A systematic investigation of the fundamental principles of chemistry and the scientific method. The laws, theories and mathematical concepts surrounding chemical reactions are examined. Discussions on the metric system, stoichiometry, thermochemistry and atomic structure are included. Intra and intermolecular interactions, bonding and the physical properties associated with the solid, liquid and gas phases are also covered in detail. The laboratory component of this course is delivered using virtual labs with detailed instruction and demonstrations from an experienced chemist.

Credits: 4

Prerequisites: High school chemistry (recommended, but not required)

Course Topics

Module 1:  Fundamental terminology and measurement system.

Module 2: Chemical reactions (common types and balancing), redox equations, mol concepts. 

Module 3: Thermochemistry, including temperature-change and phase-change calorimetry, thermochemical equations, heats of reaction and Hess’s Law.

Module 4: Treatment of atomic structure including determination of electron configuration and orbital diagrams.

Module 5: Detailed treatment of ionic and covalent intra-molecular bonding and various types of inter-molecular bonding.

Module 6:  Detailed structure of the liquid and solid phases of matter are studied in this module and used to illustrate and explain phase changes and phase change diagrams of water.

Lab Topics

Lab 1: Equipment / Safety

Lab 2: Chemical Reactions

Lab 3: Quantitative Analysis

Lab 4: Thermochemistry

Lab 5: Gas Law Experiment

Lab 6: Bonding and Properties

Lab 7: Molality/Colligative Property Experiment

Lab 8: Molar Mass