CHEM 1405 -  Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry

4 credit hours. 3 lecture hours. 3 lab hours.

Survey introductory course in chemistry with an emphasis on environmental chemistry. Many labs employ green chemistry and reduced waste labs to further draw attention to how chemicals affect the environment. Topics include atoms; atomic structure; bonding; molecular forces; acids and bases; as well as, nuclear chemistry (isotopes, decay, dating, power, etc.); chemistry of the Earth (silicates, ores, salts, resources, etc.); air (pollution, photo chemicals, ozone, etc.); water (sewage treatment, drinking water treatment, properties, contamination, etc.); energy (thermodynamics, fossil fuels, renewables, etc.); and farms and gardens (herbicides, defoliants, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.)
Additional Fees: Lab Fee $24
Measurable Learning Outcomes:
The ACGM provides no measurable learning outcomes. 

Temple College learning outcomes:

Lab
1. Make accurate and precise experimental observations using appropriate scientific tools.
2. Apply proper laboratory safety principles and chemical handling procedures in physical or virtual environments.
3. Use laboratory techniques and methodologies to collect quantitative and qualitative data.
4. Analyze experimental data using appropriate calculations, graphs, and statistical reasoning.
5. Interpret experimental results, evaluate sources of error, and draw evidence-based conclusions.
6. Communicate laboratory findings clearly using tables, graphs, and scientific language.

Lecture
1. Use appropriate units, dimensional analysis, scientific notation, and significant figures in quantitative problem solving.
2. Describe the structure of atoms and explain periodic trends in chemical and physical properties.
3. Explain chemical bonding, molecular geometry, polarity, and intermolecular forces, and relate them to physical properties and states of matter.
4. Name and write chemical formulas for ionic and molecular compounds.
5. Write and balance chemical equations and classify common types of chemical reactions.
6. Apply the mole concept to perform stoichiometric calculations, including solution-based reactions.
7. Describe the properties of gases using kinetic molecular theory, gas laws, and partial pressures.
8. Explain energy changes in chemical reactions, including enthalpy, free energy, spontaneity, and reaction rates.
9. Describe chemical equilibrium and predict system responses using Le Châtelier’s principle.
10. Classify acids and bases and calculate pH for strong and weak systems, including buffers.
11. Describe oxidation–reduction reactions and assign oxidation states in chemical and biochemical systems.
12. Identify major classes of organic functional groups and predict their chemical behavior.
13. Explain the structure–function relationships of carbohydrates and lipids.
14. Describe the structure, properties, and biological roles of amino acids and proteins, including enzyme function.
15. Explain the structure and function of nucleic acids and the flow of genetic information (DNA → RNA → protein).
16. Describe major metabolic pathways, distinguishing catabolic and anabolic processes and key regulatory steps.