College Chemistry Course Syllabus
Semester One
Chapter 1: Matter, Measurement, and Problem Solving
1. Metric System and Significant Figures
2. Problem Solving: Dimensional Analysis
3. Working in the Laboratory
Chapter 2: Atoms and Elements
4. Atomic Theory
5. Structure of the Atom
6. Mole Concept; Molar Mass; Empirical and Molecular Formulas
Chapter 3: Molecules, Compounds, and Chemical Equations
7. Chemical Bonds and types of Compounds
8. Nomenclature
9. Mass Percent Composition
10. Balancing Equations
11. Introduction to Organic Compounds
Chapter 4: Chemical Quantities and Aqueous Reactions
12. Stoichiometry
13. Limiting Reagent, Theoretical and Actual Yield
14. Solution Chemistry
15. Predicting a Precipitate
16. Ionic Equations
17. Acid-Base Neutralization Reactions
18. Introduction to Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
Chapter 5: Gases
19. Manometers and Pressure
20. Simple Gas Laws
21. Ideal Gas Law
22. Kinetic Molecular Theory
23. Real Gases
Semester Two
Chapter 6: Thermochemistry
1. Energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics
2. Heat and Work
3. Internal Energy
4. Calorimetry
5. Enthalpy
6. Phase Changes
7. Standard Heats of Formation
8. Hess's Law
Chapter 7: The Quantum Mechanical Model of the Atom
9. Quantum Mechanics an the Nature of Light
10. Wave Nature of Matter
11. Modern Atomic Theory
12. Shapes of Electron Orbitals
Chapter 8: Periodic Properties of the Elements
13. History of the Periodic Table
14. Quantum Numbers
15. Electron Configurations, Valence Electrons and the Periodic Table
16. Periodic Trends
Chapter 9: Chemical Bonding I—Lewis Theory
17. Types of Chemical Bonds
18. Ionic and Covalent Bonding: Lewis Structures
19. Resonance and Formal Charge
20. Exceptions to the Octet Rule
21. Bond Energies
Chapter 10: Chemical Bonding II--Molecular Shapes, Valence Bond Theory, and Molecular Orbital Theory
22. VSEPR Theory: Five Basic Shapes
23. Lone Pairs of Electrons
24. Molecular Geometry
Course Objectives:
◊ Learning to think logically
Chemists are skeptical people; we want to understand and insist that proposed ideas be defensible. In making observations, careful methods are used; reasoning in chemistry is logical. The skills of analysis and logical thinking should leave the classroom with you.
◊ The value of creativity
In chemistry, and science in general, it seems that for every question answered, new questions are generated. This is the nature of science. People who are scientifically literate are curious: they ask questions and seek answers. To become chemically literate, you need to keep an open mind and consider alternate explanations. At the same time, we must insist on accuracy and respect for scientific methods.
◊ Speaking the language
In many ways, learning chemistry is like learning a second language. Chemistry literacy is valued because a real, working knowledge of the concepts and principles of chemistry will give you the power to make informed decisions on issues that directly affect you and your world.