Course Overview

Introduction to General Chemistry I

General Chemistry I (Chemistry S1610) is an introductory college-level course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of chemical principles and scientific problem-solving skills. The course is structured to prepare students for advanced studies in chemistry and related fields, including medical school and organic chemistry.

• Course Emphasis: Mastery of both qualitative and quantitative chemical problem-solving.

• Prerequisites Fulfilled: Satisfies requirements for medical school and majors needing a year of general chemistry.

• Course Format: Intensive summer schedule with daily lectures and discussion sections.

Course Structure and Schedule

Weekly Topic Progression

The course is organized into five weeks, each focusing on key topics in general chemistry. The schedule is designed to build upon previously learned material, emphasizing the importance of consistent engagement.

Additional info: The schedule aligns with standard General Chemistry topics, including matter, stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and intermolecular forces.

Course Components

Lectures and Discussion Sections

• Lecture: Held Monday through Friday, 9:30–10:45am.

• Discussion Section: Monday & Wednesday 11:00am–noon; Thursday 11:00–11:30am.

• Attendance: Required for both lectures and discussion sections.

• Quizzes: Short quiz at the start of each Monday and Wednesday discussion section.

Textbook and Resources

• Required Textbook: General Chemistry e-text (Top Hat, Franklin & Ow).

• Access: Digital-only; includes homework and quiz questions.

• Course Website: Canvas is used for course information and updates.

Laboratories

• Note: Laboratory courses are separate and have independent organization and grading.

Assessment and Grading

Grading Breakdown

• Letter Grades: Assigned at the end of the semester based on instructor-determined cut-offs (not curved).

• Grade Criteria:

  • A: Consistently excellent answers

  • B: Primarily correct answers

  • C: Lack of understanding of some key concepts

  • D: Lack of understanding of most key concepts

Academic Policies

Academic Honesty

• Plagiarism and Cheating: Strictly prohibited; includes unauthorized collaboration, use of unauthorized materials during exams, and alteration of submitted work.

• Collaboration: Permitted for ungraded practice problems; not for graded assignments.

• Honor Code: All coursework must be original and adhere to Yale’s academic integrity standards.

Accessibility and Inclusion

• Disabilities: Students requiring accommodations must provide a Letter of Accommodation and give at least one week’s notice for exams.

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging: The course values contributions from students of all backgrounds and aims to foster an inclusive scientific community.

Key Course Topics (by Week)

• Week 1: Introduction, measurement, and properties of matter; basic chemical concepts.

• Week 2: Chemical compounds, chemical reactions, and stoichiometry.

• Week 3: Properties of gases and thermochemistry; introduction to quantum theory.

• Week 4: Atomic structure, Lewis structures, and chemical bonding.

• Week 5: Chemical structures, intermolecular forces, and phases of matter.

Additional info: These topics correspond to standard chapters in General Chemistry textbooks, such as matter and measurement, atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, atomic structure, chemical bonding, and intermolecular forces.

Example: Stoichiometry in General Chemistry

Stoichiometry is the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions. It is a central skill in General Chemistry, typically covered in the second week of the course.

• Key Concept: The law of conservation of mass requires that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of a chemical equation.

• Example Equation:

• Application: Calculating the amount of water produced from a given amount of hydrogen gas.

Summary

• This syllabus outlines the structure, expectations, and academic policies for General Chemistry I.

• Students are expected to engage consistently, uphold academic integrity, and utilize provided resources for success.

• The course covers foundational topics essential for further study in chemistry and related disciplines.