Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title CHEM 1101: Elements of Chemistry

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 4 (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) MATH 0098 or equivalent
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 3/Natural Sciences

Course Description

This course is an introductory study of the fundamental laws and theories of chemistry. Content covered includes measurements and precision, unit systems and conversions, the classification of matter, atomic structure, electron configurations and periodicity, ionic and covalent bonding, nomenclature, writing balanced chemical equations, quantitative relationships in chemical systems, solution concentrations, and acid-base reactions.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

March, 2022

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Chemical Mathematics
  2. Precision and accuracy of data sets
  3. Measurements and significant figures
  4. Unit systems and conversions
  5. Matter
  6. Classification by physical state and by composition
  7. Atomic theory and structure
  8. Periodicity and electron configurations
  9. Ionic and covalent bonding
  10. Nomenclature of binary and ternary compounds and simple acids
  11. Quantitative Relationships
  12. Formula and molar masses
  13. Percent composition and Empirical Formulas
  14. Balanced chemical equations
  15. Stoichiometry
  16. Solutions
  17. Concentration
    1. Percentage
    2. Molarity
    3. Dilution
  18. Acid-base chemistry

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Use basic chemistry terminology.
  2. State modern atomic theory and the use of electronic structure to explain periodicity.
  3. Apply chemical laws to predict how a variable may influence a chemical change.
  4. Solve chemical problems involving unit conversions, stoichiometric relationships, solution concentrations, and acid-base reactions.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 3/Natural Sciences

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
  2. Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth,
  3. student’s laboratory experience in the collection of data, it’s statistical and graphical analysis, and an
  4. appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.
  5. Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.
  6. Evaluate societal issues from a natural science perspective, ask questions about the evidence presented, and make informed judgements.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

The initial lab session explains and familiarizes the student with general safety hazards and safety equipment in the lab. During the pre-lab discussion, the hazardous characteristics of the chemicals used during the lab are discussed. The students will be instructed on the proper disposal of any hazardous products. The instructor will direct all students to wear necessary protective equipment while working with chemicals. A copy of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for Chemicals used is available in the lab.