Course Overview

CHEM 150 – Fundamental Principles of Chemistry is an introductory college-level course designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of general chemistry. The course covers essential topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, solutions, acids and bases, chemical equilibrium, and more. It is suitable for students majoring in health, elementary education, technical programs, and non-science majors seeking a science elective.

Course Structure and Topics

Course Content and Weekly Breakdown

• Week 1: What is Chemistry? The Numerical Side of Chemistry (Ch. 1 & 2)

  • Scientific method and measurement

  • Physical and chemical properties and changes

  • Dimensional analysis and significant figures

• Week 2: The Evolution of Atomic Theory; Electromagnetic Radiation; The Concept of Energy (Ch. 3 & 4)

  • Atomic theory and structure

  • Periodic law and trends

  • Isotopes, ions, and energy concepts

  • Thermodynamics basics

• Week 3: The Modern Model of the Atom, Electronic Configurations, Nomenclature (Ch. 4 & 5)

  • Bohr model and quantum models

  • Electron configurations

  • Ionic and covalent bonding

  • Naming compounds

• Week 4: Chemical Bonding, Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory (Ch. 5 & 6)

  • Lewis structures

  • VSEPR theory and molecular geometry

  • Polarity and intermolecular forces

• Week 5: Chemical Reactions, Concept of the Mole, Stoichiometry (Ch. 8 & 9)

  • Balancing equations

  • Types of chemical reactions

  • Mole concept and stoichiometry

  • Limiting reactants and yields

• Week 6: Ideal Gas Law and Solutions Chemistry (Ch. 11 & 12)

  • Gas laws and kinetic molecular theory

  • Solution concentration and preparation

  • Colligative properties

• Week 7: Chemical Equilibrium (Ch. 14)

  • Equilibrium constant and expressions

  • Le Chatelier’s Principle

• Week 8: Electrolytes, Acids, and Bases (Ch. 15)

  • Acids, bases, and pH

  • Electrolytes and conductivity

  • Titration and neutralization

Key Learning Outcomes

• Apply the scientific method to chemical problems

• Understand and use scientific measurement and calculations

• Describe matter at the atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels

• Explain atomic theory, periodic trends, and chemical bonding

• Balance chemical equations and perform stoichiometric calculations

• Analyze properties and behaviors of gases, liquids, and solids

• Prepare and analyze solutions, including concentration calculations

• Understand chemical equilibrium and acid-base chemistry

Assessment and Grading

• Midterm Exams (4): 64% of final grade

• Mastering Chemistry Homework: 16%

• Labster Virtual Labs: 20%

• Grading Scale:

  • A: 93–100%

  • A-: 90–92.99%

  • B+: 87–89.99%

  • B: 83–86.99%

  • B-: 80–82.99%

  • C+: 77–79.99%

  • C: 73–76.99%

  • C-: 70–72.99%

  • D: 60–69.99%

  • E: <60%

Course Materials

• Textbook: Russo & Silver, Introductory Chemistry: Atoms First, 5th Edition (Pearson)

• Mastering Chemistry online homework access

• Labster virtual/simulated experiments

• Optional: Study guide and solutions manual

General Education Goals

• Critical thinking and scientific inquiry

• Observation, hypothesis formulation, and experimental design

• Data collection and analysis

• Evaluation of scientific solutions and implications

Policies and Support

• Late Submission: 5% deduction per day for late homework

• Academic Integrity: Strictly enforced; violations result in failing grade

• Disability Services: Accommodations available through the Student Success Center

Exam Schedule

• Exam 1: May 29, 2026 (Ch. 2–4)

• Exam 2: June 12, 2026 (Ch. 5, 6, 8)

• Exam 3: June 26, 2026 (Ch. 9, 11, 12)

• Final Exam: July 10, 2026 (Cumulative)

Additional Information

• All course content is delivered online via Brightspace

• Virtual labs are required and integrated into the course

• Instructor contact and office hours are available virtually