Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This course is the first of two courses that provide a broad introduction to the principles of general, organic, and biological chemistry. This course includes a discussion of general chemistry principles related to measurements, matter and energy, atomic theory, bonding, and reactivity. An introduction to organic chemistry functional groups and isomerization is included. Chemistry knowledge is vital for general education students to make informed decisions on political, social, ethical, health, and environmental issues.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

November, 2025

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Review of Measurement
2. Units and standards of measurement
3. Scientific notation
4. Accuracy, error, uncertainty and precision
5. The factor label method in calculations
6. Density
7. Matter and Energy
8. Properties of matter
9. Atoms, elements, mixtures, chemical symbols
10. Writing proper chemical equations
11. Kinetic and potential energy
12. Types of Reactions
13. Identify types of reactions
14. Evaluate redox reactions
15. Quantitative Composition of Compounds and Reactions
16. The mole concept
17. Atomic formula and molecular masses
18. Stoichiometry
19. Atomic Theory and the Periodic Nature of Elements
20. The periodic law and the periodic table
21. Atomic structure
22. Electron configuration
23. Chemical Compounds and Chemical Bonds
24. Ionic and covalent bonding
25. Lewis Structures
26. Geometric shapes of molecules and molecular polarity
27. States of Matter
28. Kinetic molecular theory and intermolecular forces
29. A molecular view of the three common states of matter
30. Pressure, volume, and temperature relationships
31. The Ideal Gas Law
32. Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure
33. Vapor pressure, viscosity, surface tension, and boiling point
34. Solutions
35. Types of solutions
36. Mass %, volume %, m/vol %, M, N
37. Solution stoichiometry
38. Dilution
39. Colligative properties including osmosis/osmolarity
40. Chemical Equilibria and Rates
    1. Equilibrium expressions
    2. Le Chatelier’s principle
    3. Factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions
41. Acids and Bases
42. Properties of aqueous acids and bases
43. Acid/base strength
44. The pH concept
45. Buffer solutions
46. Introduction to Organic Chemistry
47. Identifying the functional groups and their corresponding nomenclature
48. Isomerism

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic chemistry concepts and laws.
2. Predict chemical or physical changes using chemical concepts or laws.
3. Solve chemical problems involving conversion units, stoichiometry, solution concentrations, gas laws, acid-base titrations, and pH-type problems.
4. Connect chemistry to everyday life activities, especially those related to the health-related aspects of one’s life.

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.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

• Laboratory reports and/or quizzes
• Problem-solving exercises
• Tests involving chemical reactions and laws and problem-solving techniques

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 the chemicals.