Chemistry 105

Course Competencies for Introduction to Chemistry  CH104

Bruce McClelland/Carol Higginbotham

Upon completing this course a student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate how to use the periodic chart to determine atomic  structure, to find periodic changes in chemical properties and electronic structure, to rank reactivity of atoms within families of elements and to approximate the electronegativities of atoms.
   
   

2. Draw Lewis structures for ionic and covalent compounds.  To determine the polarity of bonds in a molecule.
   
   

3. Demonstrate the ability to use dimensional analysis in solving problems dealing with moles, atoms, grams, molarity, molecules, and similar mathematical issues.
   
   

4. Identify types of chemical reactions such as combination, decomposition, single replacement and ion exchange reactions.
   
   

5. Complete and balance chemical equations.
   
   

6. Use the mole concept to find numbers of atoms, grams, and molecules given atomic and molecular weights.
   
   

7.   Determine the concentrations of solutions using molarity and molality designations.
   
   

8. Find and use oxidation numbers to write correct formulas.
   
   

9. Define and apply oxidation-reduction concepts to 1) balancing equations, 2) electrolytic processes, and 3) voltaic cells.
   
   

10. Apply LeChatelier’s principle to equilibria.
    
    

11. Apply the universal gas law and the combined gas law to samples of gas.
    
    

12. Describe and distinguish between the physical states of solids, liquids, and gases.
    
    

13. Describe and distinguish between acids, bases, and salts.
    
    

14. Determine the pH of solutions of acids and bases using the principles of equilibria of solutions.
    
    

15. Name and draw molecules that fit the following categories:  alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and organic acids.
    
    

16. Put together a chain of reactions that moves one from a starting material to a desired product, when given various types of organic synthesis problems.
    
    

17. Describe and distinguish between:  proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids.
    
    

18. Interpret and carry out a set of written experimental instructions and then to convey the experimental results in a laboratory report.
    

   Assessment

Competencies 1-17 will be assessed by performance on in-class activities, homework assignments, quizzes, midterm examinations, and final examinations.

Competency 18 will be assessed by the quality of results from experiments as indicated in laboratory reports.

  Benchmarks

At least 70% of the students will demonstrate the ability to do 70% or more of the competencies.