This course is intended for non-science majors. The focus is on fundamental topics of chemistry such as; atoms and molecules, periodic table, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and radioactivity as they relate to current society. This class is intended to increase scientific literacy in non-science majors. This class can also provide some preparation for students with a limited chemistry background planning to continue on to CHEM& 121. This course is distinct from CHEM& 110 in both content and practice.
Prerequisites
Completion of MATH 094 or a higher placement
Quarters Offered
Fall,
Winter
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or skills:
- Describe the difference between physical and chemical changes.
- Explain the relation of the subatomic particles to characteristics of an atom.
- Recognize a minimum of 5 organic functional groups.
- Describe the chemical composition of the four classes of biomolecules..
- Identify characteristics of acids and bases and define them in chemical terms.
- Write a balanced chemical equation.
- Describe radioactive decay and use the concept of half-life to draw conclusions regarding isotopes.
- Predict the type and nature of chemical bonding between two elements.
Institutional Outcomes
IO1 Communication: Students will be able to communicate clearly and effectively.
Course Content Outline
- The composition of matter
- How elements combine to form compounds
- The structure of an atom (protons, neutrons and electrons)
- Nuclear processes
- Chemical bonding
- Mixtures: solubility and concentrations
- Chemical reactions, chemical equations
- Acids and Bases, the pH scale
- Oxidation-reduction reactions
- An introduction to organic chemistry
- The chemistry of human nutrition
- Chemistry and the environment