CHEM 1411 - General Chemistry I - South Texas College

South Texas College
Math & Sciences Division
Department of Physical Science & Engineering
Master Syllabus
Instructor:
Dr. Enriqueta Cortez
Office Location:
G258 Pecan Campus
Telephone #: (956) 872-2502
FAX #: (956) 872-3401
E-mail Address:
quetac@southtexascollege.edu
Office Hours:
TBA
Class Location:
TBA
Course Name:
General Chemistry I
Course #:
CHEM1411
Class Days/Times:
TBA
Prerequisite:
A passing score of 78+ on the Reading ACCUPLACER Exam or equivalent, or completion of READ
0090 with a grade of C or better; and a score of 68+ on the Elementary Algebra ACCUPLACER Exam
or equivalent, or completion of MATH 0090 with a grade of C or better.
Course Description:
In this course, basic principles are introduced. Emphasis is placed on fundamental laws, atomic structure,
bonding, acids and bases, selected elements and their compounds.
Required Textbook & Resources:
Textbook: Chemistry 8th Edition 2010 by S. S. Zumdahl & S. A. Zumdahl,
ISBN: 978-0-547-12532-9 w/OWL 053-845-881X
Lab: Custom Lab Manuals for CHEMISTRY, 6th Edition 2006 by Wentworth & Hall, ISBN: 978-0-618-
74744-3
Lecture Notes: Chem 1411 Lecture Notes – Available at Copy Zone, N. 10th

Program Learning Outcomes
1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic chemical concepts.
2. Identify and apply basic concepts of chemical reactions.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of organic chemistry concepts
4. Recognize and apply aced/base concepts to inorganic and organic chemistry.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of basic chemical laboratory techniques.
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Define and classify the fundamental properties of matter and compounds.
2. Identify chemical property trends in the periodic table and determine the basic nuclear
and electronic structure and bonding of atoms. Identify and calculate concentration
expressions for homogenous solutions.
3. Write chemical formulas and use the rules of nomenclature to name chemical compounds and
solve stoichiometry problems.
4. Write and balance equations and define the types and characteristics of chemical reactions.
5. Use gas laws and basic Kinetic Molecular Theory to solve gas problems.
6. Use basic apparatus and apply experimental methodologies used in the chemistry laboratory
using safe and proper handling of laboratory equipment and chemicals.
7. Make and record experimental observations and measurements, comparing them with
theoretical principles, and clearly communicate experimental results in written reports.
8. Interpret laboratory results and experimental data, and reach logical conclusions.
9. Identify appropriate sources of information for conducting laboratory experiments involving
principles of chemistry.
Core Curriculum Exemplary Educational Objectives
1. To understand and apply method and appropriate technology to the study of natural sciences.
2. To recognize scientific and quantitative methods and the differences between these approaches
and other methods of inquiry and to communicate findings, analyses, and interpretation both
orally and in writing.
3. To identify and recognize the differences among competing scientific theories.
4. To demonstrate knowledge of the major issues and problems facing modern science, including
issues that touch upon ethics, values, and public policies.
5. To demonstrate knowledge of the interdependence of science and technology and their influence
on, and contribution to, modern culture.
Intellectual Competencies
1. Students will read, analyze and interpret textbook, handouts, chemistry experiment manuals,
and/or visual aids used during the semester.
2. Students will develop, organize, draft, revise, and write reports for experiments conducted
during the semester and/or research topic related to chemistry.
3. Students will use computer-based technology in solving problems, conducting computer based
chemistry labs and will use internet to access websites that will assist in their study of chemistry.
4. Students will demonstrate effective oral communication techniques using clear concise and
informative language when speaking.

5. Students will analyze and interpret various forms of spoken communication like lecture by the
instructor, discussion with the lab partners, or audio video demonstrations during the lectures.
6. Students will demonstrate problem-solving skills in a logical step-by-step process when doing
chemistry labs. They will apply methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis during their
understanding and following the lab procedures.
Departmental Course Perspective
1. Students will recognize the importance of maintaining health and wellness by following the
safety procedures, maintaining cleanliness, and avoiding contact with materials hazardous for
health, while doing the chemistry labs
2. Students will develop a capacity to use knowledge of how technology and science affect their
lives by utilizing everyday practical examples and applications of chemistry and by performing
chemistry experiments.
3. Students will develop personal values for ethical behavior by understanding the rules and
regulations in relation to safety, cited works, and disposal of waste materials after performing
chemistry labs.
4. Students will use logical reasoning in problem solving by identifying and analyzing chemistry
word problems and selecting a logical solution
5. Students will integrate knowledge and understand the interrelationships of scholarly
disciplines by using technical writing, applying the rules of mathematics, tracing the history of
philosophy describing different aspects of sciences, and finding chemistry’ applications in
biology and technology while studying chemistry.
Instructor Outcomes
Department Course Grading Criteria:
Lecture: 75%
Instructor Choice
Lab: 25%
Instructor Choice
Grading Time Line
Instructor Choice
Class Policies:
Instructor Choice
Lab Policies:
Instructor Choice
Attendance Policies:
Instructor Choice

Chem1411 - General Chemistry I (Fall – 2011)
L = Lecture E = Experiment P = Student Presentations
General Description of Lectures
Assignments &
Date By Chapter Activities Examinations
8/29/11 to
9/2/11
9/05/11 to
9/09/11
9/12/11 to
9/16/11
9/19/11 to
9/23/11
9/26/11 to
9/30/11
10/03/11 to
10/07/11
10/10/11 to
10/14/11
10/17/11 to
10/21/11
10/24/11 to
10/28/11
10/31/11 to
11/04/11
11/07/11 to
11/11/11
11/14/11 to
11/18/11
11/21/11 to
11/25/11
11/28/11 to
12/02/11
12/05/1 to
12/09/11
12/12/11 to
12/16/11
Ch. 1 & 2: Classification of Matter, Dalton's Atomic Theory,
Early Experiments to Characterize the atom, modern Atomic
Theory, An Introduction to the Periodic Table, Isotopes L&LabSafety Quiz #1
Ch. 2 & 7: Molecules and Ions, Writing Names and Formulas
of compounds L/P/E Quiz #2 & Quiz #3
Ch. 7: Quantum Mechanical Model of the atom, Quantum
Numbers, Orbital shapes, Electron spin, Pauli's Principle L/P/E Quiz #4 & Quiz #5
Ch. 7: History of the Periodic Table, The Aufbau Principle,
Electronic configurations, Periodic Trends L/P/E Quiz #6 & Test #1
Ch. 1: Units of Measurement, Significant Figures and
Calculations, Scientific Notation, Rounding off,
Dimensional Analysis, Using the Calculator L/P/E Quiz #7
Ch. 1 & 3: Density, Temperature, The Mole Concept,
Molar Mass, Percentage Composition, Empirical &
Molecular Formulas L/P/E Quiz #8 & Quiz #9
Ch.3: Chemical Reactions, Balancing Chemical Equations,
Mass – Mass Calculations L/P/E Quiz #10
Ch. 3: Mass – Mass Calculations, Identifying Limiting
Reactant, Percent Yield Calculations L/P/E Quiz #11 & Test #2
Ch. 4: Properties of Aqueous Solutions, Composition of
Solutions L/P/E Quiz #12
Ch. 4: Types of Chemical Reactions, Stoichiometry of
Reactions in Solution L/P/E Quiz #13
Ch.4 & 5: Redox Reaction, Pressure, The Gas Laws of Boyle,
Charles, Avogadro, & Gay-Lussac L/P/E Quiz #14
Chapter 5: The Ideal Gas Law, Gas Stoichiometry, Dalton’s
Law of Partial Pressures, The Kinetic Molecular Theory L/P/E Quiz #15 & Test #3
Ch. 6: Thermochemistry, Energy, Work, 1st Law of
Thermodynamics L/P/E Quiz #16
Ch. 6 & 8: Heats of formation, Law of Hess, Types of Chemical
Bonds, Lewis Dot Structures L/P/E Quiz #17
Ch. 8 & 9: Hybridization, Valence Shell Electron Pair
Repulsion, Molecular Orbital Models L/P/E Quiz #18 & Test #4
Chapters 1 – 9
Final Exam

SCAN SKILLS
Reading: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a variety of printed
materials—books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum should offer students the opportunity to
master both general methods of analyzing printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject
matter of individual disciplines.
Writing: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to
purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua
non in any composition, they do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that
the writer has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process including
how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase it effectively for their
audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice and reflection
Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability to use computer-based
technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students
should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of
technology, and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become
available.
Speaking: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive
language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience. Developing this competency includes acquiring
poise and developing control of the language through experience in making presentations to small groups,
to large groups, and through the media.
Listening: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret various forms of
spoken communication.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative
skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct
alternatives strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking, used to address an
identified task.
Developmental Studies Policy Statement:
The College’s Developmental Education Plan requires students who have not met the college-level
placement standard on an approved assessment instrument in reading, writing, and/or mathematics to
enroll in Developmental Studies courses including College Success. Failure to attend these required
classes may result in the student's withdrawal from ALL college courses.
Statement of Equal Opportunity: No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits
of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by South Texas
College on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability.
Alternative Format Statement: This document is available in an alternative format upon request by
calling ( 956 ) 618-8302.

ADA Statement: Individuals with disabilities requiring assistance or access to receive services should
contact disABILITY Support Services at ( 956 ) 872-2173.
ADDENDUM
Following are examples of suggested instructional strategies for teaching some of the intellectual
competencies and perspectives:
Listening
During the class session ask each student to formulate the answer to a question and then turn to a
partner and share his or her answer with the partner. Through discussion the pair then formulates a
new answer to the question. Then the instructor randomly calls upon pairs for their answer and
provides immediate feedback.
Writing, Computer Literacy, Speaking, and Interdisciplinary
Students conduct on-line research on a topic related to the course, write a paper, and make an oral
presentation to the class using Power Point. The writing and speaking skills will be evaluated based
on acceptable communication skills for professionals in the field.
Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Computer Literacy
Assign small groups a realistic case study from your field. Ask them to analyze the problem and
develop a proposed solution. They could then write a paper and/or present their solution to the class.
Health and Wellness and Interdisciplinary
Students calculate the calorie content of various foods and, based on those findings, discuss which
would be healthy food choices.
Interdisciplinary
Discuss how the artistic community approached social problems through the artists’ work.
Ethical Behavior
Discuss the ethics of downloading music from the Internet.