Introductory Chemistry I: Course Structure, Topics, and Expectations

Course Overview

Introduction to Chemistry Principles

This course provides a foundational understanding of the principles and concepts of chemistry, designed for non-science majors. Students will develop competency in recognizing and applying basic chemical concepts and problem-solving techniques relevant to general chemistry.

• Credit Hours: 3 semester hours (3 hours lecture per week)

• Prerequisites: Eligibility for MTH 138

• Corequisite: CHE 111L (laboratory component)

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes

General Education Goals

• Apply scientific methods and technology to the study of natural sciences.

• Recognize and communicate scientific and quantitative methods, and distinguish them from other forms of inquiry.

• Understand major issues in modern science, including ethical, societal, and policy considerations.

• Appreciate the interdependence of science and technology and their impact on culture.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Use units of measure, significant figures, and perform unit conversions.

• Define and calculate density; understand definitions of matter.

• Apply atomic theory, understand atomic structure, and use the periodic table.

• Write chemical formulas, apply inorganic nomenclature, and determine electron configurations, Lewis structures, and VSEPR theory.

• Calculate atomic and molecular masses, perform mole calculations, and use Avogadro’s number.

• Balance chemical equations and perform mass calculations in chemical reactions.

• Understand gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’s, Gay-Lussac’s, Ideal, Dalton’s) and properties of gases, liquids, and solutions.

• Apply principles of acid/base theories, pH, buffers, indicators, and titration.

Course Topics and Timeline

Outline of Topics

• Methods and Measurements (5-15%)

• Composition and Structure of the Atom (5-15%)

• Elements, Atoms, Ions, and the Periodic Table (5-15%)

• Structure and Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds (5-15%)

• Calculations and the Chemical Equation (5-15%)

• States of Matter (5-15%)

• Reactions and Solutions (5-15%)

• Chemical and Physical Change: Energy, Rate, and Equilibrium (5-15%)

• Charge-Transfer Reactions: Acids and Bases and Oxidation-Reduction (5-15%)

• Nucleus, Radioactivity, and Nuclear Medicine (0-15%)

• Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Alkanes (0-15%)

• Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Alkenes, Alkynes (0-15%)

Weekly Schedule (Selected Chapters)

Week/Dates	Topics/Chapters	Online Assignment Due
Aug 27, 29, 31	Ch. 1 & 2: Chemistry: Methods and Measurements	Aug 31
Sept 5, 7, 10	Ch. 3: Energy and Matter	Sept 7
Sept 12, 14, 17, 19	Ch. 4: Elements, Atoms, Ions, and the Periodic Table	Sept 14
Sept 24, 26, 28	Ch. 5: Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends	Sept 28
Oct 1, 3, 5	Ch. 6: Names and Formulas of Compounds	Oct 5
Oct 8, 10, 12	Ch. 10: Structures of Solids and Liquids	Oct 12
Oct 17, 19, 22	Ch. 7: Chemical Quantities and Reactions	Oct 26
Oct 24, 26, 29	Ch. 8: Chemical Quantities in Reactions	Nov 2
Oct 31, Nov 2, 5	Ch. 9: Chemical Quantities in Reactions	Nov 9
Nov 7, 9, 12	Ch. 15: Oxidation and Reduction	Nov 16
Nov 16, 19	Ch. 13: Chemical Equilibrium & Ch. 11: Gases	Nov 26
Nov 26, 28	Ch. 12: Solutions
Nov 30, Dec 3	Ch. 14: Acids and Bases	Dec 3
Dec 7	Ch. 16: Radioactivity

Assessment and Grading

Exams and Assignments

• Four in-class exams (100 points each, multiple choice, cumulative with emphasis on recent material)

• Final ACS comprehensive multiple choice exam (100 points, 60 questions)

• Online assignments (100 points total)

Grading Scale

Grade	Points Range
A	540 – 600
B	480 – 539
C	420 – 479
D	360 – 419
F	< 360

Course Policies

Attendance

• Attendance is mandatory; five unexcused absences result in a grade of "F" and being dropped from the class.

• No make-up exams or assignments are allowed.

Academic Integrity

• Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited and subject to university penalties, including possible expulsion.

• Examples of academic dishonesty include unauthorized aid, falsification of information, and presenting others' work as your own.

Withheld Grades Policy

• Grades of WH (withheld) are granted only for unavoidable circumstances and must be resolved within one year.

• Students must be passing with at least a C to be eligible for a WH grade.

Disability Services

• Students requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Disability Services early in the semester.

Classroom Behavior

• Disruptive behavior is not tolerated and may result in removal from class or further disciplinary action.

• Regular attendance and participation are expected for academic success.

Required Materials

• Textbook: Basic Chemistry, 3rd ed., by Karen Timberlake and William Timberlake

• Calculator: Non-programmable scientific calculator

• Online Access: Mastering Chemistry access code

• Email: Active email address for course communications

Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. ‘Tayo Odunuga

• Department: Chemistry & Biochemistry

• Email: [e-mail]

• Phone: [phone]

• Office: 122 Math Building

• Office Hours: M-F, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additional Info

• This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.

• Students are encouraged to regularly check for updates and communicate with the instructor as needed.