Intro To Chemistry

Course Description

This course provides an introductory foundation in chemistry for students preparing to take General Chemistry. It covers essential concepts, problem-solving skills, and laboratory techniques to build confidence and competence before advancing to more complex topics.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Understand the structure of atoms, elements, and compounds.

Apply basic principles of chemical bonding and molecular structure.

Develop problem-solving skills related to unit conversions and chemical equations.

Explore the properties of matter and fundamental gas laws.

Gain experience with laboratory safety and basic experimental techniques.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Introduction to Chemistry & Scientific Thinking

The role of chemistry in everyday life

The scientific method & experimental design

Units of measurement & dimensional analysis

Significant figures & precision in calculations

Unit 2: Matter & Its Properties

Classification of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures)

Physical vs. chemical properties and changes

States of matter and phase transitions

Conservation of mass and energy

Unit 3: Atomic Structure & The Periodic Table

Atomic theory & structure of the atom

Protons, neutrons, electrons, and isotopes

Electron configurations & periodic trends (atomic radius, ionization energy, etc.)

Unit 4: Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure

Ionic vs. covalent bonding

Lewis structures & the octet rule

Molecular geometry & polarity

Intermolecular forces (hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole, Van der Waals forces)

Unit 5: Chemical Reactions & Stoichiometry

Types of chemical reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement, combustion)

Writing and balancing chemical equations

The mole concept & Avogadro’s number

Stoichiometric calculations (limiting reactants, percent yield)

Unit 6: Gases, Solutions, & Acids/Bases

Gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’s, Ideal Gas Law)

Solubility & concentration (molarity, dilution)

Acids, bases, and pH basics

Neutralization reactions