CHEM 121 - Chemical Fundamentals

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

This course is designed to provide the fundamentals of chemistry in the context of an instructor-specific theme; it is appropriate for students with limited previous exposure to chemistry. Students may take this course so as to be exposed to chemistry and the topic chosen, to meet the QA requirement, and/or to continue from this course into CHEM 125 Chemical Principles. Chemical topics covered include units; uncertainty; significant figures; dimensional analysis; estimation; atomic theory and symbols; the periodic table; chemical nomenclature; stoichiometry; solution chemistry including an introduction to acids and bases, solubility and precipitation, and oxidation-reduction chemistry; gases; and thermochemistry. These topics are presented in the context of the instructor-specific theme. There is no lab associated with this course.

Students who have previously taken AP or IB chemistry and done well (AP scores of 4 or 5, IB scores of 5-7) should enroll in CHEM 125.

All other students interested in taking CHEM 121 or CHEM 125 are required to take an online placement exam, which will help determine the appropriate class for enrollment. The placement exam should be completed prior to the registration period. The placement exam is available here.

Theme: Life on earth depends on water and its unique chemical properties. For students interested in understanding water supply and pollution; the behavior of oceans, lakes, rivers, rain, and/or groundwater; or the water in the body of every organism on earth, an understanding of chemical fundamentals is necessary. This course allows students to more fully understand these issues using the chemical principles listed above. Alison Keimowitz.

Three 50-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS