Course Overview

This course, General Chemistry (806-134), at Moraine Park Technical College, provides a foundational introduction to the principles of chemistry. It is designed for students in General, Organic, and Biological (GOB) Chemistry tracks and covers essential topics such as measurements, matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical bonding, reactions, solutions, acids and bases, gases, and nuclear chemistry. The course emphasizes laboratory safety, quantitative reasoning, and scientific problem-solving.

Course Structure and Key Topics

• Credits: 4.0

• Prerequisites: Math placement or Intermediate Algebra

• Delivery Mode: Hybrid (in-person and online components)

• Textbook: Timberlake, General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: Structures of Life, 6th Edition

Major Topics (Mapped to GOB Chemistry Chapters)

• Chemistry in Our Lives & Measurements (Ch. 1 & 2): Scientific notation, metric system, measurement, conversions, and density.

• Matter and Energy (Ch. 3): States of matter, temperature and phase changes, energy concepts.

• Atoms and Elements (Ch. 4): Atomic structure, periodic relationships, electron arrangements.

• Chemical Bonds (Ch. 6): Ionic and covalent bonding, properties of compounds.

• Chemical Reactions and Quantities (Ch. 7): Types of reactions, redox, stoichiometry, mole calculations.

• Solutions (Ch. 9): Solubility, electrolytes, concentration, dilutions.

• Acids and Bases (Ch. 11): Properties, pH, buffers, titrations.

• Nuclear Chemistry (Ch. 5): Isotopes, radioactivity, half-life.

• Gases (Ch. 8): Gas laws and their applications.

Course Competencies

• Perform safe laboratory practices

• Apply the scientific method

• Solve problems using quantitative data

• Explain the characteristics of matter

• Analyze periodic relationships of the elements

• Describe chemical bonding

• Explain the behavior of matter during a chemical reaction

• Calculate quantities of substances

• Analyze chemical substances

• Characterize aqueous solutions

• Analyze acid-base chemistry

• Characterize the behavior of gases

• Summarize nuclear chemistry applications

Assessment and Grading

• Competency Quizzes: 70% (10 quizzes, 7% each)

• Laboratory Assignments: 20%

• Graded Activities and Core Abilities: 5%

• Problem Sets: 5%

Grading Scale: A: 90–100%, B: 80–89%, C: 70–79%, D: 60–69%, F: <60%

Laboratory Safety and Policies

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): ANSI Z87.1 goggles required for all lab activities involving chemicals or glassware.

• Lab Participation: Missing or incomplete PPE results in grade penalties or removal from lab.

• Lab Assignments: Must be completed and submitted on time; late submissions incur penalties.

Expectations for Quantitative Work

• Show all relevant work and include units in calculations.

• Use dimensional analysis where applicable.

• Correct answers without supporting work may not receive full credit.

Course Schedule (Sample Weeks and Topics)

Policies and Success Strategies

• Attendance, punctuality, and active participation are required for success.

• Late work and missed assessments are subject to strict policies and grade reductions.

• Academic integrity is strictly enforced; AI tools may be used only for ungraded study support.

• Extensions for emergencies or documented circumstances are available upon request.

Recommended Supplies

• Scientific calculator (with log and scientific notation functions)

• Chemical splash safety goggles (ANSI Z87.1/CSA Z94.3)

• Notebook or binder, erasable writing instrument

• Reliable printer and access to online course materials

Instructor Contact

• Instructor: Dr. Angela Henschel

• Email: ahenschel@morainepark.edu (Canvas message preferred)

• Office Phone: (920) 924-3169

• Office Hours: By appointment (in-person or virtual)

Additional info: This syllabus aligns closely with the standard GOB Chemistry curriculum, covering all foundational topics necessary for students in health sciences, allied health, and related fields. The course emphasizes laboratory safety, quantitative reasoning, and the development of scientific thinking skills.