Course Syllabus
CHEM 105
Chemistry Man and Society
Spring 2025
Nevada State University
Instructor: Brad Loveday Contact: lovedbr@nv.ccsd.net
Office: 905
Office Hours: M-F 7-2 PM
Text:
Chemistry 2e – openstax.org
Catalogue Description:
Introduction to chemistry in its many forms and applications, physical and organic, with consideration of environmental and social issues. Includes online/home laboratory activities.
Course Description:
This is an introductory course in chemistry that may be used either as an introduction before moving on to higher levels of college chemistry or as a fulfillment of general science credit for any degree. The general headings of topics to be covered include measurement, the structure and naming of atoms and compounds, the construction and use of the periodic table of the elements, chemical quantities and reactions, stoichiometry, gases, liquids and solids, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. A more specific outline of the topics to be covered and the schedule for the semester is attached.
Objective:
The primary objective of this course is for students to understand concepts and interrelationships involving chemical phenomena. With this understanding it is hoped that the student will then use it in problems of everyday occurrence or move on to a higher level of chemistry with more depth in problem solving and more laboratory experience. It is also an objective of this course that the students understand the scientific method and its role in problem solving.
Learning Outcomes and Measurement:
The following table presents the expected learning outcomes for CHEM 100. Learner outcomes will be measured by the weekly quizzes, 4 labs and by a mid-term exam (Ch. 1-7), and a final exam (Ch. 8-14).
|
Expected Learning Outcomes |
Measurement |
|
Define chemistry and identify substances as chemicals. Explain the scientific method and review math skills used in chemistry. |
Chapter 1 homework Quiz 1 Mid-Term Exam |
|
Determine and manipulate units of measurement used in chemistry. Use scientific notation, significant figures, prefixes and conversion factors. |
Chapter 2 homework Quiz 2 Mid-Term Exam Labs |
|
Define and classify matter, physical and chemical properties and changes. Convert between temperature scales. Identify kinetic and potential energy. Use specific heat to calculate heat loss or gain. |
Chapter 3 homework Quiz 3 Mid-Term Exam |
|
Demonstrate recognition of elements and their symbols. Use the periodic table, describe the atom, atomic number and mass, and isotopes. |
Chapter 4 homework Quiz 4 Mid-Term Exam |
|
Explain electronic structure, draw electron configurations. Use electron configurations to explain trends in periodic properties. |
Chapter 5 homework Quiz 5 Mid-Term Exam |
|
Write formulas and name ionic compounds (transferring electron). Write formulas of polyatomic ions. Write formulas and name molecular compounds (sharing electrons), and organic compounds |
Chapter 6 homework Quiz 6 Mid-Term Exam Labs |
|
Define and calculate problems using the mole, molar mass, mass percent composition, empirical formulas and molecular formulas. |
Chapter 7 homework Quiz 7 Mid-Term Exam |
|
Balance chemical equations. Identify types of inorganic and organic reactions. |
Chapter 8 homework Quiz 8 Final Exam Labs |
|
Calculate quantities of substances using moles and molar mass. Identify limiting reactants, calculate percent yield. Measure energy in chemical reactions. |
Chapter 9 homework Quiz 9 Final Exam Labs |
|
Draw electron dot formulas, predict shapes of molecules. Understand electronegativity and polarity. Describe changes of state (gas, liquid, solid). |
Chapter 10 homework Quiz 10 Final Exam |
|
Describe the properties of gases. Determine the relationship between gas pressure, temperature and volume through the gas laws. |
Chapter 11 homework Quiz 11 Final Exam |
|
Define solutions, solutes and solvents. Calculate quantities for chemical reactions in solution. Use solubility rules. |
Chapter 12 homework Quiz 12 Final Exam |
|
Describe how temperature, concentration and catalysts affect rates of reactions. Explain chemical equilibrium. |
Chapter 13 homework Quiz 13 Final Exam |
|
Describe and name Arrhenius acids and bases, and organic acids. |
Chapter 14 homework Quiz 14 Final Exam |
|
|
|
Evaluation:
Homework (25% of total grade):
Problems, tutorials, and activities have been carefully chosen for you to maximize your understanding and increase the facility with which you solve problems.
Chapter Quizzes (25% of total grade):
Students will complete quizzes associated with each chapter, and these will be available from Thursday through Sunday (deadline 11:59 pm).
Labs (15% of total grade):
Four labs that students complete, will provide hands-on experience measuring, calculating, and quantifying chemical reactions.
Exams (35% of total grade):
The Mid-Term and Final Exams will be, comprehensive multiple choice exams; the Mid-Term will cover Chapters 1-7 and the Final will cover Chapters 8-14. The Mid-Term will be available from Thursday to Sunday, and the Final will be available from Thursday to Wednesday.
Grading:
Grading will be based on all activities, with the following weighting:
Homework 25%
Quizzes 25%
Labs 15%
Exams 35%
Extra credit is not available.
A 95-100%
A- 90-94%
B+ 87-89%
B 84-86%
B- 80-83%
C+ 77-79%
C 74-76%
D+ 67-69%
D 64-66%
D- 60-63%
F <59%
To withdraw, the student must inform the instructor by email why the withdrawal is taking place, and must formally withdraw through student services. Anyone who does not formally withdraw and does not complete the course will receive an ‘F’ grade. ‘I’ grades for ‘Incomplete’ will be given only under the most extenuating circumstances, and only with the prior approval of the instructor.
Hints for Success:
- In order to pass this course you must actively participate in your education and study!
- Keep up to date on reading.
- Do as many problems in the back of the chapters (in addition to the homework assigned) as you need to feel comfortable with the material. I recommend doing all odd-numbered problems (answers provided in the textbook).
- Ask questions if you are confused. Make sure you understand material before continuing to the next concept, because later chapters build on the earlier ones.
Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) outlined in the GBC Catalog. Students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other students and the instructor in all communications.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the instructor and Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic suspension, or expulsion. All exams, quizzes, and homework must be the student’s own work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas or data as one’s own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of that material must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references; and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well.
Students with Disabilities:
The college catalog states, “Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The ADA Officer, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further assistance, please call 777-753-2271”.
|
Week |
Topics |
|
1 – |
Chapter 1: Essential Ideas |
|
2 – |
Chapter 2: Atoms, Molecules and Ions
|
|
3 – |
Chapter 3: Composition of substances and solutions |
|
4 – |
Chapter 4: Stoichiometry of chemical reactions |
|
5 – |
Chapter 5: Thermochemistry |
|
6 – |
Chapter 6: Electronic Structure |
|
7 – |
Chapter 7: Chemical Bonding |
|
8 – |
Chapter 8: Covalent bonding |
|
9 – |
Chapter 9: Gases Mid-Term Exam |
|
10 – |
Chapter 10: Properties of Solids and Liquids |
|
11 – |
Chapter 11: Solutions |
|
12 – |
Chapter 12: Kinetics |
|
13 – |
Chapter 13: Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts |
|
14 – |
Chapter 14: Acids and Bases |
|
15 – |
Review |
|
16 – |
FINALS |
Substantiation of the Incorporation of the General Education Objectives into Chemistry 105
Communication Skills (strong component): Homework assignments contain writing components. Students are encouraged to communicate via email or other means with other students and the instructor to discuss concepts covered in reading material and tutorials.
Critical Thinking (strong component):
Quantitative Ability (significant): Quizzes, homework assignments and exercises, and the two exams will include dimensional analysis which requires mathematic manipulation.
Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant): All homework assignments require reasoning and independent thought based on the interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative information. Students will be required to formulate conclusions in the assigned homework problems and exercises. Many quiz questions require reasoning taken from the understanding and application of chemistry.
Scientific Understanding (significant): All principles taught in this course are based on scientific reasoning. Interpretations are based on facts.
Personal and Cultural Awareness (moderate component):
Sense of the Individual in Society (some degree): This objective is also reflected under the “Sense of Accountability” objective below. Different social attitudes toward the use of chemicals in different cultures and industry are reviewed.
Sense of the Past (moderate): The nature of the atom has been of interest to scientists since the 1800s. This class examines various models of the atom throughout history. In addition, cumulative knowledge and scientific breakthroughs have revolutionized industry, human lives, and many fields of science.
Sense of Accountability (moderate): This textbook highlights some of the environmental and health issues that directly and indirectly stem from chemistry, such as air pollution, water pollution, ocean acidification and climate change. In addition, many careers are disciplines involving chemistry.
Appreciation of Fine Arts (some degree): Chemicals such as chrome oxide green are used to prepare paint pigments; acid rain degrades marble sculptures.
Personal Wellness (significant):
Personal safety is considered in discussions of chemical hazards. Many environmental issues such as the chemistry of water and the chemistry of air, directly impact personal wellness. In addition, many elements are necessary to health (Chapter 4) and can be found in certain foods.
Communications (moderate):
Online communication consists of emails between students and the instructor.
Critical Thinking (moderate):
The homework problems and activities require students to analyze topics and interpret concepts. Multiple choice quizzes are considered a good exercise in deductive reasoning.
Objective 1: Scientific Reasoning
|
Learner Outcomes |
Measurements |
|
(1) Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific methodologies used in various disciplines |
Class discussions, Lab activities and class projects |
|
(2) Effectively interpret and apply scientific principles and concepts |
Lab activities and exam scores |
|
(3) Apply scientific reasoning to the evaluation, analysis, or interpretation of models and theories developed in the sciences |
Quiz and exam scores |
Objective 2: Scientific Data Interpretation
|
Learner Outcomes |
Measurements |
|
(1) Effectively apply mathematical principles and quantitative methods to collect and analyze scientific data |
Lab activities and exam scores |
|
(2)Utilize the scientific method to arrive at informed conclusions |
Lab activities and exam scores |