Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

 Course Title:   Intro to Chemistry

 Title Abbreviation:   INTRO TO CHEMISTRY

 Department:    CHEM&

 Course #:    121

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5.5

 CIP:    400501

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

Introductory course for non-science majors, nursing, and environmental science students. Includes the nature of atoms and molecules, chemical notation, scientific reasoning, and problem solving in the study of the theory and applications of inorganic chemistry. Not recommended for students continuing chemistry beyond CHEM& 131. Lab included.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or GPA of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099 and MATH 98. (Math 98 may be taken concurrently.)

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 22

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0


Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Academic Natural Sciences  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Other Institution Equivalencies Table
Institution Course # Remarks
CWU T 111 & 111.1 111.1 is a lab
U of W T 120
WSU T 132
WWU T 115

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Understand the nature of atoms and molecules.
  2. Write chemical notation for chemicals.
  3. Solve problems involving application of knowledge about inorganic chemical reaction.
  4. Develop an appreciation and respect for the scientific contributions of individuals from different culture, ethnic, social, and geographic backgrounds, recognizing that diversity can be a positive source of creativity.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.1 Identify and express concepts, terms, and facts related to a specific discipline.
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.

8. Mathematical Reasoning

Definition: Understanding and applying concepts of mathematics and logical reasoning in a variety of contexts, both academic and non-academic.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
8.2 Correctly apply logical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve problems.
8.3 Interpret information and reasoning expressed mathematically (for example in spreadsheets, diagrams, charts, formulas, etc.).

9. Scientific Literacy

Definition: Understanding scientific principles, and analyzing and applying scientific information in a variety of contexts.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
9.1 Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts.
9.2 Demonstrate their understanding of the principles of scientific methods, analysis, and reasoning.
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).

Course Contents

  1. Introduction to chemistry
  2. The structure of an atom
  3. The periodic table: guide to structure, properties and bonding
  4. Structure and properties of ionic and covalent compounds
  5. Chemical equations and stoichemetry
  6. Energy relationships and states of matter
  7. Solutions and chemical reactions
  8. The nucleus and radioactivity