RANGER COLLEGE
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: Chemistry 1411
General Chemistry I
CREDIT HOURS: 3 HRS/WK LECTURE & 3 HRS/WK LAB
LEC/LAB/HRS/WK COMBINATION: 4 credit hours total
Name of Instructor: Kimberlea M. Adams
Office: Stephenville High School, Room 513
Office Hours: 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. Monday- Friday
Office Phone: 254-968-4141
E-Mail: kadams@rangercollege.edu & kimberlea.adams@sville.us
I.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
General principles, problems, fundamental laws, and theories. Course content provides a
foundation for work in advanced chemistry and related sciences. Recommended for preprofessional and science majors.
II. COURSE GOAL
Students completing General Chemistry will understand the basics of atomic theory, and the
nature of matter relative to quantifying chemical reactions. Students will learn the ways in
which matter reacts to form chemical compounds and the rates and dynamics of these
reactions. Students will understand the basic methods of performing qualitative analysis.
III. COURSE CONTENT
1. An introduction to the basic classifications of matter and the types of changes matter undergo,
the scientific method, units of measurements and the treatment of significant figures in measured
values and dimensional analysis. (Ch. 1)
Labs: a) Basic Laboratory Techniques, Laboratory Safety and Computer Aided
Graphing
b) Determination of the Mass, Volume and Density of Unknown Solids and Liquids
2. An introduction to the periodic table, chemical symbols, chemical formulas, and nomenclature,
including a descriptive study on periodic trends. (Ch. 2, 3 & 7)
Labs: a) It’s in the Cards: Build a Periodic Table Based on Properties (Dry Lab)
3. The representation of various chemical reactions types by chemical equations and the
stoichiometric analysis of quantitative information derived from chemical formulas and equations
such as moles, empirical formulas, percent composition, and percent yield. (Ch. 3 & 4)
Labs: a) Mass of Excess Reactant
b) Determination of an Empirical Formula
4. An in depth look at the composition of the basic building blocks of matter, atoms, and the
theories, past and current, concerning atomic and molecular structure. (Ch. 2, 6 & 7)
Labs: a) VSEPR Theory: Molecular Model Building of Organic Compounds Using Ball
And Stick Model and Gum Drops (Dry Lab)
b) Emission Spectra and Atomic Structure
5. A thorough description of the different types of chemical bonds which hold atoms together in
compounds. (Ch. 8 & 9)
Labs: a) Comparison of Physical Properties of Common Ionic and Molecular
Compounds
b) Identification of Two Substances from Physical Properties
6. A description of the different types of forces which hold compounds together in materials and
the quantitative relationships between energy changes and chemical reactions. (Ch. 5)
Labs: a) Constant Pressure Calorimetry
b) Determination of an Enthalpy Change Associated with a Chemical Reaction
7. A comprehensive study of the three basic phases of matter: solids, liquids and gases. (Ch. 10
& 11)
Labs: a) Behavior of Gases
8. The explanation of the physical laws and kinetics which govern the properties of gases, and
the application of these laws such as the combined gas law, ideal gas law, Avogadro’s Principle,
Dalton’s and Graham’s Laws . (Ch. 10)
Labs: a) Determination of the Molar Volume of a Gas
b) Analysis of a Potassium Chlorate/Potassium Chloride Mixture Using the Ideal
Gas Law
IV. REQUIRED BACKGROUND/PREREQUISITES
Course Prerequisites: two units of high school algebra and a passing score on the math
section of THEA test or equivalent alternative test.
TEXTBOOK (S); READINGS; MATERIALS
Text: Brown, Theodore E., H. Eugene LeMay, and Bruce E. Bursten, et al.
Chemistry: The Central Science. 12th Edition (2012). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Prentice Hall. (required for homework and class)
Solutions Manual: Brown, Theodore E., H. Eugene LeMay, and Bruce E. Bursten,
et al. Solutions, Chemistry: The Central Science. 12th Edition (2012). Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Prentice Hall. (Optional)
Calculator: Scientific or graphing calculator (required for homework and class)
V. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Material will be presented in a variety of teaching styles. Chapter notes will be given via
power point and smart board lecture presentations. Time will be given for classroom
discussions and questions and answers. Some small group work will be done in class to
build collaborative study groups.
Some of these laboratory exercises will require multiple days in a row and thus the lecture
schedule will be adjusted accordingly. Some of the laboratory exercises will be short
enough to accompany a lecture. Be prepared to stay the entire class time both nights.
VI. EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES – NATURAL SCIENCES (N)
The objective of the study of a natural sciences component of a core curriculum is
to enable the student to understand, construct, and evaluate relationships in the
natural sciences, and to enable the student to understand the bases for building
and testing theories.
N-1. To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of
natural sciences.
N-2. To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between
these approaches and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings,
analyses, and interpretation both orally and in writing.
N-3. To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.
N-4. To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern
science, including issues that touch upon ethics, values, and public policies.
N-5. To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology
and their influence on, and contribution to, modern culture.
VIII.
BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES
B-1 READING: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and
interpret a variety of printed materials.
B-2 WRITING: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and
coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience.
B-3 SPEAKING: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in
clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and
audience.
B-4 LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and
interpret various forms of spoken communication.
B-5 CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both
qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in
order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies.
B-6 COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability
to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and
acquiring information.
IX.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Knowledge Objectives:
Upon completion of this course:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of chemical symbols,
chemical nomenclature, chemical reactions as represented by chemical equations, and
stoichiometry. (N-1, N-2, N-3) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
2. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of aqueous solutions,
electrolytes, solubility, and important types of chemical reactions in solution. (N-1, N-2, N-3)
(B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
3. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the relationship between
energy and chemical reactions. (N-1, N-2, N-3) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
4. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the structure of matter,
the electronic structure of the atom, and the relationship of electronic structure to chemical
properties and the Periodic Table. (N-1, N-2, N-3) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
5. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of different types of
chemical bonds which bind atoms together. (N-1, N-2, N-3) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
6. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the physical laws which
govern the properties of gases and atmospheric chemistry. (N-1, N-2, N-3) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
7. Students will be able to demonstrate a satisfactory understanding of the solid and liquid
states of matter. (N-1, N-2, N-3, N-5) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
Skill Objectives:
Upon completion of this course:
1. Students will be knowledgeable about chemical laboratory safety. (N-1, N-2, N-3, N-5) (B1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
2. Students will be able to perform basic chemical observations and measurements. (N-1, N-2,
N-3, N-5) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5, B-6)
3. Students will utilize dimensional analysis with correct significant figures. (N-1, N-2, N-3,
N-5) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5)
Value Objectives:
Upon completion of this course:
Students will have an appreciation of the Scientific Method and the role of Chemistry in modern
society. (N-1, N-2, N-3, N-4, N-5) (B-1, B-2, B-4, B-5, B-6)
X. COURSE CALENDAR
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Day/Date
Lecture Topic
T/January 14
Chapter 1 Introduction: Matter and Measurement
R/January 16
Lab: Determination of Density
T/January 21
Chapter 2 Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
R/January 23
Homework Ch. 1 & 2
T/January 28
Complete Ch. 2
R/January 30
Test Ch. 1 & 2
T/February 4
Chapter 3 Stoichiometry: Calculations
R/February 6
with Chemical Formulas and Equations
T/February 11
Lab: Mass-Mass
R/February 13
Con’t Ch. 3
T/February 18
Test Ch. 3
R/February 20
Chapter 4 Aqueous Reactions and
T/February 25
Solution Stoichiometry
R/February 27
Lab: Aluminum Wire as an Excess Reactant
T/March 4
Test Ch. 4
R/March 6
Chapter 5 Thermochemistry
T/March 18
Con’t. Ch. 5
R/March 20
Lab: Endo. v. Exo. Reactions
T/March 25
Test Ch. 5
R/March 27
Chapter 6 Electronic Structure of Atoms
T/April 1
Lab: Flame Test
Complete Ch. 6
R/April 3
Chapter 7 Periodic Properties of the Elements
T/April 8
Lab: It’s in the Card’s
R/April 10
Complete Ch. 6 & 7
T/April 15
Test Ch. 6 & 7
R/April 17
Chapter 10 Gases
T/April 22
Complete Ch. 10
R/April 24
Lab: Properties of Gases
T/April 29
Gas Laws Quiz
R/May 1
Semester Exam Review/Make-up Lab
T/May 6
Comprehensive Final Exam
XI.
COURSE/CLASSROOM POLICIES
The student learner is expected to attend and participate in all class and laboratory activities.
Respectful and mature behavior is required by all students. The class meets twice weekly
throughout the semester and includes lab and lectures. Hands-on lab experiences are
embedded throughout the semester to align with course content. Some labs will take the entire
class time while others will be paired with lecture. Dates are subject to change. Attendance of
all classes and labs at 90% is required for credit to be given for this course. Make-up labs will
be scheduled through the instructor and completed before or after class at a time agreed upon
by the instructor and student. Only one lab make-up will be provided per student.
Students will follow the laboratory safety procedures handed out to them on the first day of lab.
Any misbehavior or intentional violation of safety rules will result in the student being asked to
leave the laboratory area.
Most of the chapters in the text are completed in a sequential order. A primary goal of this class
is to encourage students to develop a sense of self and group accountability. The students are
required to purchase texts, solution manuals are optional, and labs will be provided. All
students are asked to maintain a portfolio/notebook in which to keep their completed work
including quizzes and laboratory reports.
When each new topic is introduced the correlated homework problems are assigned from the
textbook. These assignments are meant to be practice for the quizzes and tests so answers are
provided for feedback purposes. Many students will try, in the beginning, just to “look” over the
homework, but quickly learn to work within a study group to solve the problems. Students are
often asked to share and defend their solutions with the class. Students are encouraged to
make contributions to problem-solving in this way to reinforce that the teacher is not the only
one who can work the problem. Remember, I am available most days for tutorial help. Check
in at the front vestibule of the high school with your driver’s license. You will be issued a picture
ID. If you call or email me ahead of time I can meet you.
Students are required to submit a detailed, comprehensive report of each laboratory
experiment. These reports include hypothesis, procedure, collected data and observations,
calculations and a valid conclusion. Some experiments are done individually, but most are done
with a partner. Partners are rotated often to keep ideas and experiences varied and fresh. Both
members of the group are required to manipulate the laboratory equipment and record their own
observations throughout the course of the experiment.
Ranger College provides a variety of services for students with learning and/or physical disabilities. The
student is responsible for making the initial contact with the Ranger College Counselor. It is advisable to
make this contact before or immediately after the semester begins.
XII.
ASSESSMENT (Grading Procedure)
Grades for the course are calculated using the following guidelines: 25 percent--daily work
(quizzes, homework problems from the text, laboratory write-ups), 50 percent-- lecture exams
(multiple choice questions, short answer and problems), 25 percent-- comprehensive final
exam. No make-up tests will be given. The lowest test grade will be dropped. Any academic
dishonesty on labs, quizzes or exams will result in a zero on that assignment.
Letter grades will be assigned as follows:
90 – 100 earns an A,
80 – 89 B, 70 – 79 C,
XIII.
60 – 69
D,
below 60
F
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
Admission, employment, and program policies of Ranger College are non-discriminatory in regard to
race, creed, color, sex, age, disability, and national origin.
XIV. RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS FORM
Please be sure to sign and return the attached form to me by the fifth class day.
RECEIPT OF SYLLABUS
“I have received and understand the information in the syllabus for General Chemistry, 1411 and I
agree to abide by the stated policies.”
Legibly print the following information:
Name:__________________________
Date:___________________________
Signature of Student:____________________________________
In a short paragraph or two please answer the following:
Why did you take dual credit General Chemistry? What are your career goals? Where do you plan
to attend college? What is your favorite course (other than Chemistry, of course)? Why is it your
favorite?