Course Syllabus

CHEM 1215 Principles of Chemistry Laboratory I

Course Description

This course is an introduction to the chemistry laboratory as it applies to present day chemistry. This chemistry lab course is to be taken concurrently with CHEM 1210. (Lab fee required)

Justification

This is a standard freshman chemistry course that is required for majors in any natural Science, Engineering or Premedical areas. This course teaches data collection skills and demonstrates how information can be obtained using the experimental method. Students in this course will use chemistry topics taught in CHEM 1210 to solve real world problems. The basic problem-solving and laboratory skills learned in this course are valuable in many areas and throughout life. This course is numbered as and equivalent to CHEM 1215 across USHE institutions.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will be required to apply the concepts that are covered in class to real world problems and situations in society. They are asked to solve computations relating to these applications and explain phenomena in everyday life based on the laws covered in lecture. Some of these problems involve environmental protection, cost analysis, air and water quality, energy consumption and generation, modern medications and side effects, computer function, and space exploration. A student will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on lab reports and/or exams.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Throughout the course students will be asked to assimilate data in various forms via reading in textbooks, journal investigations and internet searches. They will also be asked to relate what they have learned via essays, calculations, and problem solving on lab reports, exams, and/or in class discussions.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will be required to use writing and mathematics skills throughout the course. Connections will be made between chemistry and the other sciences. Students will demonstrate their knowledge and ability on homework, tests, and/or quizzes.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. This course is very math intensive. Students will be required to use a calculator on most homework assignments and tests. Most of these computational problems are story problems and require students to interpret the data in the problem via derived mathematical equations and will demonstrate this ability on homework and/or tests.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason quantitatively.  Most problems in CHEM 1215 are application problems that require not only an understanding of the step-by-step process required to solve the problem, but also an overall understanding of chemical principles being applied. Each chapter presents new concepts that require different computational skills to solve problems. These types of problems help to build logic and critical thinking skills required for future trouble shooting and problem-solving skills in all aspects of life. Student will demonstrate their ability to reason on lab reports and/or exams.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will be given opportunities in laboratory activities and post-lab questions to use their newfound understanding of chemical principles to explain phenomena that they observe in the physical world. Students will be given opportunities in laboratory activities and post-lab questions to use their newfound understanding of chemical principles to explain phenomena that they observe in the physical world.

Course Content

In this course we will perform laboratory experiments that help to reinforce topics discussed in lecture. These include: matter, measurements, the scientific method, and problem solving; the laws of nature that led to modern atomic theory; basic chemical nomenclature for inorganic, and organic molecules; chemical equation stoichiometry and types of chemical reactions; properties of gases and gas laws; introduction to thermodynamics and enthalpies of reaction; introduction to quantum mechanics and modern atomic theory; trends and properties of the periodic table; basic bonding theory and an introduction to modern molecular orbital theory; properties of solids and liquids, intermolecular forces, phase diagrams and crystal packing.Throughout the course real-world examples of chemical topics will be given with discussion as to how they apply to all populations. Differences in the classroom is a strength and we are committed to an accepting environment that celebrates the variety of the members of the classroom community. The instructor will strive to reach, support, and show respect to every person and it is expected that all members of the classroom community do the same. Our goal is to help each student be successful in learning the content of the course in an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation, and/or intimidation.