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General Chemistry I
CHEM101 | 3 Credits
General Chemistry I will get you familiar with the basic principles of chemistry. Learn all about the analysis of matter and its components, stoichiometry, intermolecular force, and phase changes.
Professor: Marcie Occhi
About This Course
What You’ll Learn
This is a comprehensive introductory course designed to familiarize students with the basic principles of chemistry. This course will provide the student with a solid foundation for further study into the sciences.
- Describe chemistry's historical development, the scientific method, classify states of matter, their properties, and the influence of chemical measurements on chemical calculations.
- Interpret Dalton’s atomic theory, calculate atomic mass and isotopic abundance, and analyze periodic table organization and trends in element properties.
- Describe the quantum mechanical description of electrons in atoms including electron configurations and their relation to the periodic table, and the observed trends in atomic size, ionization energy, and electron affinity of elements.
- Explain chemical bonding, Lewis structures, formal charges, bond polarity, and molecule structure prediction.
- Classify chemical reactions, comprehend mole concepts and stoichiometry, explain factors affecting reaction rates, net and elementary reactions with rate laws, and concentration units for solution calculations.
- Explain energy concepts, thermodynamics laws, enthalpy principles, and calorimetry techniques, enabling proficient calculation and interpretation of heat-related properties.
- Recognize gas property relationships, apply gas laws in calculations, explaining the postulates of kinetic-molecular theory.
- Describe intermolecular forces, crystalline structure types, defects, and phase transitions, aiding in the interpretation of phase diagrams.
- Describe temperature and pressure effects on solubility, solution concentration measures, and the impact of solute concentration on solution properties, including osmosis.
- Recognize Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, evaluating aqueous solution acidity, pH and pOH calculations.
- Describe acid-base buffers, titration curves, and interpret chemical equations and equilibrium expressions for solubility equilibria.
- Describe entropy and Gibbs free energy, their changes, and correlate them with chemical and physical processes, spontaneity, and equilibrium constants.
- Illustrate nuclear structure, radioactive decay types, their biological effects, and radiation measurement units and detection tools.
- Explain methods for representing molecules in organic chemistry, and the difference between various types of organic compounds based on their characteristic properties.
- Apply theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios through case studies and practice sets designed to enhance problem-solving and analytical skills.
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
This course provides a solid foundation in the core principles of chemical science. Beginning with atoms and the periodic table, it explores electronic structure, chemical bonding, and molecular geometry, linking atomic properties to behavior. Students will study reaction stoichiometry, kinetics, energy changes, and gas behavior, along with intermolecular forces affecting liquids and solids. The course covers solutions, acid-base concepts, equilibria, entropy, free energy, and nuclear energy, concluding with an introduction to organic chemistry. This foundation prepares students for advanced studies in chemistry and related fields.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0015
Flexible Schedule
28-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 3,500 times
$3,900,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take General Chemistry.
Course Text
No need to track down a textbook; the readings are built right into this course. We adapted the lessons from the following source:
- Flowers, Paul. Theopold, Klaus. Langley, Richard. Robinson, William R. Chemistry, 2e. E-book, OpenStax, 2019, https://openstax.org/books/chemistry-2e/pages/1-introduction
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: Chemistry - The Science of Change
- Checkpoint 1 Overview: Chemistry: The Science of Change
- Chemistry: The Central Science
- The Scientific Method
- States of Matter
- Properties of Matter
- Case Study: Density and Buoyancy in Marine Engineering
- SI Base Units
- Derived Units: Volume and Density
- Significant Figures
- Accuracy and Precision
- Conversion Factors and Dimensional Analysis
- Checkpoint 1: Conclusion
- Practice Set 1: Chemistry: The Science of Change
Checkpoint 2: Atoms and the Periodic Table
- Checkpoint 2 Overview: Atoms and the Periodic Table
- Early Ideas in Atomic Theory
- Evolution of Atomic Theory
- The Proton and the Nucleus
- Chemical Symbols
- Atomic Numbers, Mass, and Isotopes
- Chemical Formulas
- Practice Set 3: Atoms and the Periodic Table
- Case Study: Atomic Number, Mass, and Isotopes in Medical Imaging
- The Modern Periodic Table
- Checkpoint 2 Conclusion
Checkpoint 3: Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends
- Checkpoint 3 Overview: Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends
- The Photoelectric Effect
- Bohr's Theory of the Hydrogen Atom
- Quantum Theory of Electrons in Atoms
- Case Study: Quantum Mechanics in MRI Technology
- Atomic Orbitals and the Aufbau Principle
- Electron Configurations and the Periodic Table
- Covalent and Ionic Radii
- Ionization Energy and Electron Affinity
- Checkpoint 3 Conclusion
- Practice Set 3: Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends
Checkpoint 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
- Checkpoint 4 Overview: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
- The Formation of Ionic Compounds
- Electronic Structures of Cations and Anions
- Ionic Bond Strength and Lattice Energy
- Formation of Covalent Bonds
- Electronegativity and Polarity
- Case Study: Electronegativity and Polarity in Water's Unique Properties
- Covalent Bond Strength
- Lewis Symbols and Structures
- The Octet Rule and Exceptions to the Octet Rule
- Formal Charge Calculation
- Predict Molecular Structure Using Formal Change
- VESPR Theory
- Molecular Orbital and Energy Diagrams
- Bonding in Diatomic Molecules
- Checkpoint 4 Conclusion
- Practice Set 4: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Energy
Checkpoint 5: Reaction Stoichiometry and Kinetics
- Checkpoint 5 Overview: Reaction Stoichiometry and Kinetics
- Precipitation Reactions
- Acid-Bse Reactions
- Oxication-Reduction Reactions
- Formula Mass and The Mole
- Reaction Stoichiometry
- Case Study: Reaction Stoichiometry in Industrial Ammonia Production
- Reaction Yields
- Molarity
- Mass and Volume Percentage
- Chemical Reaction Rates
- Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
- Rate Laws
- Elementary Reactions
- Checkpoint 5 Conclusion
- Practice Set 5: Reaction Stoichiometry and Kinetics
Checkpoint 6: Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
- Checkpoint 6 Overview: Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
- Energy
- Temperature and Heat
- First Law of Thermodynamics
- Second and Third Laws of Thermodynamics
- Standard Enthalpy of Formation and Combustion
- Hess's Law
- Calorimetry
- Checkpoint 6 Conclusion
- Practice Set 6: Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions
Checkpoint 7: Gases
- Checkpoint 7 Overview: Gases
- The Gas Laws
- The Ideal Gas Law
- Case Study: The Ideal Gas Law in Respiratory Medicine
- Gas Density and Molar Mass
- Dalton's Law
- Chemical Stoichiometry and Gases
- Effusion and Diffusion of Gases
- Behavior of Gases, Part I
- Behavior of Gases, Part II
- Checkpoint 7 Conclusion
- Practice Set 7: Gases
Checkpoint 8: Intermolecular Forces and the Physical Properties of Liquids and Solids
- Checkpoint 8 Overview: Intermolecular Forces and the Physical Properties of Liquids and Solids
- Forces Between Molecules
- Viscosity, Surface Tension, and Capillary Rise
- Case Study: The Role of Surface Tension and Adhesion in Water Transport
- The Solid State of Matter
- The Structures of Metals
- The Structures of Ionic Crystals
- Vaporization and Condensation
- Heating and Cooling Curves
- The Phase Diagram
- Checkpoint 8 Conclusion
- Practice Set 8: Intermolecular Forces and the Physical Properties of Liquids and Solids
Checkpoint 9: Physical Properties of Solutions
- Checkpoint 9 Overview: Physical Properties of Solutions
- The Dissolution Process
- Effects of Temperature and Pressure on Solubility
- Mole Fraction and Molality
- Vapor Pressure Lowering
- Boiling Point Elevation
- Freezing Point Depression
- Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure
- Case Study: Osmosis in Medical Treatments - The Role of Osmotic Pressure in IV Solutions
- Checkpoint 9 Conclusion
- Practice Set 9: Physical Properties of Solutions
Checkpoint 10: Acids and Bases
- Checkpoint 10 Overview: Acids and Bases
- Acids, Bases, and Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs
- The pH Scale
- Case Study: Acid-Base Balance in the Body - The Role of pH in Blood and Its Regulation
- Acid and Base Ionization Constants
- Acid-Base Equilibrium Calculations
- Checkpoint 10 Conclusion
- Practice Set 10: Acids and Bases
Checkpoint 11: Acid-Base Equilibria and Solubility Equilibria
- Checkpoint 11 Overview: Acid-Base Equilibria and Solubility Equilibria
- How Buffers Work
- Buffer Capacity
- Titration Curves
- Acid-Base Indicators
- The Solubility Product
- Case Study: The Role of Solubility Product in Drug Formation - Ensuring Proper Dissolution and Bioavailability
- Common Ion Effect
- Checkpoint 11 Conclusion
- Practice Set 11: Acid-Base Equilibria and Solubility Equilibria
Checkpoint 12: Entropy, Free Energy, and Equilibrium
- Checkpoint 12 Overview: Entropy, Free Energy, and Equilibrium
- Entropy and Microstates
- Case Study: The Role of Entropy and Free Energy in Metabolic Reactions - Energy Balance in Cellular Processes
- Predicting the Sign of ΔS
- Free Energy Change
- Free Energy and Equilibrium
- Checkpoint 12 Conclusion
- Practice Set 12: Entropy, Free Energy, and Equilibrium
Checkpoint 13: Nuclear Energy
- Checkpoint 13 Overview: Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear Structure
- Nuclear Stability
- Case Study: The Role of Nuclear Stability and Radioactive Decay in Cancer Treatment
- Types of Radioactive Decay
- Radiometric Dating
- Applications of Radioactive Isotopes
- Biological Impact of Radiation
- Checkpoint 13 Conclusion
- Practice Set 13: Nuclear Energy
Checkpoint 14: Organic Chemistry
- Checkpoint 14 Overview: Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Alcohols and Ethers
- Case Study: The Role of Alcohols and Ethers in Pharmaceutical Formulations
- Aldehydes, Ketones, Carboxylic Acids, and Esters
- Amines and Amides
- Checkpoint 14 Conclusion
- Practice Set 14: Organic Chemistry
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 5 Benchmarks
- 1 Cumulative Benchmark
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Course Professor
Marcie Occhi
M.S.
Marcie is a licensed, professional geologist, holding advanced graduate degrees in geology, with a focus on geochemistry. She was delighted to teach introductory chemistry labs, along with both low and high-temperature geochemistry classes as a graduate student at both the University of Maryland and University of Pennsylvania. She currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she makes detailed geologic maps for the Virginia Geological Survey and has a deep passion for citizen science and science literacy!
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Chemistry doesn't have to be complicated—it can be a great way to understand the world on a whole new level. Whether you’re preparing to become a nurse, medical assistant, physical therapist, or another hands-on medical role, General Chemistry will help you build the knowledge and confidence to succeed.
Why it matters:
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Course included in Unlimited Plans
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