Physical Science and Enginering Departmental Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation with an Associate degree from Truman College a student should be able to:
- Organize, analyze and interpret information and use the scientific method to make inferences.
- Exhibit knowledge of scientific concepts through written and oral communication.
- Demonstrate excellent laboratory skills and techniques including the proper use of relevant instruments and related technologies.
- Use the lexicon of science to explain abstract scientific concepts.
- Relate concepts learned in Physical Science and Engineering Department classes to real world situations.
General Student Learning Outcomes for Chemistry 100/121
At the completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the chemical behavior and reactions of common substances.
- Convert quantities of mass, volume, temperature and length.
- Classify matter by its state and bonding behavior using the Periodic Table as a reference.
- Solve stoichiometry problems.
- Perform laboratory experiments using standard chemistry glassware and equipment.
- Record, graph, chart and interpret data obtained from experimentation.
Specific Student Learning Outcomes for Chemistry 100/121
At the completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Describe processes and procedures used in the scientific method.
- Differentiate terms such as observation, hypothesis, data, conclusion, theory.
- Explain how the use of the scientific method furthers scientific knowledge.
- Convert numbers in decimal notation to scientific notation and vice versa.
- Convert temperature data to values in three scales: Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin.
- Explain why the Kelvin scale does not use negative numbers.
- Convert quantities using common metric units: liters/milliliters, grams/milligrams and meters/centimeters/millimeters.
- Demonstrate the use of significant figures
- Differentiate between precision and accuracy.
- Calculate one of the three quantities: mass, volume, density given the values for the other two.
- Measure the density of a sample of a solid or a liquid using available laboratory equipment.
- List the names and chemical symbols of at least 44 elements.
- List the names and formulas of common polyatomic ions.
- Given a positive and a negative ion - construct the formula of the ionic compound formed.
- Compare and contrast the difference between covalent and ionic compounds
- Classify bonds in common compounds along the continuum of purely covalent to purely ionic.
- Differentiate between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous).
- Classify common elements as metals, non-metals and semi-metals and describe the properties of each class.
- Explain how the arrangement of electrons in an atom affects its bonding and chemical properties.
- Explain how the periodic table is arranged and what is indicated by rows, columns and various sections of the table.
- List electronic configurations for the first twenty elements.
- List the number of valence electrons for the first twenty elements
- Construct simple Lewis Dot structures.
- Identify the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition elements, calcogens, halogens and nobel gases on the periodic table.
- Convert between mass and moles.
- Convert between moles and molecules or atoms.
- Solve empirical formula problems.
- Classify chemical reactions into types: combination (synthesis), decomposition, single displacement (replacement) and double displacement (replacement)
- Perform the balancing of simple chemical reactions.
- Paraphrase the chemical properties of common ionic compounds and common covalent molecules.
- Recognize the formation of a precipitate or the evolution of a gas or heat during a chemical reaction performed in the laboratory.
- Construct chemical formulas for common compounds given the compound's name.
- Identify the name of compounds from its formula.
- Perform basic stoichiometric calculations to determine the quantity of products given various quantities of reactants.
- Solve limiting reactant problems.
- Solve percent yield problems.
- Compare and contrast the properties of the three basic states of matter: gas, liquid and solid.
- Explain the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases and list the assumptions of this theory.
- Calculate volume, temperature or pressure of a gas sample that undergoes changes in its initial conditions using the combined gas law.
- Use the ideal gas law in stoichiometric calculations.
- Compare the solubility of various common compounds.
- Define the terms: solution, solute and solvent.
- Calculate the molarity of solutions.
- Perform laboratory experiments that illustrate basic chemical principles.
- Demonstrate the careful recording of observations and data in the laboratory.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of laboratory safety.
- Demonstrate effective laboratory procedures such as transfer of solids, weighing of solids, pouring of liquids, measurement of liquid volume.
- Organize and graph experimental data.
- Interpret experimental data and draw inferences from the data.
- Summarize the results of experimental observations and data.