New Hampshire Community Technical College – Stratham

Course Content Outline

Course Number: / CHEM115 / Course Title: / General Chemistry I
Department: / Science / Date Prepared: / 9/15/07
Program: / Liberal Arts / Prepared by: / Michael B. Gordon
Theory Hours: / 3 / Lab Hours: / 3
Credits: / 4
Prerequisites: / MATH131, CHEM110 or recent completion of high school chemistry / Corequisites:

Catalog Description:

The objective of the chemistry course is to introduce the student to the principles of chemistry included in the first semester of a two-semester chemistry course. The course will include topics such as components of matter, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas and kinetic-molecular theory, thermochemistry, quantum theory and atomic structure, chemical periodicity, chemical bonding, and molecular geometry. Principles taught in lectures will be reinforced in laboratory experiments.

Course Objectives:

By the conclusion of the course, students shall be able to:

1.  Understand the theoretical fundamentals of general chemistry.

2.  Appreciate the role and impact of chemistry in today’s world.

3.  Exhibit problem-solving strategies.

4.  Perform general laboratory techniques.

5.  Analyze scientific data and draw conclusions based on that data.

6.  Present experimental results in both written and oral form.

Core Attributes Addressed:

1.  Human Relationship Skills

2.  Communication Skills

3.  Critical Thinking

4.  Quantitative Reasoning

5.  Scientific Processes

6.  Technical Skills

7.  Study Skills

Required Text(s):

Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (4th Edition), Silberberg, McGraw-Hill, 2006, ISBN# 0073101699

Other Available Materials:

Student Study Guide For Use With Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (4th Edition), Silberberg and Weberg, McGraw-Hill, 2006, ISBN# 0072828447

Student Solutions Manual For Use With Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (4th Edition), Langley and Silberberg, McGraw-Hill, 2006, ISBN# 0072828439

Outline of Content:

Unit / Subject / Topics
1 / Measurement / significant figures, units, conversions, analysis
2 / Matter / elements, compounds, mixtures, properties
3 / Atomic Structure / Dalton’s atomic theory, subatomic particles, isotopes, atomic mass, atomic models
4 / Quantum Mechanics / electromagnetic radiation, blackbody radiation, photoelectric effect, atomic emission spectra, Heisenberg uncertainty principle
5 / The Periodic Table / organization, trends, electron configurations
6 / Quantification / the mole, molarity
7 / Bonding / ionic bonding, covalent bonding, metallic bonding, chemical formulas, nomenclature, molecular geometry, polarity
8 / Chemical Reactions / types, chemical equations, net ionic equations
9 / Stoichiometry / balancing equations, stoichiometry, limiting reagent, percent yield
10 / Thermochemistry / heat capacity, specific heat, heat transfer, Hess’s Law
11 / Gases / kinetic theory, gas laws, calculations

Required Methods of Evaluation:

3 written exams covering theory

Quizzes to reinforce theory

Lab reports

Homework assignments

Final exam

Other Possible Performance Based Measures:

Class participation

Lab participation

Assessment Addendum

Acceptable substitute (such as curriculum specific PBLOs) may be attached instead of this addendum.

Instructions for completing the Course Content Outline Addendum:

Identify assessment techniques used to measure student learning outcome.

Use this form to explain assessment methods identified in the Course Content Outline.

1.  Identify assessment technique used to measure student learning outcomes.

  1. Identify the learning objective for this assessment. What will the student know or be able to do on completion of the course?

b. Identify the outcome measures used to document student learning.

  1. Written exams
  2. Objectives 1, 2, 3
  3. Exams will assess accuracy of information, comprehension of material, level of preparation, and ability to relate problems to theory.
  4. Quizzes
  5. Objectives 1, 2, 3
  6. Quizzes will foster student preparation and assess accuracy of information, comprehension of material, level of preparation, and ability to relate problems to theory.
  7. Lab reports
  8. Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  9. Lab reports will assess students’ laboratory skills, critical thinking skills, and their ability to present laboratory results in a clear and logical written form.
  10. Homework assignments
  11. Objectives 1, 2, 3
  12. Homework assignments will reinforce theoretical material and assess students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills.
  13. Final Exam
  14. Objectives 1, 2, 3
  15. The final exam will assess accuracy of information, comprehension of material, level of preparation, and ability to relate problems to theory.

Curriculum Committee 2006-2007 Proposal Form 1