VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS

TEMPLATE SYLLABUS FOR GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
Instructor: TBA
Office:
Telephone: TBA
Class Hours: TBA

GENERAL
CHEMISTRY I - CHEM151 (formally CHEM101)
TBA
Fall, 2009
Office Hours: TBA
or any mutually convenient time
by appointment.

Legal Disclaimer
All course syllabi attempt to conform to the template format as a means of accountability and continuity
but guidelines do not supercede the individual instructors right to academic freedom. Sections may be
added as a means to allow faculty to interject specific comment. This template syllabus is an
announcement of present course requirements and policies in a general format for utilization by specific
instructors. The syllabus is not a legal contract with the student. Each instructor may insert more specific
requirements prior to distribution to students. Implicit in enrollment in this course is an agreement to
comply with the course requirements and policies, which may be modified by the instructor in order to
properly exercise his/her educational responsibility. Announced changes to the syllabus will be made
during class. The student is responsible for being aware of these announcements.
Course Description
Development of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their applications. Chemical nomenclature,
stoichiometry, atomic structure, bonding theories, thermochemistry, periodic properties, solution
calculations, gas laws and the properties of solids and liquids are among the topics discussed.
Further Course Information
Although this course can be used to satisfy a general education science elective, it is generally taken only
by those students with an interest in engineering, the hard sciences or professional health care fields.
GECH119 is the general education course that is usually taken by non-science/engineering majors.
Lecture
Lecture time is used to present the material content of the course. Some homework problems or
worksheets may be introduced during lecture but the majority of the practice work is expected to be
completed independently by the student as part of the normal study routine.
Recitation
Recitation time is used primarily to administer and review quizzes so that students are better prepared to
take the course exams. Homework problems and worksheets may also be reviewed during this time.
exams are administered during recitation, allowing the entire 1 hour and 20 minutes for their completion.
Required Materials
Textbook

Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity: Volume 1. 7th Ed., Kotz, Treichel and Weaver, Thomson Brooks
Cole, 2006, USA with included Webassign enhanced content access code.
As an alternative, students can now purchase Kotz Chemistry 7th edition directly from the publisher at a
discount. The website is www.ichapters.com
Other
A standard non-graphing/ non-programmable scientific calculator.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: Students entering CHEM151 (formally 101) must have a mathematics entrance score
sufficiently high for placement in MATH120 at minimum as defined by the Math Department. Students
who do not have this minimal score will have to postpone taking CHEM151 (formally 101) until they have
passed MATH111 or equivalent.
Note: Freshman students may be placed in the course with sufficiently high SAT scores as determined by
their advisor but must still have sufficiently high math scores to remain in the course prior to add/drop
day. The prerequisite is not retroactive and therefore, students who have taken CHEM101 previously may
be allowed to remain in the course.
Course Requirements
Communication
Students must have a current and usable VSU e-mail account through which they will send
communications to and receive communications from their instructor. Students are expected to read their
VSU e-mail daily. E-mails originating from Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail or any other non-VSU account will not
be read.
Electronic Access
All notes, grades, homework assignments and important announcements will be posted electronically on
Blackboard. Students must have an active Blackboard account. Access to computers and printers is
required and locations and assistance in finding such access can be ascertained from The Learning
Resource Center located in Harris Hall room 104.
Course Activities
The instructor will provide homework assignments, worksheets, notes and other materials electronically.
Student Evaluation
Evaluation will occur through the administration of assessment modes including: ten homework
assignments, eight quizzes, four tests and a final exam.
The final exam is a comprehensive exam.
The precise due dates for HW assignments will be provided electronically and will correspond to the rate

at which the course material chapters are covered.

Weighting of Assessment Modes:
4 Tests (15% each)
8 Quizzes + 10 HW Assignments (drop 3)
Final Exam

60%
20%
20%

The final exam score will replace one lowest test if the test score is lower than the final exam score. In
this case, the effect will be a 35% weight on the final exam and 45% weight on the tests.
Final grades will be computed as follows:
(Average test all HW and quizzes x 0.20) + (Average test scores after replacing one with the final exam if
higher x 0.60) + (Final Exam Score x 0.20) = percent grade.

The Grading scale is as follows.

A= 90-100%
B= 8980%
C= 7970%
D= 6960%
F= <60
Attendance and Exam Make-up Policies
Attendance is not only required by the University (see University Policy 25) but essential for success in
this course.
Make-up exam policies are completely within the purview of the instructor. Missed assignments, quizzes
and exams are not excused unless the student is required to attend a university-sponsored event during
class time. Required is specific. Required does not include voluntary field trips or excursions. If a student
is required to attend a university sponsored event, the student must have the university
sponsor/administrator provide an e-mail notice directly to the instructor. The student will then be exempt
from a quiz or the missed exam can be made up at a time to be determined by the instructor. In this
course, all students are given the ability to replace the lowest exam grade with the final exam score. This
allowance will cover any expected emergency that will occur. Therefore, no makeup exams will be given
for any other reason than a university sponsored activity.
Students arriving late for an exam may not take the exam if someone has left the room already.
There are no make-up final exams or taking final exams at another time.
Policies exist regarding incomplete grades if a student has a major life event that would prevent their
ability to complete their course. In such extreme cases, the student must be passing the course and must
complete the specific requirements within one year of the assignment of the incomplete.
Homework Assignments
The assignments are provided to guide students in their study. Students cannot succeed in this course

without completing the assignments. 10 Web-based Homework assignments will be administered

throughout the semester for each chapter in the course. ENHANCED Webassign is an online homework
system used currently. The student has about 14 free days to use the homework system before they must
enter a code which is provided with a new text book or else, can be purchased through the bookstore or
online.
Learning Outcomes, Activities and Evaluation Procedures
Outcomes

The student will know the scientific method and its applications to the development of chemistry.
The student will learn the elementary concepts of chemistry and be able to use common
chemistry terminology to describe these concepts.
The student will develop an understanding of the steps required to solve quantitative problems
involving chemical formulas and equations. The student will understand that experiments in which
variables are measured, analyzed, and evaluated, require mastering mathematical concepts
The student will be introduced to the concepts of atoms, molecules, ions, solutions and chemical
reactions.
Students will learn the names of the common ions and procedures for naming common inorganic
substances.
Students will learn the meaning of periodic properties and be able to recognize periodic trends.
Students will develop an understanding of atomic structure, bonding and intermolecular forces.
The student will investigate and understand that the placement of elements on the periodic table
is a function of their atomic structure.
The student will investigate and understand how conservation of energy and matter is expressed
in chemical formulas and balanced equations.
The student will investigate and understand that quantities in a chemical reaction are based on
molar relationships.
The student will investigate and understand that the phases of matter are explained by kinetic
theory and forces of attraction between particles.

Activities
Worksheets, problem solving sessions, discussion and lecture will address the desired outcomes by
emphasizing the key concepts.

CH 1 Matter and Measurement

o SI units, scientific notation, linear equations, graphing, ratio and proportion, significant
digits, dimensional analysis
CH 2 Atoms, Molecules and Ions
o mass/atomic number; mass/atomic number; isotopes/half-lives/nuclear particles;
particle/mass charge; families/groups; series/periods; chemical/physical properties
o writing chemical formulas -- molecular, structural, empirical, bonding types -- ionic,
covalent
CH 3 Chemical Reactions
o reaction types -- synthesis, decomposition, single and double replacement, oxidationreduction,acid/base theory: strong/weak electrolytes, dissociation/ionization (pH, pOH),
CH 4 Stoichiometry

o balancing equations
o limiting reagent, percent yield
o titrations
CH 5 Energy and Chemical Reactions
o conservation of energy, exothermic and endothermic
CH 6 The Structure of Atoms
o historical/quantum models
CH 7 The Structure of Atoms and Periodic Trends
o trends/patterns: atomic/nuclear radii, electronegativity, shielding effect; electron
configurations/oxidation numbers;
CH 8 Bonding and Molecular Structure
o Lewis diagrams
CH 9 Bonding and Molecular Structure: Bonding Theories
o Organic Bonding models
CH 10 Carbon -Select Topics
o Relationship to Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry
CH 11 Gases
o pressure, temperature, and volume; vapor pressure; partial pressures; gas laws

Evaluation Procedures

The student will be evaluated on the ability to synthesize concepts and ideals by having the ability
to solve problems that relate to different essential concepts.
The student will be evaluated on a weekly basis with the use of either of the following (see
schedule below):
o homework and quizzes
o exams
o final exam
Questions on above instruments may be in the form of:
o multiple choice
o matching
o fill in the blank
o short answers
o problems

Additional Information
Students who are covered under the American Disabilities Act should privately inform the instructor of this
fact so that appropriate instructional arrangements can be made.
Appropriate Classroom Decorum
Discussions between students (unless during a group activity), note passing, tardiness, leaving early, cell
phones ringing and impromptu comments all will lead to an environment that is not conducive to learning.
Note the following:

If for any reason the student has an emergency and comes to class late or has to leave early, the student
shall sit in the back row and minimize the amount of noise they make.
Cell phones must be turned off or in silent mode during class.
Questions during class should be directed to the instructor not the students classmates.
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the classroom. This includes children of the students.
Visitors over the age of 16 must have the instructors permission to sit in on the class.
A student may be asked to leave the classroom for behavior that hinders the learning environment for the
majority. Please report confidentially any distracting behavior that occurs during your lecture. Please see
University Policies for further information.
Academic Integrity
The Student Academic Code is the prevailing policy regarding the academic standards and policies of the
University. By accepting admission to Virginia State University, students are automatically subject to the
provisions of the Student Academic Code, and are expected to uphold and support this Code without
compromise or exception. http://www.vsu.edu/pages/3634.asp
The instructor may enumerate consequences of academic dishonestly that may include loss of credit for
the work in question, loss of credit for the course, suspension or expulsion from the University. As
enumerated by this instructor: Any student found cheating on any examination or forging of signature will
receive an F in the course.
Bibliography
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/jcesoft/CCA/CCA1/R1BOOKS/TD1R3030.HTM
http://cengagesites.com/academic/kotz.cfm?site=2719&section=9
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR CHEM151 (formally 101)
(Subject to Modification and Change Adapt for Section and year)
Material Covered and Text Chapters

Week
Aug. 18th

Chapter
1

*Schedule for General Chemistry I -CHEM101-01

Topic
Quiz/test recitation activity
Matter and Measurement
Assessment Exam. Calculator
required.
Matter and Measurement

20th

22nd
25th
27th
29th
Sept. 1
3rd
5th
8th
10th
12th

1
1
2
2
No Class
2
2
2
2
3

Matter and Measurement

Matter and Measurement
Atoms, Molecules and Ions
Atoms, Molecules and Ions

Quiz 1
No recitation

Atoms, Molecules and Ions

Atoms, Molecules and Ions
Atoms, Molecules and Ions
Atoms, Molecules and Ions
Chemical Reactions

Quiz 2

15th
17th
19th
22nd
24th
26th
29th
Oct. 1st

3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5

3rd

6th

8th

10th
13th
15th
17th
20th

6
Fall Break
6
6
7

22nd

24th

27th

29th

31st

Nov. 3rd

5th

7th

10th

12th
14th
17th
19th
21st
24th
26th
28th
Dec 1st

10
10
11
11
11
11
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving
Review

Chemical Reactions
Chemical Reactions
Chemical Reactions
Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry
Stoichiometry
Energy and Chemical
Reactions
Energy and Chemical
Reactions
Energy and Chemical
Reactions
Energy and Chemical
Reactions
The Structure of Atoms

Exam 1
Quiz 3
Exam 2

Quiz 4

No recitation
The Structure of Atoms
The Structure of Atoms
The Structure of Atoms and
Periodic Trends
The Structure of Atoms and
Periodic Trends
The Structure of Atoms and
Periodic Trends
Bonding and Molecular
Structure
Bonding and Molecular
Structure
Bonding and Molecular
Structure
Bonding and Molecular
Structure: Bonding Theories
Bonding and Molecular
Structure: Bonding Theories
Bonding and Molecular
Structure: Bonding Theories
Bonding and Molecular
Structure: Bonding Theories
Carbon -Select Topics
Carbon -Select Topics
Gases
Gases
Gases
Gases
Review

Midterm Grades Due.

Quiz 5

LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW

Exam 3

Quiz 6

Quiz 7

Exam 4
Quiz 8
Review

FINAL EXAM DATE ACCORDING TO THE UNIVERSITY SCHEDULE

*The Course Schedule is flexible and is dependent of the interaction between the instructor
and students. Therefore, dates may be adjusted as the semester proceeds.

Inersia atau kelembaman adalah kecenderungan semua benda fisik untuk menolak perubahan
terhadap keadaan geraknya. Secara numerik, ini diwakili oleh massa benda tersebut. Prinsip
inersia adalah salah satu dasar dari fisika klasik yang digunakan untuk memerikan gerakan benda
dan pengaruh gaya yang dikenakan terhadap benda itu. Kata inersia berasal dari kata bahasa
Latin, "iners", yang berarti lembam, atau malas. Isaac Newton mendefinisikan inersia sebagai:[1]
"vis insita", atau gaya dalam materi, adalah daya untuk menahan, yang dengannya setiap benda
berusaha untuk mempertahankan keadaannya saat itu, apakah diam, atau bergerak beraturan ke
depan dalam garis lurus.
Dalam pemakaian umum orang juga dapat menggunakan istilah "inersia" untuk mengacu kepada
"jumlah tahanan terhadap perubahan kecepatan" (yang dikuantifikasi sebagai massa), atau
kadang-kadang juga terhadap momentumnya, tergantung terhadap konteks. Istilah "inersia" lebih
baik dipahami sebagai istilah yang lebih pendek untuk "prinsip inersia" seperti yang
dideskripsikan oleh Newton dalam hukum I Newton. Hukum ini, dinyatakan dengan singkat,
mengatakan bahwa sebuah benda yang tidak dikenakan oleh gaya luar (gaya netto sama dengan
nol) bergerak dengan kecepatan tetap. Dalam kata-kata yang lebih sederhana, suatu benda akan
terus bergerak pada kecepatannya saat ini tanpa berubah arah, hingga ada gaya yang
menyebabkannya mengubah kecepatan atau arahnya. Ini juga termasuk benda yang tidak
bergerak (kecepatan = nol), yang akan tetap dalam keadaan diam sampai ada gaya yang
menyebabkannya bergerak.