Chem 1A Syllabus

Syllabus and Materials for Chem 1A

Description:

Chem 1A is a one semester college general chemistry course. Atomic structure, the periodic table, molecular structure and bonding, chemical reactions, the mole concept, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, solutions, colligative properties, equilibrium, and phase diagrams will be addressed. 13 to 16 chapters will be covered in 16 weeks (or about 1 chapter per week). Problem solving and critical thinking skills are emphasized.

 

Listed bold chapters below from Tro 5^th or 6^th Edition are covered in the order given: 

· Chapter 1 Introduction: Matter, Measurement and Problem Solving

· Chapter 2 Atoms and Elements

· Chapter 3 Molecules and Compounds

· Chapter 4 Chemical Reactions and Chemical Quantities

· Chapter 5 Introduction to Solutions and Aqueous Reactions

· Chapter 6 Gases

· Chapter 8 The Quantum Mechanical Model of the Atom

· Chapter 9 Periodic Properties of the Elements

· Chapter 10 Chemical Bonding I:  The Lewis Model

· Chapter 11 Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, Valence Bond Theory and MO Theory.

· Chapter 7 Thermochemistry

· Chapter 12 Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces

· Chapter 14 Solutions

Additional topics may be covered as time permits:

· Chapter 13 Solids and Modern Materials

· Chapter 16 Chemical Equilibrium

· Chapter 17 Acids and Bases

 

Times and places:

Lecture – MoWe 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM in D-119 main campus (section 40617).

Lab – MoWe 11:30 AM – 2:20 AM (section 40618) in room 150 at 860 Atlantic for wet lab or D-119 main campus for required problem sessions and supplemental lectures.

 

Instructor: Peter Olds

E-mail: peter.chem1a.coa@gmail.com

Office Hours: TBA or by appointment or leave message.

 

Required Course Materials:

eText: Chemistry 5^th or 6^th Edition by Tro  ($10.99/mo). Most exam questions come from Tro.

Gen chem hardcopy textbook for open book exams.  Recommend Petrucci General Chemistry. (under $10 at ebbay.)

ALEKS for General Chemistry account. 

Laptop computer with broadband internet access

Scientific calculator (graphing calculators and cell phones not allowed during exams)

Laboratory notebook and lab safety glasses.

Lab Safety Note: No sandals, shorts, food, or drink allowed in the lab! Protective shoes and clothing are required.

Exam Schedule:

Exam 1 on Chapters 1, 2 and 3

Exam 2 on Chapters 4, 5 and 6

Exam 3 on Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 

Comprehensive ACS Final Exam including Chapters 7, 12, 14 and 13 

Grading Scheme:

50% Exams (Exams 1, 2 and 3 are 10% each.  Final exam is 20%.).

20% ALEKS General Chemistry (adaptive homework and assessments progress).

20% Labs (attendance, bench work and lab reports required).

10% Class participation including attendance, office hours, problem solving sessions and discussions.

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES ADDENDUM

Course Number:  Chem 1A

Course Title:  General Chemistry

Course Level Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Methods
1. Solve quantitative chemistry problems demonstrating clear reasoning, integrating multiple ideas in the problem solving process, and checking results to make sure they are physically reasonable.	Biweekly tests, a mid-term exam and a final exam will be given to assess typical Chem 1A level quantitative reasoning ability including including equilibrium, thermodynamics, kinetics, electrochemistry and nuclear chemistry problems, etc.
2. Describe and explain chemical concepts plus trends qualitatively.  Use molecular scale models/descriptions to qualitatively explain laboratory scale physical and chemical properties.	Biweekly tests, a mid-term exam and a final exam will be given to assess typical Chem 1A level explanation ability including questions on microscopic interpretation of thermodynamic properties and their connection with whether a process (like a chemical reaction) is spontaneous or not.
3. Safely carry out chemistry experiments in the lab, accurately recording observations and data in a laboratory notebook. Clearly report interpretations, analysis of results, and conclusions in laboratory reports.	Weekly experiments will be carried out in the lab, for which laboratory reports will be collected and graded the following week.  50% of the lab-report grade will address hands-on lab performance.  50% of the lab-report grade will address quality of lab report.

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