Wayland Baptist University
Division of Mathematics and Sciences
Fall 2005
Course Title: CHEM 4405 Physical Chemistry I
Course Website: www.wbu.edu/chem/chem4405.htm
Catalogue Description: An introductory study of the laws of thermodynamics with
emphasis on chemical equilibrium, phase equilibrium, and electrochemistry. The
laboratory introduces studies using the bomb calorimeter, heats of solutions, dilution, and
neutralization. Lecture three hours, laboratory three hours.
Prerequisites: CHEM 2402, MATH 2307
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Required Resources:
Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula, Physical Chemistry 7th Edition.
Horace D. Crockford et al, Laboratory Manual of Physical Chemistry 2nd Edition.
(Lab manual available in lab—but must not be removed!)
Course Outline:
Chapter 1. Equilibrium and Gases
Chapter 2. 1st Law of Thermodynamics
Chapter 3. 1st Law of Thermodynamics Continued
Chapter 4. 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
Chapter 5. 2nd Law of Thermodynamics Continued
Test 1
Chapter 6. Phase Transformations of Pure Substances
Chapter 7. Simple Mixtures
Chapter 8. Phase Diagrams of Mixtures
Test 2
Chapter 9. Chemical Equilibrium
Chapter 10. Equilibrium Electrochemistry
Test 3
Chapter 24: Molecules in Motion
Chapter 25: Kinetics
Chapter 26: Kinetics of Complex reactions
Chapter 27: Reaction Dynamics
Test 4
Final Exam
Outcome Competencies:
At the conclusion of the course, the student should be able to
1. Understand the role of important individuals and events in the history of
chemistry.
2. Understand important chemical terminology from the area of physical chemistry.
3. Understand the principles of scientific investigation in the laboratory.
4. Understand the importance of proper laboratory notebook documentation and
reporting techniques.
5. Understand the basic principles of thermodynamics.
6. Understand the basic principles of chemical equilibria.
7. Understand the basic principles of chemical kinetics.
8. Understand the basic laboratory practices essential to maintain a safe laboratory
environment
Course Requirements:
1. Four Hour Exams (70%)
2. Final Exam (10%)
3. Laboratory (20%) The Lab grade will be primarily from written lab reports (due
the Monday after the assigned lab date). 5% points will be deducted for each day
the report is overdue. In addition, lab notebooks will be periodically checked for
completeness. Lab notebooks should be current and legible at all times.
4. Reading the textbook and completion of homework assignments will be required
for success on the exams
5. Abiding by laboratory safety guidelines at all times. Failure to do so will result in
dismissal from the lab and subsequent reduction in course grade.
Course Evaluation:
A
90-100%
B
80-89%
C
70-79%
D
60-69%
F
0-60%
W
Withdrawal
I
Incomplete*
*An incomplete may be given within the last two weeks of the semester to a student who
is passing but has not completed required work for reasons beyond the student’s control.
The incomplete will be removed only if the required work is completed by the date
during the next academic term given in the academic catalogue. Failure to complete the
work by this date will result in the grade of F.
Attendance Policy:
“The University expects students to make class attendance a priority.”
1. Three unexcused absences from lecture will result in lowering the course grade by
one letter grade.
2. Participation in University sponsored events is an excused absence. Other
absences MAY be excused at the discretion of the instructor.
3. ALL absences (including for University sponsored events) must be discussed with
the instructor BEFORE the absence or they will be unexcused.
4. If an hour exam is missed due to an excused absence, it must be made-up within a
week of the scheduled date. Unexcused absences from exams can NOT be madeup and a grade of 0% will be recorded for that exam.
5. Labs must be completed during the week in which they are assigned or a grade of
0% will be recorded for that lab.
6. If a student misses 25% of lecture classes or laboratories the student can be
dropped from the class.
7. Students must agree on a lab time within a lab group and make every effort to
show up at that scheduled time. Upon arrival, ALL students in the lab must sign
in with the instructor before beginning lab activities.
Academic Honesty:
“University students are required to conduct themselves according to the highest
standards of academic honesty.”
Any student guilty of cheating will be penalized at the instructor’s discretion by one or
more of the following:
1. Assigning a grade of F to the work in question.
2. Assigning a grade of F for the entire course.
3. Recommendation for more severe punishment; including probation, suspension,
or expulsion from the University (see student handbook for further information).
Accommodations for Disability:
“It is university policy that no otherwise qualified disabled person be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any
educational program or activity in the University.”
It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any disability that may
require accommodation during the lecture or laboratory portions of the course. It is of
particular importance to report any condition or disability that may affect the laboratory
safety of the individual or others. Information provided for this purpose will be kept
strictly confidential and will not in any way affect the individual’s course grade.