This course traces the development of chemistry from early atomic theory to modern descriptions of structure, bonding, and intermolecular interactions. Over the course of the semester, the students learn how macroscopic observations of stoichiometry, chemical reactions, the properties of elements and compounds, and chemical periodicity developed into the microscopic understanding of molecular structure and bonding. The semester begins with fundamentals related to stoichiometry, chemical reactions, solution chemistry, and gas properties, with an emphasis on quantitative problem solving. The octet rule, Lewis structures, and valence-shell-electron-pair repulsion (VSEPR) theory are then introduced as early efforts to describe the stability and structures of molecules. The localized electron model (LEM) and molecular-orbital theory (MOT) are next described as modern descriptions of chemical bonding. The course concludes with intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions. This course will be a serious introductory series that requires and develops algebraic-computation and problem-solving skills.
Pre-requisite: Two years of high-school math, and one year of high-school chemistry or physics, or by permission of the instructors. Students who register for Chem 105 are required for one of the subsections.
Exams, at which attendance is required, will be given on 10/5, 11/2 & 12/7 from 6:30-8:30pm.
Course Attributes: FA NSM; BU SCI; AR NSM; AS NSM; AS AN
