Education Standards
Chapter 1 Lecture Notes
Lab Syllabus
Course Syllabus
Chapter 1: What Is Chemistry?
Assignment 1 Questions
Introduction to Chemistry
Overview
This module seeks to answer the question, what is chemistry? To answer this question, topics such as the scientific method, physical state of matter, law of conservation of matter, classification of matter, physical and chemical properties, measurements etc. are addressed. This module is designed primarily for students with no previous chemistry courses.
CHE 121(30)
Learning Outcomes of MODULE ONE:
Chapter 1: Chemistry in Context
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
1.1 Chemistry in Context
- Outline the historical development of chemistry
- Provide examples of the importance of chemistry in everyday life
- Describe the scientific method
- Differentiate among hypotheses, theories, and laws
- Provide examples illustrating macroscopic, microscopic, and symbolic domains
1.2 Phases and Classification of Matter
- Describe the basic properties of each physical state of matter: solid, liquid, and gas
- Distinguish between mass and weight
- Apply the law of conservation of matter
- Classify matter as an element, compound, homogeneous mixture, or heterogeneous mixture with regard to its physical state and composition
- Define and give examples of atoms and molecules
1.3 Physical and Chemical Properties
- Identify properties of and changes in matter as physical or chemical
- Identify properties of matter as extensive or intensive
1.4 Measurements
- Explain the process of measurement
- Identify the three basic parts of a quantity
- Describe the properties and units of length, mass, volume, density, temperature, and time
- Perform basic unit calculations and conversions in the metric and other unit systems
1.5 Measurement Uncertainty, Accuracy, and Precision
- Define accuracy and precision
- Distinguish exact and uncertain numbers
- Correctly represent uncertainty in quantities using significant figures
- Apply proper rounding rules to computed quantities
1.6 Mathematical Treatment of Measurement Results
- Explain the dimensional analysis (factor label) approach to mathematical calculations involving quantities
- Use dimensional analysis to carry out unit conversions for a given property and computations involving two or more properties