Learning Outcomes and Course Objectives
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Learning Outcomes for Chemistry 121
At the completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Compare and contrast the chemical behavior and physical properties of common substances.
- Predict and explain the electronic and molecular structures of common substances using models.
- Determine the qualitative and quantitative relationships between matter and energy involved in chemical or physical processes.
- Classify matter by its state and bonding behavior using the Periodic Table as a reference.
- Solve quantitative problems (stoichiometric) involving chemical formulas and equations.
- Formulate and test hypotheses.
- Perform laboratory experiments demonstrating safe and proper use of standard chemistry glassware and equipment.
- Record, graph, chart and interpret data obtained from experimentation.
Course Objectives for Chemistry 121
Each course objective is cross referenced to a specific General Education Goal (GEG)
At the completion of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Describe processes and procedures used in the scientific method; GEG3-5
- Differentiate terms such as observation, hypothesis, data, conclusion, theory; GEG3-5
- Explain how the use of the scientific method furthers scientific knowledge; GEG3-5
- Convert numbers in decimal notation to scientific notation and vice versa; GEG 2-5
- Convert temperature data to values in three scales: Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin; GEG 2-5
- Explain why the Kelvin scale does not use negative numbers; GEG 3,4
- Convert quantities using common metric units: liters/milliliters, kilograms/grams/milligrams and meters/centimeters/millimeters; GEG3-5
- Demonstrate the use of significant figures in basic calculations: addition/subtraction, multiplication/division; GEG2-5
- Differentiate between precision and accuracy; GEG3-5
- Calculate one of the three quantities: mass, volume, density given the values for the other two; GEG4,5
- Determine mass by difference; GEG5
- Determine volume by difference; GEG5
- Measure the density of a sample of a solid or a liquid using available laboratory equipment; GEG2,4,5
- List the names and chemical symbols of at least 44 elements including Uranium (92) from the inner transition elements; GEG3,4
- List the names and formulas of common polyatomic ions; GEG3,4
- Given a positive and a negative ion - construct the formula of the ionic compound formed; GEG3,4
- Compare and contrast the difference between covalent and ionic compounds; GEG3,4
- Classify bonds in common compounds along the continuum of purely covalent to purely ionic; GEG3,4
- Differentiate between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous); GEG3,4
- Define colloid and give examples of colloids: foams, gels, smoke; GEG4
- Classify common elements as metals, non-metals and semi-metals and describe the properties of each class; GEG3,4
- Explain how the arrangement of electrons in an atom affects its bonding and chemical properties; GEG3,4
- Explain how the periodic table is arranged and what is indicated by rows, columns and various sections of the table; GEG3,4
- List electronic configurations for the first thirty-six elements; GEG3,4
- List the number of valence electrons for the first thirty-six elements (main group elements only); GEG4
- Construct simple Lewis Dot structures: water, methane, ammonia, boron trichloride, carbon dioxide, the diatomic molecules; GEG4
- Identify the alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, transition elements, halogens and noble gases on the periodic table; GEG3,4
- Convert between mass and moles; GEG3,4
- Convert between number of moles and number of formula units, molecules or atoms; GEG3,4
- Solve empirical formula problems; GEG4
- Classify chemical reactions into types: combination (synthesis), decomposition, single displacement (replacement) and double displacement (replacement) and combustion; GEG4
- Determine if a metal/metal ion in a reaction is being oxidized or reduced; GEG4
- Balance simple chemical reactions; GEG4
- Paraphrase the chemical properties of common ionic compounds and common covalent molecules; GEG3,4
- Recognize the formation of a precipitate or the evolution of a gas or heat during a chemical reaction performed in the laboratory; GEG5
- Construct chemical formulas for common compounds given the compound's name; GEG3
- Identify the name of compounds from its formula;GEG3
- Perform basic stoichiometric calculations to determine the quantity of products given various quantities of reactants; GEG4
- Solve limiting reactant problems; GEG4
- Solve percent yield problems; GEG4
- Compare and contrast the properties of the three basic states of matter: gas, liquid and solid; GEG3,4
- Explain the Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases and list the assumptions of this theory; GEG3,4
- Calculate volume, temperature or pressure of a gas sample that undergoes changes in its initial conditions using the combined gas law; GEG4,5
- Apply the ideal gas law in solving chemical problems; GEG4
- Compare the solubility of various common compounds; GEG3,4
- Define the terms: solution, solute, solvent and solubility; GEG3
- Calculate the molarity of solutions; GEG4
- Identify and classify strong acids, hydroxide bases and neutral salts given the formula e.g. HCl is an acid, KOH is a base, NaCl is a neutral salt; GEG4,5
- Perform laboratory experiments that illustrate basic chemical principles; GEG1,2,4,5
- Demonstrate the careful recording of observations and data in the laboratory; GEG1-5
- Demonstrate a knowledge of laboratory safety; GEG1,2
- Demonstrate effective laboratory procedures such as transfer of solids, weighing of solids, pouring of liquids, measurement of liquid volume; GEG1,2
- Collect, organize and graph experimental data; GEG2-5
- Interpret experimental data and draw inferences from the data; GEG4,5
- Summarize the results of experimental observations and data; GEG4,5
- Give the names of common laboratory glassware: beakers, erlenmeyer flasks, graduated cylinders, test tubes. GEG3
Teaching and Learning Goals Established by Truman College
Taking a course in Chemistry helps a student achieve all of the following general education goals. How this occurs is explained below.
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
- Gather, interpret and analyze data
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically, abstractly and logically
- Work with a variety of technologies
- Exhibit social and ethical responsibility
- Perform productively in the workforce
- Demonstrate the ability to learn independently
- Gain awareness of their role in the global community
Students will keep a laboratory notebook and learn to record careful observations, draw appropriate conclusions and reflect on what they have learned.
Students will learn to collect data in the laboratory, create graphs, compare quantitative data and draw conclusions about the data obtained.
The Scientific Method is predicated upon deductive and inductive logical reasoning. Students will study applications of the scientific method to information gathered by the scientific community. Students will read articles about chemical discoveries. Abstract thinking is developed in many ways in chemistry from the use of symbols and models to the use of mathematics to solve a variety of problems.
Students use computers, data acquisition equipment, microscopes, digital imaging devices, media, the Internet, podcasts, digital balances, all in the pursuit of scientific knowledge.
This very serious goal is addressed on many levels in the chemistry course, from the discussion of the importance of careful and precise measurements that could affect the life of a patient to the discussion of what happened when the space ship Challenger exploded or a grain elevator explodes - we examine the role of responsible use of chemical knowledge.
Because Chemistry education is comprehensive in utilizing the body (kinesiology), the mind (both spatial and analytical reasoning) and the heart (looking at the connection of chemistry to the world) it is an excellent course to prepare individuals for the workforce.
Students are given independent projects to complete in the course. They are also given questions to research independently. Reporting these results to the class develops their ability to speak confidently to their peers.
By discussing the way that chemistry is connected to other occupations and careers we develop student awareness about their career choice and its dependencies on a basic understanding of chemistry.
General Education Goals Established by Truman College
- GEG1: The student exhibits social and ethical responsibility and is aware of her or his place in the global community.
- GEG2: The student performs effectively in the workplace and has the ability to work and make effective use of a wide variety of current technologies.
- GEG3: The student communicates effectively in both written and oral formats.
- GEG4: The student demonstrates the ability to think critically, abstractly, and logically.
- GEG5: The student gathers, interprets and analyzes data.
Physical Science and Engineering 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.