CHEM 1010 - Introduction to Chemistry

4 sem hrs cr

(3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory)

This course provides an overview of basic chemical principles and applications. Specific topics include: measurements, interpretation of graphs, atomic structure, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding and molecular structure, and solutions. Prerequisite: Exemption from or completion of learning support competency courses.

In rare and unusual circumstances, a course prerequisite can be overridden with the permission of the Department Lead for the discipline. 

*Cannot be paired with CHEM 1110 or CHEM 1120 to meet the General Education science requirement. 

Transfer (UT) or Non-Transfer Course (UN): UT

After completing the requirements of CHEM 1010, students will be able to…

• understand and be able to explain the general principles, laws, and theories of chemistry that are discussed throughout the semester.
• use critical thinking and logic in the solution of problems.
• apply learned chemistry skills to new situations.
• apply chemical principles in the laboratory setting.
• recognize the value of chemistry in our daily lives.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Describe the activities that are part of the scientific method
• Perform math calculations that involve positive and negative numbers, percentages, and solving equations
• Use the numeric values of prefixes to write a metric equality
• Use conversion factors to change from one unit to another
• Classify examples of matter as pure substances or mixtures
• Identify the states and the physical and chemical properties of matter
• Calculate the energy released or absorbed as matter changes states between solids, liquids, and gases
• Determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons in an atom given the mass number
• Describe the energy levels, sublevels, and orbitals for the electrons in an atom
• Use the electron configurations of elements to explain the trend in periodic properties
• Describe alpha, beta, positron, and gamma radiation
• Write the symbols for the simple ions of the representative elements
• Use electronegativity to determine the polarity of a bond
• Predict the three-dimensional structure of a molecule, and classify it as polar or nonpolar
• Write a balanced chemical equation from the formulas of the reactants and products for a reaction
• Given the chemical formula of a substance, calculate its molar mass
• Use the ideal gas law equation to solve for pressure, volume, temperature or the number of moles of a gas when given three of the four values in the ideal gas law equation
• Identify the solute and solvent in a solution
• Calculate the concentration of a solute in a solution
• Describe how temperature, concentration, and catalysts affect the rate of a reaction