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Course Content and Outcomes Guides (CCOG)

CCOG for CH 151 archive revision 201403

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Effective Term:
Summer 2014 through Winter 2016
Course Number:
CH 151
Course Title:
Preparatory Chemistry
Credit Hours:
5
Lecture Hours:
0
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
0

Course Description

Introduces basic chemical principles and computational problems found in General Chemistry with a concentration on developing both analytical and reasoning skills via problem solving. Prepares students wanting to take the CH 221-3 General Chemistry series that have no chemical background or have not taken a college or high school chemistry course in the last 3 years. Audit available.

Intended Outcomes for the course

After completion of this course, students will:

  • Apply the fundamental principles of measurement, matter, atomic theory and chemical bonding to future courses in chemistry and other sciences that depend upon these principles for successful comprehension.
  • Apply the scientific method to hypothetical and real life situations. This process will include gathering data, analyzing data, formulating conclusions, sharing conclusions verbally and in writing.
  • Compare and contrast historical models that lead to the development of the current chemical knowledge and competing theories.
  • Critically evaluate sources of information to logically decide the bias of the information concerning the effect of chemicals on the environment.
  • Develop chemical concepts, math skills and problem solving skills essential for successful completion of future studies in chemistry and other science courses.

Course Activities and Design

At the beginning of the course, the instructor will detail the methods used to evaluate student progress and the criteria for assigning a course grade. The methods may include one or more of the following tools: examinations, quizzes, homework assignments, laboratory write-ups, research papers, small group problem solving of questions arising from application of course concepts and concerns to actual experience, oral presentations, or maintenance of a personal lab manual.


At least two written lecture examinations, including the final examination, are scheduled during theterm. Nonscheduled quizzes may occasionally be given at the discretion of the instructor. Written examinations include typical problems encountered in previous class work and laboratory. These examinations may also include challenge problems that ask students to apply concepts learned in class and lab in a new way in order to evaluate problem-solving ability and development of higher level thinking skills. Since this is a preparatory course, the student's competency in mathematical topics is important to successful completion of the course.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

Grades and competency will be determined according to student ability to demonstrate knowledge of specific chemistry topics and complete work by assigned deadlines; participate and complete reports of assigned laboratory experiments; and an evaluation of chemical topics assigned.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

A. INTRODUCTION TO CHEMISTRY

  1. History
  2. Scientific Method
  3. How to Study Chemistry


B. MEASUREMENTS

  1. Scientific Notation
  2. Metric System
  3. Uncertainty
  4. Dimensional Analysis


C. CHEMISTRY CONCEPTS

  1. Classification of Matter
  2.  Density
  3. Energy
  4. Atomic Structure
  5. Electromagnetic Spectrum
  6. Periodic Table
  7. Bonding
  8. Symbols, Formulas, Equations
  9. The Mole
  10. Chemical Reactions
     


OPTIONAL
D. CONTEMPORARY CHEMISTRY TOPICS SUCH AS:

  1. Environmental Chemistry
  2. Ozone Depletion
  3. Acid Rain
  4. Pollution
  5. Green House Effect
  6. Recycling
  7. Pharmaceutical Drugs
  8. Blood Chemistry
  9. Energy sources
  10. Fossil fuel
  11. Nuclear
  12. Alternate forms of Energy
  13. Nutritional