CHEM& 161 General Chemistry with Lab I

5 credits

This course meets the Natural Science  with lab general education distribution requirement.

Prerequisites: CHEM& 121  (or one year of high school chemistry)

Corequisites: MATH& 141  (or placement into MATH& 142  or higher)

Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

• Identify the components and limitations of the scientific method
• Recognize differences between matter and energy, and heat and temperature
• Use mathematical methods for solving problems, such as dimensional analysis, ratios and proportions, and algebraic equations
• Describe the general structure of an element
• Identify the atomic number, mass number, and atomic weight of an element
• Calculate the atomic weight of an element
• Explain and identify isotopes of elements
• Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of an element, compound, and mixture
• Identify the names of elements, ions, polyatomic ions, and molecules
• Define electromagnetic radiation in terms of frequency, wavelength, and speed
• Contrast wave and particulate properties of light and electrons
• Use the quantum mechanical model of the atom to determine probable electron locations around an element
• Relate the concepts of energy levels, shells, subshells, and orbitals to one another
• Classify elements according to groups and periods on the periodic table
• Use the periodic chart to predict trends in the radii of atoms and ions, ionization energies, electron affinities, and atomic properties
• Compare the differences between covalent, ionic, and metallic bonds
• Write Lewis dot structures for atoms, ions, and molecules
• Use resonance structures to predict alternative bonding potentials in molecules and determine the most probable resonance structure by calculating formal charges
• Predict whether a compound is ionic or covalent using electronegativities
• Apply Valence-Shell Electron-Repulsion Pair (VESPR) methodology to predict the shape of molecules and polyatomic ions
• Balance and classify chemical equations
• Apply the scientific method to laboratory experimentation
• Determine the densities of known and unknown substances
• Find the molar masses and number of moles of a chemical substance
• Calculate empirical and molecular formulas from percent composition
• Use chemical equations to calculate stoichiometric relationships
• Apply the concept of a limiting reactant in stoichiometric relationships
• Prepare solutions of varying concentrations and properties
• Identify common acids and bases
• Compose a laboratory manual detailing all laboratory experiments

• Use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate the accuracy of data/information relative to the natural world
• Identify and locate appropriate resources to answer questions concerning living systems and/or matter 
• Apply principles of science in our daily lives