Chemistry 130 Syllabus

General Chemistry I – 2484

General Information

Instructor Name:

William Faber – Chemistry Professor

Contact Information and Availability


616.234.2358
413 Science or 308 Main
Office Hours: visit My GRCC Information Page for details

Course Information

Course Description:

CHM 130 is designed to provide science and engineering majors the fundamental concepts of 1st semester general chemistry. Emphasis is on developing an understanding of atomic theory, chemical structure and bonding, stoichiometry, solutions, thermodynamics as well as solid and liquid properties. Students enrolled in CHM 130 must take the laboratory component (CHM 131) for lab science credit. The laboratory is designed to introduce and reinforce lecture concepts. This course serves pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy students, as well as science majors. Successful completion of high school chemistry or CHM 100 or CHM 110 is recommended before taking this course.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Solve chemistry problems using basic algebra and dimensional analysis.
  2. Use the quantum theory to explain and describe the structures and properties of atoms.
  3. Describe the essential components of GC-MS instrumentation, the basics and applications of the technique and the terminology used.
  4. Use current models of chemical bonding to explain shapes and polarities of molecules and ions.
  5. Explain the relationships between atomic properties and macroscopic observations.
  6. Discuss and explain the properties of substances based on atomic / molecular interactions.
  7. Explain the relationship between changes in matter and energy flow.
  8. Calculate amounts of substances from their formulas, reactions and in solutions.
  9. Discuss and explain particle interactions within and between substances and the properties of the solutions they form.
  10. Use chemical principles to make personal decisions involving chemical products.
  11. Identify quality sources for data and information pertinent to a problem or issue being examined.
  12. Evaluate information to identify limitations and biases.
  13. Use calculation and measurement to solve problems, and use estimation to evaluate if the outcome to the problem is reasonable.
  14. Discern relevant and irrelevant information when seeking the solutions to problems.
  15. Use experimentation or practice to experience and deepen understanding of scientific and mathematical theories.
  16. Apply general science or mathematics principles to explain an observed phenomenon or the results of an experiment.

Required Material

Lecture:

Textbook: OpenStax: Chemistry
ISBN-10: 1938168399
ISBN-13: 987-1-938168-39-0

Lab:

Please see your CHM 131 Syllabus for details

Course-Specific Requirements:

Scientific calculator
Notebook paper for notes and homework

Section Policies

Attendance Policy

You are responsible for all the material covered in class. Your success depends on you being present. We all learn as a community – your thoughts and insights are needed!

There are a total of 10 extra credit points available during the semester based on your attendance. If you miss two or fewer classes during the semester, you will be awarded these extra points. Being more than 15 minutes late is considered absent.

Grading Procedure

Assignment / Number and Point Value / Section Points
Exams / 4 @ 100 points / 400 points
Quizzes / 10 @ 10 points / 100 points
Writing Assignment / 2 @ 30 points / 60 points
Homework / 14 @ 10 points / 140 points
Final Exam / 1 @ 200 points / 200 points
Total / 900 points

Grading Policy

Final point percentage earned will result in the following final grade:

A/A- Range / B+/B/B- Range / C+/C/C- Range / D+/D/D- Range / E Range
------/ 87.0-89.9 = B+ / 77.0-79.9 = C+ / 67.0-69.9 = D+ / ------
93.0-100.0 = A / 83.0-86.9 = B / 73.0-76.9 = C / 63.0-66.9 = D / 0-59.9 = E
90.0-92.9 = A- / 80.0-82.9 = B- / 70.0-72.9 = C- / 60.0-62.9 = D- / ------

For Your Information:Faculty may not withdraw students from courses, therefore it is your responsibility to withdraw from a class prior to the 70% completion date if desired. If you stop attending for any reason, you will be given the grade you earned based on the total points available for the whole course. Please come see me long before the 70% date if you are thinking about withdrawing.

Late Assignment Policy

Quizzes will be taken during the first 15 minutes of many of the class periods throughout the semester. The quizzes are due at the end of the first 15 minutes. If you come in late for any reason, you must still turn in your quiz after the first 15 minutes are up.

Please be aware of the due dates posted on Blackboard for homework, written assignments, etc. No late work will be accepted.

All exams must be taken during the class they are scheduled/administered. If you miss one exam, the percentage of your final exam will replace that missed exam. If you take all 4 exams, the percentage of your final exam will replace your lowest exam score.

Personal Policy

Life happens – so please come talk to me before or after class if you find yourself in a situation that will not allow you to meet a deadline. I want you to succeed!

Please come talk to me if you are feeling overwhelmed. I may be able to help or connect you with resources at GRCC.

Inclusion in the Classroom: Individual differences are a value to the educational experience. I am committed to creating a positive learning environment that values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of classwork. All participants in this class are expected to treat each other with respect.

Responsibilities for Success

  • Read material from the textbook to help reinforce and clarify concepts
  • Come to class and be present
  • Do your homework
  • Form a study group – invite me to stop by! (if on campus)
  • Get help when needed (office hours, tutoring center – 1st floor Science)
  • Invest in yourself and study!

College Policies

GRCC Email and Course Communications

You are responsible for all communications sent via Blackboard and to your GRCC email account. You are required to use your GRCC provided email account for all email communications at the College. You may access your GRCC student email account through Student Email ( and your Blackboard account through Blackboard (

Disability Support Services

If you need an accommodation for a disability, contact Disability Support Services ( in Room 368 of the Student Center or at (616) 234-4140to discuss disability documentation and how to register. You will be assigned a DSS counselor/advisor whowill create an Accommodations Agreementthat you will present to me and we will work together to provide you the appropriate accommodations. If you believe that you have a disability but do not have documentation, contact DSS to discuss options.

Student Code of Conduct

You are held accountable to the Student Code of Conduct ( which outlines expectations pertaining to academic honesty (including cheating and plagiarism), classroom conduct, and general conduct.

  • Please respect other students when you enter and leave the classroom.
  • Idle chatter in class is distracting to both myself and other students, please be considerate.
  • Calculator/portable games and text messaging (although fun) should not be done during class. Please silence all devices at the beginning of class.
  • Please use laptops for notes during class.

Title IX Reporting Policy

If you or another student are the victim of any form of sexual misconduct (including dating/domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment), or any form of gender discrimination, GRCC can assist you. You can report a violation of our sexual misconduct policy ( directly to our Title IX Coordinator at (616) 234-3169. You may also report the issue to a faculty member, who is required to notify the Coordinator, or you may make an appointment to speak confidentially to our Counseling and Career Centerby calling(616) 234-3900.

Campus Police/Emergency Resources

You may review emergency services and resources at the GRCC Campus Police website ( Campus Police can be reached using the 'Code 2' button on any campus phone or by dialing x4911 on campus or (616) 234-4911 off campus. Dial 911 for off campus emergencies.

Changes to the Syllabus

I reserve the right to change the contents of this syllabus due to unforeseen circumstances. You will be given notice of relevant changes in class, through a Blackboard Announcement, or through GRCC e-mail.