VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
DIVISION: Mathematics and Sciences
DATE: 2012-2013
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
CREDIT HRS: 4
I.
HRS/WK LEC: 3
HRS/WK LAB: 3
LEC/LAB COMB: 6
VERNON COLLEGE GENERAL EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
General education at Vernon College reflects the institution’s deep conviction that
successful, satisfying lives require a wide range of skills and knowledge. We are
dedicated to providing educational opportunities that develop the academic, career, and
personal capabilities of individuals so they may achieve self-fulfillment and participate
fully and positively in a democratic society. Vernon College has identified the following
college-level competencies generated from the general education core:
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE COMPETENCIES:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
II.
Critical Thinking: Students will evaluate the validity of ideas through a creative
process of questioning, analyzing, and synthesizing.
Communication/Interpersonal: Students will develop effective reading, writing,
speaking, and listening skills to communicate verbally and nonverbally.
Scientific and Mathematical Literacy: Students will apply an understanding of
mathematical, natural, and behavioral scientific principles and methods to solve
abstract and practical problems.
Information Literacy: Students will develop the information literacy skills to
confidently and competently locate, use, and evaluate information.
Cultural Literacy: Students will develop an appreciation of human culture and its
diversity and the role of the creative arts in society.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
General principles, problems, fundamental laws, and theories. Course content provides a
foundation for work in advanced chemistry and related sciences. Prerequisite: Texas
Success Initiative complete in reading and math. Lab Fee: $24.00; Special Fee: $8.00
III.
REQUIRED BACKGROUND:
Prerequisite: Texas Success Initiative complete in reading and math.
IV.
TEXTS, OTHER REFERENCE MATERIALS:
Brown, Lemay and Bursten. Chemistry: The Central Science w/CD. Twelfth Edition.
Prentice Hall, 2011
PAGE 2
VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
V.
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
Lecture/Discussion/Laboratory/Demonstrations
Students desiring auxiliary aids and services for this course should make their requests to
the instructor and the Special Services Director.
VI.
COURSE CONTENT:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
VII.
Fundamental concepts
Chemical equations
Mole concept
Equation calculation
Atomic particles and structure
Chemical bonding
Orbitals
Periodic relationships
Gases liquid states and solutions
Heat and energy
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
Use basic apparatus and apply experimental methodologies used in the chemistry
laboratory.
Demonstrate safe and proper handling of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
Conduct basic laboratory experiments with proper laboratory techniques.
Make careful and accurate experimental observations.
Relate physical observations and measurements to theoretical principles.
Interpret laboratory results and experimental data, and reach logical conclusions.
Record experimental work completely and accurately in laboratory notebooks and
communicate experimental results clearly in written reports.
Design fundamental experiments involving principles of chemistry.
Identify appropriate sources of information for conducting laboratory experiments
involving principles of chemistry.
Define the fundamental properties of matter.
Classify matter, compounds, and chemical reactions.
Determine the basic nuclear and electronic structure of atoms.
Identify trends in chemical and physical properties of the elements using the
Periodic Table.
Describe the bonding in and the shape of simple molecules and ions.
Solve stoichiometric problems.
Write chemical formulas.
PAGE 3
VERNON COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER AND TITLE: CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
17.
18.
Write and balance equations.
Use the rules of nomenclature to name chemical compounds.
19.
20.
Define the types and characteristics of chemical reactions.
Use the gas laws and basics of the Kinetic Molecular Theory to solve gas
problems.
Determine the role of energy in physical changes and chemical reactions.
Convert units of measure and demonstrate dimensional analysis skills.
21.
22.
VIII.
ASSESSMENT:
The student will be evaluated on the general concepts of the listed outcomes. The form
of the evaluation will be those of report writing, examinations, homework, and laboratory
work.
Vernon College does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, gender, age, religion, national
origin, or disability.