Skagit Valley College

Catalog Course Search Details

New Course: this course was added after the last catalog

 Course Title:   General Chemistry I

 Title Abbreviation:   General Chemistry I

 Department:    CHEM&

 Course #:    141

 Credits:    4

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    4

 CIP:    400501

 EPC:    n/a

 REV:    2018


 Course Description  

For programs requiring strong backgrounds in chemistry. Scientific method, Atomic theory, quantum theory, periodic relationships, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, stoichiometry, and reactions in aqueous solution.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or grade of 2.0 or higher in ENGL 099. MATH& 141 with a 2.0 or higher (may be taken concurrently). Concurrent enrollment in CHEM& 151 or completed CHEM& 151 with a 2.0 or higher.

Additional Course Details

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 44

Lab: 0

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 CHEM 181
EWU CHEM 151
UW CHEM 142
WSU CHEM 105
WWU CHEM 121

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Describe the structure of atoms and ions.
  2. Express numerical answers with the correct number of significant figures.
  3. Solve problems using dimensional analysis.
  4. Use Bohr�s theory to calculate the energy of electron transitions in hydrogen atoms.
  5. Describe the electron configuration of an atom or ion using quantum numbers and electron configuration.
  6. Explain periodic trends in terms of ionization energy and electron affinity.
  7. Draw Lewis dot structures, resonance structures, and assign formal charges.
  8. Assign molecular geometry and hybridization.
  9. Write and balance a chemical equation and use it to determine the yield of a chemical reaction.
  10. Write and balance chemical equations to describe precipitation, acid-base, and oxidation-reduction reactions.

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 . . .
2.3 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 . . .
8.3 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 . . .
9.3 Analyze, apply, and communicate scientific concepts and principles in context (for example, in technological, personal, and/or professional situations).

Course Contents

  1. Classification and properties of matter, density, metric system, significant figures, and dimensional analysis.
  2. Atomic theory, structure of the atom, isotopes, formulas, and nomenclature.
  3. Avogadro�s number and the mole concept, chemical equations, stoichiometry, limiting reagents and yield.
  4. Quantum theory, the photoelectric effect, Bohr�s theory, wave-particle duality, quantum numbers, and electron configuration.
  5. Periodic trends, ionization energy, and electron affinity.
  6. Ionic and covalent bonds, lattice energy, Lewis dot structures, formal charge, and resonance.
  7. Molecular geometry, dipole, valence bond theory, hybridization theory, and molecular orbital theory.
  8. Precipitation, acid-base, and oxidation-reduction reactions.