CH-127: Introductory General Chemistry

Course, prefix, number, & title: CH-127 Introductory General Chemistry

Hours (Class, recitation, Laboratory, studio): 3 class hours, 3 laboratory hours

Credits: 4.5

Course Description in college catalog:

This course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence intended to provide students with basic knowledge of general chemistry. The second semester introduces organic chemistry (CH-128). Topics include units of measurement and dimensional analysis, elements and compounds, atomic structure, chemical bonding and chemical reactions, properties of solutions and chemical equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, physical states and gas laws, intra- and intermolecular forces, and nuclear chemistry. In the laboratory component, students apply the scientific method to explore natural phenomena using basic experimental techniques. The course is a requirement for the B.S. or B.A. in Nursing, Nutrition, and other Allied Health Professions. It also satisfies the laboratory science requirement for the A.S. in Health Sciences, A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences (non-science concentration) and other non-science majors. This course is not open to students who have completed CH-151, CH-152, CH-251 or CH-252.

Academic programs for which this course serves as a requirement or an elective:

• B.S. or B.A. in Nursing, Nutrition and some other Allied Health Professions
• A.S in Health Sciences
• A.A. in Liberal Arts and Sciences (non-science concentration) and other non-science majors as a laboratory science elective.
• Pathways Common Core 1C-Life and Physical Sciences and 2E- Scientific World STEM variant

General Education Outcomes: Below is a listing of General Education Outcome(s) that this course supports.

1. Communicate effectively in various forms

2. Use analytical reasoning to identify issues or problems and evaluate evidence in order to make informed decisions

3. Reason quantitatively as required in various fields of interest and in everyday life

Course-specific student learning outcomes:

• Develop an understanding of the fundamental theoretical and descriptive concepts and methods that form the basis of general chemistry, and solve qualitative and quantitative problems in chemistry and health-related fields.
• Apply fundamental chemistry concepts to quantitative problem-solving and to qualitative analysis, and use the scientific method– development of hypotheses, observation, experimentation, measurement, and presentation of results– in exploring the chemical properties of matter, natural phenomena, and in determining unknown physical quantities.
• Collaborate in groups of two or more to learn and apply fundamental experimental techniques used in health-related chemistry in the laboratory.
• Perform hands-on experiments that require collection, interpretation, and evaluation of data; draw conclusions based on data; and communicate experimental findings clearly and effectively through discussion and writing laboratory reports.
• Learn to practice and expect unbiased collection and presentation of scientific data in reports and papers; understand the importance of upholding ethics; and be able to identify violations of research ethics.

Other program outcomes (if applicable).

1. Integrate knowledge and skills in the program of study

Methods by which student learning will be assessed and evaluated; describe the types of methods to be employed; note whether certain methods are required for all sections:

The overall grade will be computed using the following general distribution:

• Lecture Examinations, Assignments and Classroom Performance 50%
• Lecture Final Examination 25%
• Laboratory Work (Attendance, Safety, Performance, Reports, Laboratory Final Exam) 25%

This distribution may be changed at the discretion of the individual instructor. Aside from the above, students are mandated to take the American Chemical Society (ACS) assessment test which will be administered during Week 14 and 10% of that grade will be added as extra credit to the students’ final course grade. The Laboratory Final Exam will be given on Week 15 (Finals Week) and be 10% of the Laboratory Grade. 

Academic Integrity policy (department or College):
Academic honesty is expected of all students. Any violation of academic integrity is taken extremely seriously. All assignments and projects must be the original work of the student or teammates. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Any questions regarding academic integrity should be brought to the attention of the instructor. The following is the Queensborough Community College Policy on Academic Integrity: "It is the official policy of the College that all acts or attempted acts that are violations of Academic Integrity be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. At the faculty member's discretion and with the concurrence of the student or students involved, some cases though reported to the Office of Student Affairs may be resolved within the confines of the course and department. The instructor has the authority to adjust the offender's grade as deemed appropriate, including assigning an F to the assignment or exercise or, in more serious cases, an F to the student for the entire course." Read the University's policy on Academic Integrity opens in a new window(PDF).

Disabilities
Any student who feels that he or she may need an accommodation based upon the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Accessibility Services in Science Building, Room S-132, 718-631-6257, to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. You can visit the Office of Accessibility Services website.