CHE 111

General Chemistry I

Summer Term 2026
Instructor: Staff	Total sessions: 35 Sessions
Office Hours: TBA	Session Length: 145 Minutes
Classroom: TBA	Credits: 5 Units
Class Length: 7 Weeks	Language: English

Course Overview:

This course introduces fundamental principles of chemistry with an emphasis on quantitative reasoning, chemical equilibrium, and acid–base systems. Students will develop problem-solving skills through the study of atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gases, solutions, and equilibrium processes.

The course integrates lecture and laboratory components to reinforce theoretical understanding with experimental practice. Students will perform laboratory experiments involving chemical reactions, titrations, equilibrium systems, and solution chemistry. Emphasis is placed on scientific reasoning, data analysis, and clear communication of experimental results.

Required Material:

Primary Textbook

· Zumdahl, Steven S., & DeCoste, Donald J.

· Chemical Principles. 8th Edition. Cengage Learning.

Laboratory Materials

· Chemistry Laboratory Manual (Instructor-provided)

· Laboratory notebook (bound or carbon-copy)

· Safety equipment: goggles, lab coat, appropriate attire

Learning Objectives:

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

1. Apply fundamental chemical principles including stoichiometry, gas laws, and equilibrium.

2. Analyze chemical reactions and predict outcomes in aqueous and solution systems.

3. Explain acid–base behavior, buffer systems, and titration processes.

4. Perform laboratory experiments and accurately record and analyze data.

5. Communicate chemical reasoning through structured problem-solving and lab reports.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Foundations and Atomic Structure

Lecture 1: Introduction to Chemistry

· Measurement, units, and scientific notation Lecture 2: Atoms and Elements

· Atomic structure

Lecture 3: Ions and Compounds

· Chemical formulas

Lecture 4: Chemical Reactions

· Writing and balancing equations Lecture 5: Introduction to Stoichiometry

Laboratory: Safety training and introduction to laboratory techniques

Week 2: Stoichiometry and Solutions

Lecture 6: Mole Concept

· Quantitative relationships

Lecture 7: Stoichiometric Calculations Lecture 8: Solution Stoichiometry

Lecture 9: Concentration and Dilution Lecture 10: Aqueous Reactions

Laboratory: Observing chemical reactions

Week 3: Gases and Thermochemistry

Lecture 11: Gas Laws

· Ideal gas behavior Lecture 12: Gas Mixtures

Lecture 13: Energy in Chemical Systems Lecture 14: Thermochemistry

Lecture 15: Heat and Enthalpy Midterm Exam (Lecture 1–15)

Laboratory: Chemical equilibrium experiments

Week 4: Chemical Equilibrium Lecture 16: Equilibrium Concepts Lecture 17: Equilibrium Constants

Lecture 18: Le Chatelier’s Principle

Lecture 19: Applications of Equilibrium Lecture 20: Reaction Quotient

Laboratory: Equilibrium and reaction systems

Week 5: Acids and Bases

Lecture 21: Acid–Base Theories Lecture 22: pH and Calculations Lecture 23: Strong vs Weak Acids Lecture 24: Titration Curves

Lecture 25: Buffers

Assignment 1

Laboratory: Strong acid–strong base titration

Week 6: Advanced Acid–Base Systems

Lecture 26: Weak Acid Equilibria Lecture 27: Polyprotic Systems

Lecture 28: Buffer Systems

Lecture 29: Solubility and Precipitation Lecture 30: Solubility Product Constants Assignment 2

Laboratory: Weak acid titration and buffer systems

Week 7: Integration and Applications Lecture 31: Applications of Equilibrium Lecture 32: Integrated Problem Solving Lecture 33: Experimental Data Analysis Lecture 34: Comprehensive Review

Lecture 35: Final Review

Final Exam (Comprehensive)

Laboratory: Final experiment and lab check-out

Grading Assessment:

Assignment 1 — 10%

Assignment 2 — 10%

Midterm — 25%

Final Exam — 25%

Laboratory Assessment — 20% Online Homework — 5% Participation — 5%

Total — 100%

Assignments:

Assignments consist of quantitative and conceptual problems aligned with lecture topics.

Students must demonstrate step-by-step reasoning, correct application of chemical principles, and clear presentation of solutions.

Online homework may be assigned to reinforce key concepts and provide additional practice.

Laboratory Assessment:

Laboratory work is a required and integral component of this course. Students must complete all laboratory experiments and submit acceptable reports to pass the course.

Laboratory evaluation is based on:

· Completion of experiments

· Accuracy of data collection and calculations

· Pre-lab preparation and quizzes

· Quality of laboratory reports Laboratory reports must include:

· Title, purpose, procedure, and data tables (pre-lab)

· Calculations, results, and conclusions (post-lab)

Failure to complete required laboratory work may result in failure of the course.

Attendance:

Students are required to attend a weekly seminar led by TA to focus on the week's topic and deepen understanding. Seminar time assigned by TA. Seminar attendance counts toward the final grade.

Exams:

The examinations in this course consist of multiple choice and Problem-solving questions. The final exam is cumulative.

Final Evaluation:

Letter Grade	Percentage (%)	Letter Grade	Percentage
A+	≥95	C+	64-67
A	89-94	C	60-63
A-	84-88	C-	56-59
B+	79-83	D+	54-56
B	73-78	D	50-53
B-	68-72	F	≤50

General Policies:

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is the cornerstone of academia and requires students and researchers to

maintain honesty, fairness, trust and responsibility in all academic activities. It includes not only avoiding dishonest behaviors such as plagiarism, cheating, and falsifying data, but also requires taking responsibility for one's own academic actions and ensuring that all work is done

independently and accurately cites the research of others. Violations of academic integrity can result in severe academic penalties, such as zero grades, suspension or even expulsion, and can cause serious damage to an individual's reputation and future career. Upholding academic

integrity is therefore essential to promoting a fair academic environment and facilitating the authentic dissemination of knowledge.

Accessible Resources Policy

The policy ensures that all students, especially those with disabilities, are able to participate equally in school learning and activities. The school provides a wide range of accessibility resources including, but not limited to, specialized classrooms, hearing aids, Braille textbooks, assistive technology, and flexible testing arrangements. Students are required to apply to the school in advance and provide appropriate medical or psychological evaluations so that an

individualized support plan can be developed for them. This policy is designed to remove barriers in the academic environment and to ensure that every student has access to equitable learning opportunities.

Withdrawal Policy

Students may choose to withdraw from a course within a specified period of time, and may not be able to do so after the expiration date. When withdrawing from a course, students are required to fill out a withdrawal form with a reason, which will be reviewed and processed on a case-by- case basis. Withdrawal from a course may not affect the student's academic performance. If a student withdraws from a course with incomplete requirements, a “W” may be assigned instead of a grade, depending on the course.