Course Competencies for Physical Science - Chemistry GS 105
(C. Ott-Hopkins)
Assumed pre-requisites:
Math -
One year of high school algebra or equivalent, or concurrent
enrollment in MTH 60 in order to perform fraction-type calculations
involved in conversions, problem solving, and using a calculator.
Reading and Writing -
Ability to read and understand English language as
presented in college-level texts and delivered by instructor; ability to
write in complete sentences using correct grammar.
Successful completion of this course will be shown by demonstrated
competency in a) effective/cooperative teamwork in laboratory
investigations and b) performance of a score of 70% or better on course
examinations, homework, and laboratory exercises in the following topics:
• Demonstrate how to use the periodic chart in order to determine atomic
structure and atomic mass, to find periodic changes in chemical
properties and electronic structure, to rank reactivity within families
of elements, to recognize names and symbols of the major (familiar)
elements.
• Draw Lewis structures for ionic and covalent compounds. Determine the
polarity of bonds in a molecule.
• Demonstrate the ability to use dimensional analysis in solving problems
dealing with moles, atoms, grams, density, molecules, and similar
mathematical issues.
• Identify types of chemical reactions such as combination,
decomposition, single replacement and ion exchange reactions.
• Complete and balance simple chemical equations and recognize the energy
changes.
• Use the mole concept to find numbers of atoms, grams, and molecules
given atomic and molecular weights.
• Name binary ionic and covalent compounds and change a name back to a
formula using oxidation numbers.
• Recognize polyatomic ions and become familiar with their names.
• Find and use oxidation numbers to write correct formulas.
• Describe and distinguish between the physical states of solids,
liquids, and gases.
• Describe the special properties of water in terms of polarity and
hydrogen bonding.
• Describe and distinguish between acids, bases, and salts.
• Determine the pH of solutions of acids & bases, if given concentration
of ions.
• Discuss the role of Thomson and Rutherford in the development of atomic
theory.
• Illustrate how solutions are formed, and how polar and non-polar
solvents play a role. Demonstrate the ability to prepare a percent
solution and a molar solution.
• Identify electrolytes and non-electrolytes from chemical formulas, and
be able to explain how ions are formed in each case.
• Apply and solve for percentages to chemical formulas and mixtures.
• Describe the properties of carbon and properties/examples the major
simple and complex organic compounds found in living systems
(carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids).
• Discern the scientific method in published reports and be able to
interpret and evaluate written material as an extension of the course of
study.
• Interpret and carry out a set of written experimental instructions and
then to convey the
experimental results in a laboratory report.