CHEM-1311.001 General Chemistry I -Fall 2001
MWF 12-12:50pm
Center for Instruction 106
Dr. Patrick Larkin
Plarkin@falcon.tamucc.edu
Office: CS 206
ph. 825-3258
Office Hours: M 1:30-3:30, W 1:30-3:30, Th 9-11 am or by appointment
Objectives and Course Outline
This is an introductory course covering the principles and theories of general chemistry, that is, the study of matter and its transformation. Students will gain an understanding of the nature and structure of matter at the atomic level. We will investigate the organization of matter into elements and their respective physical and chemical properties. The nature of chemical bonds and the reactions involved in their formation and rearrangement will receive special emphasis. This course will also introduce concepts related to the physical formation of chemical bonds, including a discussion of thermodynamics (transfer of energy), kinetics (the rates at which reactions occur) and equilibrium (equivalence of reaction rates). We will also examine the characteristics of distinct physical states, solids, liquids and gases and define the underlying principles that govern their behavior. Finally, we will review some of the more advanced topics in the study of chemistry, including the basics of organic, biological and analytical chemistry
Textbook (required): Introductory Chemistry: A Conceptual Focus. Steve Russo and Mike Silver. Addison, Weslye & Longman (publisher)
Attendance:. Exams will take place during regular class time. Only university-approved excuses will be valid for missing an exam. Please get to know your fellow students. If you miss a class, you must get the notes from a classmate.
Grades: There will be three semester examinations and a final, which will be comprehensive. Examinations will be multiple choice, with the possibility of a few short answer, brief calculations, structure drawing or brief essay questions. All exams will count equally. An extra credit project will be allowed on the basis of 5-10 page paper on the element of your choice. In the final calculation of grades we will use the scale 100-90 A, 89-80 B, 79-70 C, 69-55 D, 55 and below F.
Sometimes students have a legitimate disagreement with a particular question. If you feel you do, please write Dr. Larkin a note explaining the situation. Don't write on the exam itself; exams will be photocopied before they are returned to you. Give text pages and paragraphs to back up your argument. If your argument is sound, then you will be given additional credit. You must have your note ready by the second lecture after the exams are returned.
Extra Credit: An extra credit opportunity will be offered in the form a research paper on the element of your choice. This paper is not mandatory but could provide extra credit up to 3% of your final grade. A thoughtful, thorough paper should cover the history of the elements's discovery (who, where, when, how, why?), physical and chemical characteristics and uses, among other items. The paper should include a title page and references and be 5 to 8 pages total. It will be due the last day of class.
Decorum: The best way to encourage learning is to provide an environment conducive to listening, concentration and discussion. Therefore, students are expected to maintain the highest standards of decorum throughout the semester. Students are expected to read the material before class, be ready to answer questions and contribute to discussion. There will be no talking in class or on cell phones, no sleeping, no reading the paper and no feet on the seat in front of you. If you arrive late or must leave early, please sit in the back of class.
Date Lecture Topic Chapter Mon 8/27 Introduction/What is Chemistry 1 Wed 8/29 History of Chemistry 1,2 Fri 8/31 Atomic Structure & the elements 3,4 Mon 9/3 Labor Day &endash; No Class Wed 9/5 Atomic Structure 3,4 Fri 9/7 Periodicity 3,4 Mon 9/10 Periodicity 3,4 Wed 9/12 Electronic Structure 3,4 Fri 9/14 Electronic Structure 3,4 Mon 9/17 Exam I Chapters 1-4 Wed 9/19 Review, Ionic & Covalent bonds 5,6 Fri 9/21 Ionic & Covalent bonds 5,6 Mon 9/24 Ionic & Covalent bonds 5,6 Wed 9/26 Ionic & Covalent bonds 5,6 Fri 9/28 Special topic &endash; paper & chem club Mon 10/1 Chemical reactions 7,8 Wed 10/3 Chemical reactions 7,8 Fri 10/5 Stoichiometry & the mole 7 Mon 10/8 Stoichiometry & the mole 7 Wed 10/10 Exam II Chapters 5-8 Fri 10/12 Review, Thermodynamics 11,12 Mon 10/15 Thermodynamics 11,12 Wed 10/17 Kinetics 11,12 Fri 10/19 Assignment (no class) Mon 10/22 Kinetics, Equilibrium 11,12 Wed 10/24 Equilibrium 11,12 Fri 10/26 Gases 9 Mon 10/29 Gases, liquids & solids 9 Wed 10/31 Gases, liquids & solids 9 Fri 11/2 Solubility & Concentration 10 Mon 11/5 Solubility & Concentration 10 Wed 11/7 Acids & Bases 13 Fri 11/9 Acids & Bases 13 Mon 11/12 Exam III Chapters 9-12 Wed 11/14 Review & research Fri 11/16 Organic Chemistry 15,16 Mon 11/19 Organic & Chemistry Careers Wed 11/21 Thanksgiving break (no class) Fri 11/23 Thanksgiving break (no class) Mon 11/26 Biological chemistry 16 Wed 11/28 Biological chemistry 16 Fri 11/30 Analytical chemistry Mon 12/3 Chemistry & the environment Wed 12/5 Nuclear chemistry 14 Fri 12/7 Review (EC papers due) Fri 12/14 (11-1:30 pm) Final Exam
A little advice
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the way matter is organized and transformed . However, chemistry is a quantitative science and requires a proficiency in the ability to solve basic mathematical problems. As with any course at the college level, it is important to read the material before class, come to class and study after class. Doing problems at the end of each chapter is also an excellent way to learn the concepts and material. The website associated with the text The Chemistry Place (www.chemplace.com/intro/russo) is a good source of review material, and the web-related links provide a wealth of information on all aspects of chemistry. Finally, don't expect chemistry to be a "Spectator Sport" &endash; Keep up with the reading, Review and annotate your notes with material from the text and web-related material and do Problems. If you let a week go by without serious studying, it will be difficult to catch up. DON'T WAIT UNTIL A TEST TO STUDY!.