Common Course Outline

Catalog Description

Course Description

This first semester General Chemistry course is an of an in-depth study of terminology and chemical principles pertaining to the areas of measurements, atomic theory, nomenclature, reactions, chemical calculations, solids/liquids/gases, thermochemistry, quantum theory, periodicity, bonding, and molecular geometry. Note: It is highly recommended that students have completed a previous chemistry course (high school or college) prior to registering for this course. This course will build upon the topics in the previous chemistry course.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

May, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

1. Measurements
2. Scientific method
3. Significant figures
4. Scientific notation
5. Measurement systems
6. Dimensional analysis
7. Atomic Structure of Matter
8. Classification of matter
9. Subatomic particles
10. Chemical formulas and nomenclature
11. Quantum theory
12. Electron configurations
13. Orbital diagrams
14. Periodic trends
15. Chemical Calculations
16. Percent composition
17. Stoichiometry
18. Molarity
19. Chemical Reactions
20. Balancing equations
21. Net ionic equations
22. Redox reactions
23. Precipitation reactions
24. Acid-Base reactions
25. Thermochemistry
26. Calorimetry
27. Hess’s Law
28. Standard heats of reaction
29. Bonding
30. Ionic bonding
31. Covalent bonding
32. Metallic bonding
33. Valence bond theory
34. Molecular orbital theory
35. Molecular Shape and Structure
36. Lewis structures
37. Valence shell electron pair repulsion theory
38. Molecular polarity
39. Solids, Liquids, Gases
40. Kinetic molecular theory
41. Gas laws
42. Intermolecular forces

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

1. Use proper chemical vocabulary in written laboratory reports.
2. Solve problems using experimental and/or simulated data and relate them to the chemical principles and laws involved.
3. Describe chemical interactions on the molecular scale.
4. Acquire basic skills in laboratory operations including making measurements, preparing solutions, operating instrumentation, designing experiments, and reporting and interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.
5. Recognize chemical applications in everyday life.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 3/Natural Science

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, students' laboratory experience in the collection of data, its statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.
3. 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
• Quizzes
• Problem solving exams
• American Chemical Society standardized exam

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

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

Communication

Students will communicate appropriately for their respective audiences.

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.