Chemistry (CHEM)

Classes

CHEM 151: Elementary Survey of Chemistry

Credits 3 Class Hours3 lecture
Description

This survey of general principles and descriptive chemistry is intended for students with no previous background in chemistry. Topics include atoms and molecules; moles and formulas; properties of solids, liquids, and gases; enthalpy and entropy; acids and bases; chemical composition; stoichiometry; and equilibria.

Prerequisites

Qualified for ENG 100. "C" or higher in MATH 75X or MATH 82X.

Corequisite Courses
Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Physical Sciences — DP
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Apply various quantitative and mathematical methods used in chemistry such as dimensional analysis, graphic analysis, statistical analysis and molar stoichiometry.
  2. Utilize qualitative and quantitative chemical symbolism, nomenclature, chemical classification scheme, atomic and molecular modeling and bonding theories.
  3. Explain the properties of pure substances, their states, and homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures, thermal chemistry, chemical thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry.
  4. Use critical thinking skills and processes such as observation, classification, prediction, inference, measurement, making operational definitions, hypothesizing, experimentation, modeling, theorizing and evaluation.
  5. Describe the benefits and hazards of scientific literacy and ethics, chemical literacy and chemical applications to the environment.

CHEM 151L: Elementary Survey of Chemistry Lab

Credits 1 Class Hours3 lab
Description

In this course, students are introduced to the illustration and practice of laboratory techniques as well as application of the chemical principles presented in CHEM 151.

Prerequisites

"C" or higher in MATH 75X or MATH 82X.

Corequisite Courses
Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Lab (Science) — DY
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Demonstrate various quantitative and mathematical methods used in chemistry such as dimensional analysis, graphic analysis, statistical analysis and molar stoichiometry.
  2. Demonstrate basic chemical laboratory practices.
  3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills and processes such as observation, classification, prediction, inference, measurement, making operational definitions, hypothesizing, experimentation, modeling, theorizing and evaluation.
  4. Demonstrate scientific writing and computational skills.
  5. Demonstrate laboratory safety practices and access to MSDS.

CHEM 161: General Chemistry I

Credits 3 Class Hours3 lecture
Description

This course is the first course in a two-semester sequence of general chemistry. This lecture course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic theory, chemical nomenclature, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, molecular structure, and thermochemistry. Emphasis is placed on developing quantitative problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and the ability to apply chemical concepts to real-world situations.

Prerequisites

Qualified for MATH 103.

Corequisite Courses
Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Physical Sciences — DP
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Apply fundamental concepts of matter, measurement, and atomic theory to solve quantitative chemistry problems using dimensional analysis and stoichiometry.
  2. Write and balance chemical equations, classify different reaction types, predict reaction products, and perform stoichiometric calculations to determine quantities of reactants and products.
  3. Apply the principles of thermochemistry, including concepts of heat, enthalpy, and the first law of thermodynamics, to analyze and calculate energy changes in chemical processes.
  4. Describe the electronic structure of atoms using quantum theory, analyze periodic trends, and use models like Lewis structures and molecular orbital theory to predict molecular geometry, polarity, and bonding types.

CHEM 161L: General Chemistry Lab I

Credits 1 Class Hours3 lab
Description

This laboratory course complements CHEM 161 by providing hands-on experience with fundamental chemistry concepts. Students perform experiments to reinforce lecture topics, including measurements of accuracy and precision, density, specific heat, chemical and physical properties, molecular structure, and thermochemistry. Emphasis is placed on accurate measurement techniques, laboratory safety, data analysis, and critical thinking skills. The course enables students to apply lecture concepts in a practical setting, strengthening problem-solving abilities and deepening their understanding of chemical principles.

Corequisite Courses
Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Lab (Science) — DY
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
  2. Use lab equipment accurately to perform accurate and precise chemical measurements.
  3. Apply the scientific method to design, perform, and analyze experiments, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions, allowing for experimental uncertainty and error.
  4. Apply chemical principles to interpret experimental results and to reinforce understanding of concepts such as density, thermochemistry, and molecular structure.
  5. Effectively communicate findings through written laboratory reports.

CHEM 162: General Chemistry II

Credits 3 Class Hours3 lecture
Description

This lecture course is the second in a two-semester sequence of general chemistry. The course builds upon the fundamental principles introduced in the first semester course and extends them to cover gases, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids, solutions and colligative properties, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Emphasis is placed on quantitative problem-solving, critical thinking, and applying chemical principles to real-world and scientific contexts.

Prerequisites

“C” or higher in CHEM 161.

Corequisite Courses
Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Physical Sciences — DP
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Apply gas laws, explain the properties of liquids and solids based on intermolecular forces, and perform calculations related to solutions and colligative properties.
  2. Analyze and solve problems related to chemical kinetics and equilibrium, including acid-base equilibria, and predict the effects of changing conditions on reaction rates and equilibrium position.
  3. Apply the principles of thermodynamics to determine the spontaneity of reactions and use electrochemical concepts to calculate cell potentials for redox reactions.

CHEM 162L: General Chemistry II Laboratory

Credits 1 Class Hours3 lab
Description

This course is an introduction to chemical principles and procedures in the laboratory that complement CHEM 162. It is intended to provide laboratory experiences that focus on general Chemistry principles related to analysis, stasis, laws, and reactions.

Prerequisites

"C" or higher in CHEM 161.

Corequisite Courses
Semester Offered Fall, Spring
Designation
Diversification: Lab (Science) — DY
Course Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs)
  1. Students will demonstrate, under laboratory conditions, a working knowledge of various quantitative and mathematical methods used in chemistry such as dimensional analysis, graphic analysis, statistical analysis, and molar stoichiometry as applicable to the topics covered in CHEM 162.
  2. Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of basic chemical laboratory practices.
  3. Students will demonstrate, under laboratory conditions, and in their appropriate context, critical thinking skills and processes such as observation, classification, prediction, inference, measurement, making operational definitions, hypothesizing, experimentation, modeling, and theorization applicable to the topics covered in CHEM 162.
  4. Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of laboratory safety and access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
  5. Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of scientific writing and computational skills as applied to the topics covered in CHEM 162.