2024-2025 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Aug 02, 2024  
2024-2025 Pierce College Catalog
Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

CHEM& 139 General Chemistry Prep (5 credits)



Distribution Area Fulfilled Natural Sciences; General Transfer Elective
Formerly CHEM 139 - CCN

Prerequisite MATH 098  with at least a 1.5 grade or placement above MATH 098.

Course Description
Designed to introduce the science major student to mathematical and chemical principles needed for a successful experience in their science studies. Includes problem solving, graphs, calculator use, atomic structure, periodic properties, inorganic nomenclature, the mole, balancing equations and stoichiometry.

Course Content
A. scientific notation
B. significant figures
C. metric system
D. dimensional analysis
E. graphing
F. calculator use
G. basic atomic structure
H. periodic properties
I. inorganic nomenclature
J. the mole
K. balancing equations
L. stoichiometry

Student Outcomes
1. Exhibit proficiency using a scientific calculator.

2. Express and manipulate numbers using scientific notation and significant figures.

3. Recognize the importance of significant figures in measurements.

4. Apply significant figures to measurements.

5. Solve problems using units and dimensional analysis including cubed units such as m3 to cm3 and density.

6. Generate and use conversion factors from available information.

7. Construct and interpret graphs.

8. Describe the fundamental organization of the periodic table.

9. Describe the fundamental differences between the states of matter.

10. Describe the basic structure of an atom.

11. Use inorganic nomenclature system including a discussion of the properties of common acids and bases and their pH.

12. Predict when an ionic or covalent bond will form.

13. Relate the mass of a substance to the concept of the mole and Avogadro’s number.

14. Write and balance chemical equations.

15. Perform mole-mole, gram-gram, percent and theoretical yield calculations from a balanced equation.

Degree Outcomes
STEM: Graduates use the scientific method to analyze natural phenomena and acquire skills to evaluate authenticity of data/information relative to the natural world.

Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking: Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.

Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50

Potential Methods
a. Conceptual questions
b. Computational questions
c. Multiple choice questions
d. Essay questions
e. Classroom observations
f. In-class group assignment
g. Extended group assignment
h. Oral presentations
i. Individual assignments
j. Classroom participation
k. Written reports
l. Self evaluation
m. Peer-evaluation
n. Demonstrations
o. One minute reports
p. Concept maps
q. Role playing



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)