodations.

• Academic support is available through the Learning Assistance Center and library resources.