Includes the study of atomic structure, stoichiometry, molarity, enthalpy, chemical periodicity, bonding and structure, reactions and equations, and properties of gases. This course is for students majoring in science, engineering, mathematics, pharmacy, or other pre-professional programs. Three hours of lecture and four hours of laboratory per week.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
This course is designed to prepare students for further courses in chemistry or to satisfy the requirement for a first semester course in chemistry for other fields of science. In addition to acquainting the student with the basic principles of chemistry, the course objective for CHEM 141 is to assist the student in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- The classification of matter: phases, mixtures, compounds, and elements
- Measurements: metric system, significant figures
- Dimensional analysis: unit conversions, problem solving, percentages
- Basic atomic theory: atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons, and ions
- Periodic table: symbols, names, periods, groups, atomic weights
- Nomenclature: naming compounds and writing formulas
- Chemical equations: balancing; molecular, ionic, and oxidation-reduction
- Mole conversions: Avogadro’s number, molecular weights
- Stoichiometry: including limiting reactant
- Empirical formulas: from per cent composition and experimental data
- Solutions: molarity, dilutions, solution stoichiometry, titrations
- Gases: gas laws, gas stoichiometry, kinetic molecular theory, real gases
- Thermochemistry: calorimetry, Hess’ Law, enthalpies of formation, First Law of thermodynamics, heat and work, (optional: warming/cooling curves)
- Electromagnetic radiation: wavelength, frequency, photon energies, photoelectric effect
- Atomic Hydrogen: Bohr theory, wavefunctions, quantum numbers
- Electron configurations: ground state atoms and ions
- Periodic properties: atomic size, ionization energies, electron affinities, electronegativity
- Chemical bonding: ionic, covalent, orbital overlap, bond lengths, bond energies
- Lewis Dot Diagrams: resonance, molecular shapes and polarities
- Valence Bond Theory: hybridization, double and triple bonds
- Safety and related environmental concerns in the chemistry laboratory
- (Molecular Orbital Theory: optional)
- Write and balance chemical equations, including molecular, ionic, and redox
- Name chemicals from formulas
- Write formulas from names of chemicals
- Distinguish among elements, compounds, and mixtures
- Describe the structure of atoms and ions in terms of subatomic particles
- Predict chemical and physical properties using the periodic table
- Solve problems using dimensional analysis (unit conversion)
- Solve chemical problems using mole conversions
- Solve chemical problems using concentrations
- Differentiate the various electromagnetic radiations and their interaction with matter
- Use quantum theory to describe the hydrogen atom
- Write ground state electron configurations for atoms and ions
- Relate electron configurations to various periodic properties
- Relate thermochemical properties to heat changes in chemical processes
- Draw Lewis Dot structures
- Use Lewis Dot structures to predict molecular geometry and properties
- Solve gas law problems
- Relate kinetic molecular theory to the states of matter
- Display professional behavior, courtesy, and attitude
- Observe, analyze, and interpret laboratory data, collected from experiments built on core course topics, both qualitatively and quantitatively
- Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory techniques used in various experiments
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in identification of laboratory unknowns
- Practice appropriate safety procedures in the laboratory
- Use environmentally sound chemical laboratory practices
- Prepare neatly and accurately written lab reports using calculations, graphs,explanations, and chemical equations
Assessment and Requirements
Students will be assessed in lecture using exams, assignments/quizzes/homework, and a comprehensive final. Students will be assessed in lab using reports, quizzes, and lab-tests. The overall course grade is determined using the categories and values listed below.
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Lecture Exams | 40-50% |
| Laboratory (reports, quizzes, lab-tests) | 25% |
| Paper or presentation or homework | up to 10% |
| Final Exam (cumulative) | 25% |
No student will receive a passing grade in CHEM 141 unless that student has earned at least a 55% in the laboratory.
Outcomes
- Natural Sciences
- Scientific Reasoning
- Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lecture and Lab)
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
A student may receive credit for CHEM-141 by earning a score of 4 or higher on the AP Chemistry Exam and providing a portfolio that demonstrates 60hr of appropriate college level chemistry laboratory experience. An interview may also be required.
A student may receive credit for CHEM-141 by earning either:
- A score of 4 or higher on the AP Chemistry Exam and providing a portfolio that demonstrates 60hr of appropriate college level chemistry laboratory experience. An interview may also be required.
- A score of 6 or higher on the International Baccalaureate-Higher Level (IB-HL) Chemistry Exam.