Course Overview

Introduction to CHEM 105

CHEM 105 is a foundational course designed to provide a broad overview of general, organic, and biochemistry. It is intended for non-majors and covers essential chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and applications relevant to biological and health sciences.

• Course Credits: 3 credits (with 1 credit for laboratory)

• Prerequisite: MATH 098 or equivalent mathematical proficiency

• Instructor: Dr. Tolga Misirli

• Required Materials: Pearson MasteringChemistry subscription, safety goggles, scientific calculator, and a scanner or smartphone for lab submissions

Course Description and Objectives

Course Goals

This course introduces students to the structure and properties of matter, chemical reactions, and the chemistry of life. It emphasizes the connections between general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, preparing students for further study in health and science fields.

• General Chemistry: Atomic structure, chemical bonding, and properties of matter

• Organic Chemistry: Structure and function of organic molecules

• Biochemistry: Biological molecules and their roles in living systems

Learning Outcomes

Key Competencies

Upon successful completion of CHEM 105, students will be able to:

• Understand the structures and properties of atoms, ions, molecules, inorganic, organic, and biological substances

• Name chemical, inorganic, and organic substances

• Write chemical formulas and structures of inorganic, organic, and biological substances

• Balance chemical equations for reactions of inorganic, organic, and biological substances

• Identify and explain energetic aspects in physical and chemical changes

• Perform calculations with unit conversions, energy, gas laws, mass/moles, solution concentrations, and reaction yields

• Analyze the structure, properties, function, and basic reactions of biological molecules

• Evaluate and critically interpret and evaluate results

Major Topics Covered

General Chemistry

• Atoms and Elements: Structure of atoms, periodic table, isotopes

• Ions and Ionic Compounds: Formation of ions, ionic bonding, naming ionic compounds

• Chemical Bonding: Covalent and ionic bonds, Lewis structures

• Chemical Reactions: Types of reactions, balancing equations, energy changes

• Stoichiometry: Calculations involving moles, mass, and chemical equations

• Gas Laws: Relationships between pressure, volume, temperature, and amount of gas

Organic Chemistry

• Organic Molecules: Structure and naming of hydrocarbons, functional groups

• Isomerism: Structural and geometric isomers

• Organic Reactions: Types of organic reactions (addition, substitution, elimination)

Biochemistry

• Biological Molecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

• Enzyme Function: Role of enzymes in biochemical reactions

• Metabolism: Basic pathways and energy transformations in living organisms

Assessment and Grading

Types of Assessment

• Homework Assignments: Online assignments via Pearson MasteringChemistry

• Quizzes: Chapter quizzes to reinforce learning

• Lab Experiments: Hands-on experiments and lab reports

• Exams: Midterm and final exams (cumulative)

Grading Breakdown

Letter Grade Scale

Laboratory Component

Lab Safety and Procedures

Laboratory work is an essential part of CHEM 105. Students must follow safety protocols, wear appropriate protective equipment, and complete pre-lab assignments before attending lab sessions.

• Safety Goggles: Required for all lab activities

• Lab Reports: Must be submitted online as PDFs

• Pre-lab Assignments: Prepare by reading the lab manual and completing pre-lab questions

Course Schedule

Weekly Topics and Labs

Key Chemical Concepts

Atoms, Ions, and Molecules

• Atom: The smallest unit of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons

• Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to loss or gain of electrons

• Molecule: Two or more atoms bonded together

Chemical Reactions and Equations

• Reactants: Substances that undergo change in a chemical reaction

• Products: Substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction

• Balancing Equations: Ensuring the same number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation

Example Equation:

Stoichiometry

• Mole Concept: The mole is a unit for counting particles in chemistry

• Avogadro's Number: particles per mole

• Mass-Mole Conversions:

Gas Laws

• Boyle's Law: (at constant temperature)

• Charles's Law: (at constant pressure)

• Ideal Gas Law:

Organic Chemistry Basics

• Hydrocarbons: Compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon

• Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine chemical reactivity

• Isomers: Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures

Biochemistry Fundamentals

• Carbohydrates: Sugars and starches, energy sources for cells

• Lipids: Fats and oils, important for cell membranes

• Proteins: Polymers of amino acids, perform various functions in cells

• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, carry genetic information

Academic Integrity and Policies

Expectations

• All work must be original and properly attributed

• Collaboration is allowed only when specified

• Plagiarism and cheating are strictly prohibited

Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance is required for both lectures and labs

• Absences must be communicated in advance

• University policies on non-attendance and reporting apply

Accessibility and Support

Resources

• Accessibility services are available for students with documented needs

• Contact the Center for Accessibility Resources for accommodations

Summary

CHEM 105 provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of general, organic, and biochemistry. Students will develop foundational knowledge and laboratory skills essential for further study in science and health-related fields.

Additional info: Some details about weekly topics and lab procedures were inferred from the course schedule and standard CHEM 105 curricula.