(Office Hours: SIMS312A- TR 4:00-5:15 PM)

Course Texts:  Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight, 4th Ed, Atkins & Jones, 2008

Course Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of chemistry's central role in modern science
• Develop intensive study habits and develop problem-solving skills to prepare for advanced science and engineering courses
• Understand the process used by scientists and civilizations to observe, to learn about, and to understand the physical world
• Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles that underlie the modern chemical sciences
• Understand molecular structures and changes that govern physical properties and processes
• Develop an intuitive appreciation for how chemistry affects our daily lives in so many wonderful ways

Course Outline: This is the first half of General Chemistry, an honors chemistry course for incoming science majors.  The class will cover a wide range of modern chemical topics.  The thematic focus of the semester will be "Structure and Energy."  The sequence of topics initially parallels the formation of our universe, beginning with light, followed by examination of nuclei, then atoms, building to molecules, and finally collections of molecules culminating in examination of the materials modern societies rely upon for quality of life.

All chemistry is based upon physics; a good deal of classroom discussion will focus on underlying physical principles.  For example, molecules, liquids, and solids are held together nearly entirely by electrostatic charges (Coulombic attractions).  The exchange between kinetic and potential energy and the distribution of kinetic energies among large groups of particles represent fundamental concepts used extensively throughout all science and engineering disciplines.  Thermodynamics will be closely examined this semester to provide an early introduction for students and to allow the discussion of intermolecular forces, boiling points, vapor pressures and other topics to be presented from a thermodynamic perspective..

Over 80% of our nation's energy needs come from chemical energy production; most of the rest from nuclear power.  We will examine these subjects and develop a fundamental understanding of these processes; we will examine and discuss the inherent limitations on energy production governed by the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

Because of its relevance, students usually find this material to be quite interesting.  During the semester, we will examine these specific subjects:

• Electromagnetic Radiation
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Atomic Structure
• Bonding and Molecular Structure
• Reaction Energetics
• Thermodynamics, Entropy, Free Energy and Spontaneity
• States of Matter and Intermolecular Forces
• Physical Equilibria
• Solutions

Schedule: Classes are scheduled TR at the appointed hour in Sims105. The course syllabus provides the specific lecture schedule.  All course information is posted on the chemistry department's web page (chem.winthrop.edu).

Class Preparation: You are responsible for all assigned material and for all material discussed in lecture.  You are expected to take detailed notes during each lecture and will be responsible for everything discussed in class throughout the remainder of the course.  For each class I recommend that you do the following:

• Read assigned lesson for upcoming lecture, take notes
• Work assigned problems; take whatever time is required to understand and to quickly demonstrate an understanding of the assigned exercises for the upcoming lesson
• Review previous lecture notes and take whatever time is required to master the material covered in the previous class
• Rework previously assigned problems

Graded Exercises

• Unannounced 20 point quizzes will be periodically given at the beginning of class to evaluate student understanding of the previous lecture and student understanding of pre-learning exercises assigned for that day's lesson.
• Problem sets and homework exercises will be worth 20 points each.
• Chapter quizzes will be worth 30 points each.
• One book report will be weighted 50 points.
• Two 150 point tests will be given on the dates noted in the syllabus.
• The final exam (part may include an American Chemical Society test) will cover the entire semester and will be worth 300 points.

Grades: Percentages will be calculated based upon total earned points divided by total points tested. You must score better than 50% on the final exam to pass the course.  You must score an A on the final exam to earn an A in the course. The following grade range will be used: A = 93-100%; A- = 88-92%; B+ = 85-87%; B = 80-85%; B- = 76-79%; C+ = 72-75%; C = 66-71%; D = 56-66%; F = <66%

Attendance: You are expected to attend all class meetings for the full scheduled time.  A student who is absent for any reason is responsible for obtaining the assignments from the instructor or a classmate. Roll will be taken occasionally and the attendance practices of students will be taken into account when final grades are assigned. Absence from a test or quiz without a written doctor's excuse or similar external agency valid documentation is inexcusable.  An unexcused student absence will result in a zero for the missed grade AND a deduction of 20-100 points (determined by the weight of the missed test) from the student's previously earned points in the course.  For excused absences, missed exercises will not be included for neither earned nor total points when calculating overall course grades.