Course Overview

Introduction to General Chemistry (CHM 1032)

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of chemistry, designed primarily for students in health science majors. It covers essential topics such as the chemical world, measurement and problem solving, matter and energy, and more, as outlined in the class schedule. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding, scientific terminology, and the application of chemistry in real-world contexts.

• Credit Hours: 3.0

• Prerequisites: Completion of college-level algebra or mathematical thinking courses with a minimum grade of C.

• Instructor: Percy Calvo Marzal

• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry by Nivaldo J. Tro (7th Edition, Pearson)

General Education Program (GEP)

Purpose and Learning Goals

The General Education Program (GEP) at UCF aims to provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge and essential skills for academic, civic, and professional success. Chemistry, as part of the GEP, helps students develop:

• Deep conceptual understanding of scientific material

• Mastery of scientific terminology

• Ability to create and interpret graphical data

• Competence in solving algebra-based problems

• Critical thinking and lifelong learning skills

Student Learning Outcomes

Expected Competencies

Upon successful completion of CHM 1032, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a deep conceptual understanding of chemistry topics

• Use and understand the associated scientific terminology

• Create and interpret graphical data related to chemistry

• Solve algebra-based chemistry problems

Course Materials and Resources

Required and Recommended Materials

• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry: Modified Mastering Chemistry (Nivaldo J. Tro, 7th Edition, Pearson)

• Online Homework: Modified Mastering Chemistry (mandatory for assignments and practice)

• Technology: Reliable internet, computer with Microsoft software

• Scientific Calculator: NOT allowed (graphing calculators and programming functions are prohibited)

• Scantrons: Pink Scantrons for in-person exams

Course Assessment and Grading Procedure

Assignment Types and Weight Distribution

Student performance is evaluated through a combination of homework, quizzes, tests, and a cumulative final exam. The grading structure is as follows:

Grading Scale

*NC (No Credit) does not affect GPA but requires course repetition for credit.

Assessment Policies

• Homework: Fourteen assignments, with the four lowest scores dropped. Open from the first day of class until the due date.

• Quizzes: Thirteen online quizzes, with the three lowest scores dropped. One attempt per quiz.

• Tests: Four in-class tests (50 minutes, 20 questions each). The lowest test score (or a missed test) is replaced by the final exam score if higher.

• Final Exam: Cumulative, 50 questions, 125 minutes. Cannot be dropped.

• Make-up Policy: No make-up or do-over exams except for documented emergencies.

• Late Assignments: Not accepted except for documented emergencies.

• Attendance: Required for all in-person assessments.

Class Schedule and Major Topics

Weekly Topics Overview

The course is structured to cover foundational topics in chemistry, including:

• Introduction and Syllabus

• Chapter 1: The Chemical World

• Chapter 2: Measurement and Problem Solving

• Chapter 3: Matter and Energy

• Chapter 4: Atoms and Elements

• Chapter 5: Molecules and Compounds

• Chapter 6: Chemical Composition

• Chapter 7: Chemical Reactions

• Chapter 8: Quantities in Chemical Reactions

• Chapter 9: Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table

• Chapter 10: Chemical Bonding

• Chapter 11: Gases

• Chapter 12: Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces

• Chapter 13: Solutions

Each chapter will be accompanied by problem sets, quizzes, and tests as per the assignment schedule.

Key Course Policies

Attendance and Participation

• Attendance is required for all in-person assessments and is essential for success in the course.

• Participation in online assignments and quizzes is mandatory.

Academic Integrity

• All students are expected to adhere to the university's academic integrity policies.

• Cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.

Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should contact the Student Accessibility Services (SAS) for accommodations.

• Accommodations must be arranged in advance and communicated to the instructor.

Example: Measurement and Problem Solving (Chapter 2)

Key Concepts

• Measurement: The process of obtaining the magnitude of a quantity relative to an agreed standard.

• SI Units: The International System of Units used in scientific measurement (e.g., meter, kilogram, second).

• Significant Figures: Digits in a measurement that are known with certainty plus one estimated digit.

• Scientific Notation: A method of expressing very large or very small numbers using powers of ten.

Example Calculation:

Convert 0.00567 meters to scientific notation:

meters

Formula Example:

Density is calculated as:

Application:

Understanding measurement and problem solving is essential for laboratory work, data analysis, and interpreting scientific results in chemistry.

Additional Info

• Students are encouraged to use the online homework system for additional practice and mastery of concepts.

• Regular review of class notes, textbook readings, and problem sets is recommended for exam preparation.