CHEM 120: Chemistry for Engineering is a one-semester general chemistry course fulfilling the chemistry requirement for transfer into engineering programs, emphasizing aspects of physical chemistry. The course begins with thermochemistry, followed by classical and quantum mechanical concepts used to discuss atomic and molecular structure. The course continues with an investigation of gases, and consideration of the intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. An investigation of reaction rates (kinetics) is followed with the principles of equilibria applied to pure substances and aqueous solutions of acids, bases and salts. The laws of thermodynamics applied to chemical systems are introduced. The course concludes with a unit on electrochemistry. The lab work stresses scientific observations and measurements using chemical syntheses and quantitative analyses.
Prerequisites: Registration in the First-Year Engineering Transfer Program
Corequisite: None
Crosslisted: None
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
|---|
| Total Credits | |
|---|
| Total Hours | 90 |
|---|
Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
|---|
| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
|---|
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- calculate the energy associated with physical and chemical processes,
- predict periodic properties of elements by using knowledge of atomic structure,
- predict molecular polarity by using knowledge of atomic structure,
- apply the ideal gas law to gases and mixtures of gases,
- identify the types of intermolecular forces within liquids and solids, and use this knowledge to predict physical properties,
- relate the rate of reaction to the concentration of reactants, and the concentration of reactants to the time elapsed,
- predict the effect of changes on equilibrium systems, and to calculate quantities in equilibrium systems,
- identify acids and bases, and calculate pH for various solutions,
- predict whether physical and chemical changes can actually happen by using thermodynamic quantities,
- predict spontaneity of electrochemical reactions and calculate cell voltages,
- follow written laboratory procedures;
- use laboratory equipment such as burets, pipets, volumetric flasks, and spectrophotometers; and
- demonstrate critical thinking to reach conclusions based on experimental data.
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.