CHE 110: Introduction to Chemistry – Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Description and Scope

This course provides a foundational introduction to general and inorganic chemistry, with additional coverage of basic organic chemistry. It is designed for students entering health-related fields such as Nursing and Dental Hygiene. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, data analysis, and laboratory skills, covering key topics such as atomic theory, chemical bonding, gas laws, solutions, acids and bases, and introductory organic compounds.

• Credits: 4.0 (3 hours lecture, 1 hour recitation, 2 hours lab per week)

• Prerequisite: MAT 100 (Elementary Algebra or equivalent)

• Textbook: Introduction to Chemistry: General, Organic, and Biological v 1.0 (free online access)

• Lab Materials: Lab documents provided online; safety goggles required

Major Topics Covered

• Chemistry, Matter, and Measurement

• Elements, Atoms, and the Periodic Table

• Ionic and Covalent Bonding

• Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry

• Energy and Chemical Processes (Thermochemistry)

• States of Matter: Solids, Liquids, and Gases

• Solutions

• Acids and Bases

• Nuclear Chemistry

• Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Student Learning Outcomes

• Core Outcomes:

  • Identify and apply fundamental concepts and methods of physical science

  • Apply the scientific method: hypothesis, observation, experimentation, measurement, data analysis, and presentation

  • Use scientific tools for collaborative laboratory investigations

  • Gather, analyze, and interpret data in written laboratory reports

  • Apply research ethics and unbiased assessment in scientific data gathering and reporting

• Discipline-Specific Outcomes:

  • Solve problems by integrating multiple chemistry concepts

  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving strategies

  • Relate chemistry to other scientific disciplines and real-world contexts

  • Understand atomic theory, chemical formulas, and formula weights

  • Balance chemical equations and solve related quantitative problems

  • Learn periodic properties and basic chemical bonding concepts

  • Apply gas laws and kinetic molecular theory

  • Use chemical terminology in scientific and everyday contexts

Course Requirements and Grading

• Lecture (75% of final grade):

  • Three in-person exams (15% each, total 45%)

  • Homework assignments (10%)

  • Cumulative final exam (20%)

• Laboratory (25% of final grade):

  • Lab reports (15%)

  • Lab quizzes (5%)

  • Final lab exam (5%)

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is mandatory for both lecture and lab sessions

• More than 15% absence may affect your grade

• Four unexcused lab absences result in automatic course failure

• Active participation in lab is required; incomplete attendance results in partial credit

Lab Safety Guidelines

• Wear appropriate clothing: no shorts, skirts, sandals, or open shoes

• Long hair must be tied back; loose clothing secured

• Safety goggles must be worn at all times in the lab

• Do not use hand sanitizer in the lab due to flammability and chemical reactivity

• Unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the lab and loss of credit

Academic Integrity

• Cheating, plagiarism, and obtaining unfair advantage are strictly prohibited

• All work must be your own unless group work is explicitly allowed

• Refer to the college's academic integrity policy for details and consequences

Support Services

• Tutoring: Available through the Black Male Initiative (BMI) TEAM and Hostos Academic Learning Center (HALC)

• Counseling: Hostos Counseling Center offers support in multiple languages

• Accessibility: The Accessibility Resource Center provides accommodations for students with disabilities

• Immigration Assistance: Support available through designated campus liaisons

Course Schedule Overview

Tips for Success

• Attend all classes and participate actively

• Read assigned textbook chapters before class

• Complete all homework and practice problems

• Form study groups and seek help when needed

• Utilize office hours and campus resources

Additional Info

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the CHE 110 course structure, requirements, and support resources. For detailed content on each chemistry topic, refer to the assigned textbook chapters and lab documents.