Course Overview

Introduction to General Chemistry I with Lab

This course provides a foundational introduction to the principles of inorganic chemistry, focusing on matter, atoms, molecules, solutions, thermochemistry, chemical bonding, and intermolecular forces. It is designed for students pursuing biology, premedical, prehealth, or other science-related fields, as well as professionals considering a career change to the sciences. The course emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills, including instrumentation, data analysis, and observation.

• Course Title: General Chemistry I with Lab

• Course Number: CHEM-40007

• Quarter: Summer 2026

• Course Dates: 9/14/2026 – 11/22/2026

• Instructor: Dr. Tam

• Prerequisites: None

Student Learning Outcomes

Goals for Student Achievement

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand global connections between chemical cycles and human activities

• Apply chemical theories to model global processes

• Analyze how global relations affect chemical systems in the environment

• Explain the impact of chemistry on human life

Course Materials

Required Texts and Lab Kits

• Textbook: Mastering Chemistry with Pearson eText Access Code for Introductory Chemistry, 7th Edition, Nivaldo Tro (ISBN: 9780135592144)

• Lab Kit: HOL Lab Paq (details provided in Canvas)

Materials must be purchased through recommended channels to ensure compatibility with course requirements.

Course Schedule

Weekly Topics and Assignments

The course is structured around weekly sessions, each covering a major topic in introductory chemistry. Assignments include discussion boards, chapter homework, quizzes, lab activities, and video-based Edpuzzles.

• Session 1: The Chemical World

• Session 2: Measurement and Problem Solving

• Session 3: Matter and Energy

• Session 4: Atoms and Elements

• Session 5-6: Molecules and Compounds

• Session 7: Chemical Composition

• Session 8: Chemical Reactions

• Session 9: Quantities in Chemical Reactions

• Session 10: Review & Final Exam

Grading Policies

Weighted Grading Criteria

Your grade in this course is determined by the following components:

• Discussion Board Participation: 5%

• Chapter Homework: 15%

• Chapter Assignment: 10%

• Edpuzzles: 15%

• Quizzes: 20%

• HOL Labs: 20%

• Final Cumulative Exam: 15%

Late work is accepted with a 20% grade deduction per day, up to four days late. Work submitted after the fifth day receives no credit.

Letter Grade Scale

The following table shows the grading scale for passing and non-passing grades:

Laboratory Component

Lab Kit and Experimentation Requirements

Students must purchase the HOL lab kit directly from Hands-on Labs and use only the provided materials for all experiments. Completion of all lab activities—including exploration, experimentation, and evaluation—is mandatory for earning lab grades. Kits should be ordered immediately upon enrollment to ensure timely arrival.

Academic Integrity

UC San Diego Extended Studies Policy

All students must adhere to the UC San Diego Extended Studies Academic Integrity Policy, which prohibits plagiarism, cheating, improper citations, and unauthorized use of artificial intelligence tools. Violations may result in disciplinary action.

Additional Policies and Resources

Student Support and Conduct

• MyExtension: Portal for enrollment, transcripts, and records

• Conduct Code: Adherence to UC San Diego community standards

• Emergency Information: Updates provided on the Extended Studies website

• Disability Services: Contact unex-ssd@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-1366 for accommodations