COURSE DESCRIPTION: |
This
course provides a general introduction to the nature and vocabulary of
chemistry, followed by a survey of current chemical models of bonding,
structure and reactivity. The course introduces chemistry in contexts
that are important to you as a student, and to our planet. Topics
include chemical stoichiometry, the gaseous, liquid and solid states,
atomic and molecular structure, molecular stability and reactivity, and
the electronic structure of atoms.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 30 or Science 30 (Students who intend to use Science 30 as a prerequisite must consult with and have
the consent of the instructor.) |
COURSE OBJECTIVES: |
A. Depth and Breadth of Knowledge
- Demonstrate
a general knowledge of the following key concepts, methodologies,
theoretical approaches, and assumptions in the discipline of chemistry:
- Elements and their atoms, and compounds, as fundamental building blocks of materials
- Models of structure to explain the properties of atoms and their electrons, and substances
- Carbon compounds as fundamentally important to the chemistry of life and the sustainability of our planet
- Different
ways of accounting for atoms in chemical reactions and chemical
equations, including new ways of keeping track of atoms important to
sustainability
- Energy flows in chemical reactions as
being fundamentally important to understanding the driving force for
chemical reactions and the applications of chemistry to modern life
- The nature of evidence for molecular structures, shapes, and stereochemistry
- Models to explain bonding in molecules
- Appreciate
chemistry as a human activity, that studies chemicals, their
structures, and reactivities – and is based on people observing,
experimenting, measuring, thinking, imagining, making sense, modeling,
designing, making, communicating, and solving problems.
- Develop a respect and appreciation for the intricate beauty and complexity of the molecular world
B. Knowledge of Methodologies
- Interpret
and carry out experiments that measure the physical properties of
substances and their macroscopic changes, and that quantify the amounts
of substances
- Use imagination to develop and understand
conceptual models to make sense of experimental measurements of the
physical properties of substances and their macroscopic changes.
- Conceptualize,
operate at, and move between the macroscopic (observational),
microscopic (models of the molecular “world”), and symbolic (the
“language” of chemistry) levels of understanding of chemistry
- Express
scientific ideas mathematically and use mathematics to model scientific
knowledge, quantify experimental observations, and solve problems
C. Application of Knowledge
- Apply
your understanding of the theories, models, concepts, and tools of
chemistry to explain and predict structures and reactions involving
molecules and molecular systems
- Understand how knowledge of
chemistry can be applied to challenges in areas such as sustainability
of our planetary boundaries, health care, energy, and materials
- Interpret
experimental data collected in a laboratory and develop lines of
arguments and independent conclusions that are supported by
experimental data
- Reflect on and design experiments that
address scientific questions, identify sources of error and
uncertainty, and propose improvements to experimental methodologies
D. Communication Skills
- Clearly
communicate on written assignments your steps and logic in solving
problems, using correct significant figures, units, and chemical
drawings as required
- Orally communicate thoughts, insights,
questions, and arguments individually, in small group settings and in
full class discussions
- Prepare tables, figures, and graphs –
and their accompanying legends and captions – that clearly and
concisely communicate scientific results
E. Awareness of the Limits of Knowledge
- Identify the limitations of the models that chemists use to explain data, and communicate theories and ideas
- Gain
awareness of the ethical questions associated with chemistry, and the
professional responsibilities of scientists to ensure that the products
of chemistry do not have unintended negative consequences for human
health and the environment
- See chemistry as an integrated
discipline of knowledge and practice that is deeply connected to other
areas of human knowledge in the arts and social sciences
F. Maturity and Professional Capacity
- Work
effectively with others in various situations, including a laboratory
setting, classroom setting, or on a team research project
- Act
with integrity and honesty as you perform scientific experiments,
record and report their results, and interact with peers and
instructors
- Operate in a chemistry laboratory with due consideration to safety of yourself and others
- Employ
chemical intuition, knowledge, and problem solving skills to make
contributions to solving chemical problems encountered in new situations
|
REQUIRED TEXTS: |
- Mahaffy, P., Bucat, B., Tasker, R. et al. Chemistry: Human Activity, Chemical Reactivity, 2nd edition, 2014 (REQUIRED). Access to the interactive e-book is also necessary, as we will use it frequently.
- Slupsky, C.; Mahaffy, P.; and Ooms, K. The King's University: Chemistry 2017/2018 Laboratory Experiments, The King’s University; Edmonton, AB. (REQUIRED)
- Molecular
modeling and molecular dynamics software: Odyssey 4 and Spartan 10,
Site licenses available on campus computers. You may wish to obtain
your own copy of Odyssey for use throughout this course and other
chemistry courses you take.
- Moodle: http://moodle.kingsu.ca
- Also
required are laboratory safety glasses and a calculator with log and
natural log functions. NB: You may not use graphing calculators
with extensive memory capability in examinations.
|