Introduction to Chemistry: Course Structure and Key Topics (Syllabus Overview)

Course Overview

This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and key topics for a college-level Introduction to Chemistry course (Chem 160). The course covers foundational concepts in chemistry, including measurement, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, states of matter, solutions, acids and bases, and chemical equilibrium. The syllabus provides a week-by-week breakdown of modules, assignments, and assessments.

Course Description and Objectives

• Course Focus: General chemistry principles, atomic and molecular structure, periodic table, chemical reactions, and laboratory techniques.

• Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):

  • Draw Lewis structures of molecular compounds/polyatomic ions.

  • Identify and name compounds (ionic, covalent, acids, etc.).

  • Show proficiency in common lab techniques.

• Program Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate skills for common lab techniques.

  • Understand and make sense of chemical concepts.

  • Apply chemical principles to real-world problems.

  • Analyze and write different types of chemical reactions.

Key Topics and Weekly Modules

The syllabus covers the following major topics, each corresponding to a chapter in the course textbook:

• Ch.1 The Science of Chemistry

• Ch.2 Numbers from Measurements

• Ch.3 Unit Systems and Dimensional Analysis

• Ch.4 Basic Concepts About Matter

• Ch.5 The Atom

• Ch.6 Electronic Structure and Chemical Periodicity

• Ch.7 Chemical Bonds

• Ch.8 Chemical Nomenclature

• Ch.9 The Law of Definite Proportions

• Ch.10 Chemical Calculations Involving Chemical Equations

• Ch.11 States of Matter

• Ch.12 Gas Laws

• Ch.13 Solutions

• Ch.14 Acids and Bases

• Ch.15 Chemical Equations: Net Ionic and Oxidation-Reduction

• Ch.16 Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium

Sample Weekly Schedule

The following table summarizes the weekly progression of topics, assignments, and assessments:

Week/Date	Modules Covered	Assignments Due	Quizzes/Exams
1 (8/11)	Course Home, Syllabus, Ch.1 Science of Chemistry, Ch.2 Numbers from Measurements	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 1: Ch.1,2 (Sat. 8/17)
2 (8/18)	Ch.3 Unit Systems and Dimensional Analysis	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 2: Ch.3 (Sat. 8/24)
3 (8/25)	Ch.4 Basic Concepts About Matter	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 3: Ch.4 (Sat. 8/31)
4 (9/1)	Ch.5 The Atom, Ch.6 Electronic Structure and Chemical Periodicity	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 4: Ch.5,6 (Sat. 9/7)
5 (9/8)	Ch.7 Chemical Bonds	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 5: Ch.7 (Sat. 9/14)
6 (9/15)	Ch.8 Chemical Nomenclature	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 6: Ch.8 (Sat. 9/21)
7 (9/22)	Ch.9 Law of Definite Proportions	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 7: Ch.9 (Sat. 9/28)
8 (9/29)	Ch.10 Chemical Calculations Involving Chemical Equations	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 8: Ch.10 (Sat. 10/5)
9 (10/6)	Ch.11 States of Matter	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 9: Ch.11 (Sat. 10/12)
10 (10/13)	Ch.12 Gas Laws	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 10: Ch.12 (Sat. 10/19)
11 (10/20)	Ch.13 Solutions	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 11: Ch.13 (Sat. 10/26)
12 (10/27)	Ch.14 Acids and Bases	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 12: Ch.14 (Sat. 11/2)
13 (11/3)	Ch.15 Chemical Equations: Net Ionic and Oxidation-Reduction	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 13: Ch.15 (Sat. 11/9)
14 (11/10)	Ch.16 Reaction Rates and Chemical Equilibrium	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Quiz 14: Ch.16 (Sat. 11/16)
15 (11/17)	Final Review	Discussion/Video Quiz, Top Hat assignments	Final Exam (Sat. 11/23)

Grading Policy

Assignment	Points	% of Grade
Tests (1 Exam)	200	19
Final Exam	200	19
Quizzes (7 Quizzes)	200	19
Lab Reports	300	32
Reading and Video Assignments and Canvas Quizzes	60	6
Discussions and Surveys	40	4
Total	1000	100

Course Policies and Resources

• Attendance: Regular attendance and participation are required for success.

• Homework: Assigned weekly, including lab reports, worksheets, and online quizzes.

• Technology: Students must have access to a computer, internet, and calculator.

• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited.

• Support Services: Tutoring, student success workshops, and accommodations for disabilities are available.

Textbook and Materials

• Textbook: Introduction to Chemical Principles, 11th edition (or free OpenStax alternative).

• Calculator: Scientific calculator required.

• Lab Manual: Provided by instructor.

Summary of Major Chemistry Topics

• Measurement and Units: Understanding SI units, significant figures, and dimensional analysis.

• Matter and Its Properties: Classification of matter, physical and chemical properties.

• Atomic Structure: Structure of atoms, subatomic particles, and the periodic table.

• Chemical Bonding: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds; Lewis structures.

• Chemical Nomenclature: Naming compounds and writing chemical formulas.

• Chemical Reactions: Types of reactions, balancing equations, stoichiometry.

• States of Matter and Gas Laws: Properties of solids, liquids, gases; gas law equations.

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

• Chemical Equilibrium and Kinetics: Reaction rates, equilibrium concepts.

Example: Key Equations

• Dimensional Analysis: $\text{Quantity in new units} = \text{Quantity in old units} \times \frac{\text{Conversion factor}}{1}$

• Ideal Gas Law: $PV = nRT$

• Percent Composition: $\%\,\text{Composition} = \frac{\text{Mass of element}}{\text{Total mass of compound}} \times 100$

• Balancing Chemical Equations: Coefficients are used to ensure the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the course structure and expectations, but does not include detailed content explanations for each topic. Students should refer to the textbook and lecture notes for in-depth study.