COURSE INFORMATION

Course Name: General Chemistry I Course Code: CHEM 101

Semester: Fall 2021 CRN Code: 10119
Department: Department of Chemistry Core Curriculum: Yes
and Earth Sciences
College: Arts and Sciences
Day(s): UTR Credit Hours: 3
Time(s): 9-10 am Prerequisites: None
Classroom: C01-B226
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the major areas of chemistry. Chemical
principles for each topic under discussion are presented together with their foundation in atomic and molecular
structure. Topics covered range from atomic and molecular theory to the descriptions of chemical reactivity and
reactions, quantitative methods in chemistry, reactions in aqueous media, thermochemistry and chemical
energetics, and chemical bonding. Applications of chemistry, “the central science” are introduced throughout the
lectures. Lectures, quizzes, homework and worksheet problems give students the opportunity to practice their
knowledge, and to gain experience in problem solving. Upon completion of the course the student will have gained
a strong foundation for the further study of chemistry, and for the application of chemical principles in a variety of
other fields.
DELIVERY METHODS
The course will be delivered through a combination of active learning strategies that promote student centred
leaning and digitally enriched teaching. Some of the activities will include:
 Classroom discussions and interactive Q&A
 In-class problem solving and group work
 End of chapter concept mapping activities
 Relevant videos, models and modelling software
 Partial flipped-classroom teaching methods
 E-learning resources: e-reading assignments and practice quizzes through BB

FACULTY INFORMATION
Instructor: Prof. Lakshmaiah Sreerama
Designation: Professor of Biochemistry
Office Hours and location: 8-9 am; UTR - Online via BB Collaborate
Other times by appointment

Telephone: 4003 - 6542

E-Mail: lsreerama@qu.edu.qa (preferred mode of communication)
REFERENCES AND LEARNING RESOURCES

Required Textbook: R. Chang and K. Goldsby “Chemistry” 13 th e-book edition

All students are required to obtain the e-book and included e-resources (reading assignments, quizzes) in the
“Connect” system through the University Bookstore.
1. To buy the ebook logon on to Banner system via the following link and follow the step-by-step ebooks
request guide provided by your instructor and request the book.
https://mybanner.qu.edu.qa/PROD/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=homepage
a. eBook title – Chemistry by RAYMOND CHANG; ISBN: 9781526843890
b. Book Code - BKSE00000077
The bookstore will send the access code.
2. To register follow the instructions posted in the Course Syllabus section in Blackboard.

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Additional Resources: Many internationally recognized universities and colleges use general chemistry textbooks,
e.g., S.S. Zumdahl and S.A. Zumdahl, “Chemistry”, Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning, 10 th International Edition, 2018.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES MATRIX

Core Curriculum Program Course Course Student Learning Assessment Method
Learning Learning Objectives Outcomes
Outcomes Outcomes
1. Develop an 1. Identify and characterize chemical  Exams
understanding of compounds  Quizzes
the basic  “On-line’ reading
principles of the assignments
major branches homework assignments
of chemistry.
2. Obtain a 2. Explain natural phenomena using  Exams
thorough chemical concepts.  Quizzes
foundation in “On-line’ reading
the various fields assignments
of chemistry.
CC-LO-3 Identify
3. Learn to solve 3.1 Carry out chemical calculations,  Exams
issues, ideas,
chemical including mass relations in chemical  Quizzes
problems raised in
problems using reactions, limiting reagent and reaction  “On-line’ reading
written texts, visual
basic yield calculations, and calculations assignments
media and other
mathematics. involving reactions taking place in  homework
forms of discourse
solution. assignments
before accepting or
CHEM-LO-1: 3.2 Apply the ideal gas law in solving
formulating an
Apply critical problems involving the gas phase.
opinion in order to
thinking and 3.3 Solve problems in chemical
reach supported
demonstrate thermodynamics and calorimetry.
conclusion.
problem- 4. Develop an 4.1 Describe the electronic structure of  Exams
solving skills in understanding of the elements using quantum numbers,  Quizzes
CC-LO-4
two or more chemical models orbital diagrams and electron  “On-line’ reading
Solve problems
of the major and theories configurations. assignments
from a wide array of
fields of 4.2 Predict the geometry of the homework assignments
contexts and
chemistry. electron pairs and the shape of
everyday life
molecules using VSEPR theory, predict
situations using
bond polarity and molecular dipoles.
logical arguments or
4.3 Describe the valence bond theory,
quantitative
predict the hybridization of atoms in
evidence in a
molecules and describe bonding in
variety of formats
molecules with single, double and
as appropriate.
triple bonds in terms of and π bonds,
and delocalized molecular orbitals
4.4 Describe the principles of chemical
bonding and write Lewis structures
5. Obtain an 5. Acquire the ability to learn  “On-line” reading
understanding of independently; articulate the assignments
the role of importance of independent learning
chemistry in for future professional development
other disciplines,
and its
importance in
society.

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 TEACHING/LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Preparing for the classroom activities:
It is important that the students come prepared for the class to fully benefit from lectures and other activities.
Prior awareness of basic concepts would help us focus on difficult topics and cover the topics in a more
comprehensive manner. The following are a list of pre-class activities strongly encouraged that the students
complete before coming to class.
 Prior to class, download and review the lecture notes with illustrations and solved examples.
 Watch pre-recorded lectures/videos/animations posted by the instructor as per the tentative lecture schedule.
 Review worksheets provided by the instructors.
 Bring the following to class:
a. Lecture notes with your personal annotations/comments.
b. List of questions you want clarified during the class time.
c. A notebook and a scientific calculator,
d. Your laptop or a device to connect to Blackboard, Socrative and/or Kahoot.

In-class activities:
You will attend three hours of lecture per week. Coming prepared to the class will allow you to actively participate
in in-class activities and discussion. The main goal of the lectures is to support your learning of general chemistry
through a variety of learning activities listed below:
1) Beginning of the class:
 Students will be asked to briefly summarize the main concepts covered in the previous lecture.
 Based on the summary, instructor may solve additional examples, provide clarification for concepts and
address any miss-conceptions.
 Group work: Once every week, you will be divided into breakup groups and asked to solve a set of
questions as a group on a certain topic. This will be facilitated via Blackboard, Socrative or Kahoot.
2) Lectures will promote student-student as well as student-instructor interactions via addressing the following
essential items:
a) Definitions.
b) Explanations for key concepts.
c) Solve example chemistry questions that address critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
d) Relationship between scientific concepts.
e) Relate concepts to real-world problems.
3) Lectures will stimulate student engagement through open-ended and follow up questions.
4) Lectures will actively engage in the learning process by working on problems, discussion of ideas with fellow
students, and sharing ideas with the class.
5) Collaborative learning via end-of-chapter class activities (selected chapters).
a) The class will be divided into fixed break-up groups for the duration of the course.
b) Each group will be assigned a set of problems/questions that connect all concepts in a chapter.
c) Students will discuss and turn in their work as group via blackboard.
6) Collaborative learning via flipped classroom activity.
a) This activity will be restricted to a few topics chosen by faculty group teaching CHEM101/semester.
Students will be informed of these activities.
b) You will be required to watch pre-recorded lectures and prepare for solving homework related the chapter
in the class with help from peers and instructors.
c) Homework handout will be provided via BB.
d) Groups will complete the homework assignments in the class and turn it in via Blackboard.
Reading assignments, homework and quizzes:
For each chapter you will have to complete the following items for each chapter using McGraw-Hill
Connect.
a. Reading assignment
b. Quiz

Basic Chemistry Concepts Program

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 As part of a joint program, with Student Learning Support Center (SLSC), there will be a Incentive
program entitled "Basic General Chemistry Concepts" to help you improve your learning in selected
topics in general chemistry. You are encouraged to take advantage of this collaborative joint program
with SLSC, which will consist of following modules.
 Module 1: Dimensional analysis.
 Module 2: Types of Chemical Reactions (Writing and Balancing).
 Module 3: Stoichiometry – Limiting reagents.
 Module 4: Thermochemistry.
 Module 5: Periodic relationships.
 Module 6: Chemical bonding.
Each module will consist of a pre-test, review lecture followed by a post-test . The SLSC chemistry team
will visit our class to introduce the program as well as to explain other ways of support provided by SLSC
to you. Successful completion is required to earn incentive points (maximum 2%).

ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The University Student Learning Support Center (SLSC) provides academic support services to male
and female students at QU. The SLSC is a supportive environment where students can seek assistance
with academic coursework, writing assignments, transitioning to college academic life, and other
academic issues. SLSC programs include: Peer Tutoring, the Writing Lab, Writing Workshops, and
Academic Success Workshops. Students may also seek confidential academic counseling from the
professional staff at the Center.

Students Support and Learning Resources

Contact Information:
Tel: (+974) 4403 3876
Fax: (+974) 4403 3871
Location: Female Student Activities Building
E-mail: learningcenter@qu.edu.qa
It is Qatar University policy to provide educational opportunities that ensure fair, appropriate and
reasonable accommodation to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in
course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact their
Instructor to ensure that their individual needs are met. The University through its Special Need section will
exert all efforts to accommodate for individual’s needs.

Special Needs Section:

Telephones:
Female: (+974) 4403 3843
Male: (+974) 4403 3854
Location: Student Activities building
Email: specialneeds@qu.edu.qa

COURSE REGULATIONS

Participation
Class participation and attendance are important elements of every student’s
learning experience at Qatar University, and the student is expected to attend all
classes. A student should not miss more than 25% of the classes during a semester

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and that is for valid reasons. Those exceeding this limit of 25% will receive a failing grade regardless of their
performance. It is a student’s responsibility to monitor the frequency of their own absences.

 You are required to be on time to each class session and stay until the end of
session as per the schedule to receive attendance.
 Attendance record begins on the first day of class irrespective of the period allotted
to drop/add and late registration.
 It is the student’s responsibility to sign-in; failure to do so will result in a non-
attendance being recorded.
 Students are expected to attend all lectures and arrive on time.
 If the student arrives/sign’s-in is after the first minute and up to 5 min it will be
considered as late attendance, and therefore 3 late arrivals will be considered as
one absence. Student arrives/sign’s-in later than first 5 minutes will be considered absent.
 If a student was detected to sign-in on behalf of another student, it will be treated as academic misconduct and
will be subjected to the QU rules of academic dishonesty and the instructor has the right to fail the coursework
for violating course attendance rules.

In exceptional cases, the student, with the instructor’s prior permission, could be exempted
from attending a class provided that the number of such occasions does not exceed the limit
allowed by the University. The instructor will determine the acceptability of an absence for
being absent. A student who misses more than 25% of classes and has a valid excuse for
being absent might be given the chance to withdraw from the course through appealing to
student affairs department.

Mobile Phones:
 Use of mobile phones is not allowed during the class!, except for certain
activities instructed by your instructor. Such activities include quizzes, group
work, or accessing Blackboard, as per instructions provided.
 When not engaged in such activities as instructed, you are expected to have the
phones muted and put them away.
 You are NOT allowed to leave the class to attend to phone calls, emails, messages,
etc.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is considered a serious academic offence and can result in your work losing marks or being failed. QU
expects its students to adopt and abide by the highest standards of conduct in their interaction with their professors,
peers, and the wider University community. As such, a student is expected not to engage in behaviours that
compromise his/her own integrity as well as that of Qatar University.

Plagiarism includes the following examples and it applies to all student assignments or submitted work:
 Use of the work, ideas, images or words of someone else without his/her permission or reference to them.
 Use of someone else's wording, name, phrase, sentence, paragraph or essay without using quotation
marks.
 Misrepresentation of the sources that are used.

The instructor has the right to fail the coursework or deduct marks where plagiarism is detected

Missed Exams, Assignments and Quizzes

Exams:
1. Irrespective of whether the exam is on paper or a computer exam (online), the students must take all exams
(midterm and final) on campus, at the scheduled time and the designated building/location.
2. You must present an ID (preferably QU ID) for verification and must sign the attendance sheet for each
exam.

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 3. Online exams via Blackboard: To attempt online exam via Blackboard, you must bring your own computer
and must have installed Respondus Lockdown Browser. Failing which, you will not be allowed to take exam
and you will receive a zero for the exam.
4. Attempting online exams from outside the campus is cheating. Your attendance in the exam hall will be
verified against the list of exam takers on Blackboard. If any student is identified to be taking the exam from
outside the exam room, your exam will be terminated and a zero grade will be entered. In addition, such
students will be reported for cheating and academic misconduct to the university.
5. Attendance will also be verified against the list of students completing the exam, after the exam is completed.
Again, if any student is identified to have taken the exam from outside the exam room, their grade will be
changed to zero and such students will be reported for cheating and academic misconduct to the university.
6. Students who fails to attend an exam on the scheduled date without prior permission, and/or are unable to
provide a proper medical certificate (must be from a government hospital/clinic), will automatically receive
zero for the exam. Such students must complete the makeup exam within 48 hrs of the originally scheduled
exam. Failing to do so, you will get a zero for that exam.
Reading Assignments/Quizzes/Homework:
1. Reading Assignments, Quizzes and Homework for this course will be administered online via McGraw-Hill
Connect® system.
2. You must complete them as per the time window designated.
3. There are no make-ups for Reading Assignments, Quizzes and Homework under any circumstances. Please
plan to complete them in the time window designated and no excuses accepted.

Other class activities:

1. You instructor will conduct various in-class and/or class related activities. Examples of such activities include, but
not limited to, Group work, In-class quizzes, Homework, Group Discussions, Individual/Group projects, Presentations etc.
2. You must be present in the class for you to be able to do these activities.
3. Your instructor will set the terms and conditions for such activities.

Student Complaints Policy:

Students at Qatar University have the right to pursue complaints related to faculty, staff, and other students. The
nature of the complaints may be either academic or non-academic.  For more information about the policy and
processes related to this policy, you may refer to the students’ handbook.

COURSE ASSESSMENT
Course Calendar and Assessment
Students will be graded through the following means of assessment and their final grade will be calculated from the
forms of assessment as listed below with their grade weighting taken into account. The criteria for grading are listed
at the end of the syllabus
Assessment* Grade Weighting Deadline Assessment
Exam 1 20% Tentative: Sat. 25/9/2021 9:00-10:30 am
Exam 2 20% Tentative: Sat. 6/11/2021 9:00-10:30 am
Final Exam 35% Scheduled by the University
McGraw-Hill Connect Quizzes (10) 10% At the end of Each Chapter
Learn Smart Reading Assignments (10) 5% At the end of Each Chapter
In-Class activities: Group work 4% Ongoing
Collaborative learning via end-of-
chapter class activities (selected 4% At the end of selected Chapters
chapters)
Collaborative learning via flipped
2% Selected topics
classroom activity
Total 100%

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 Bonus-Basic Concepts in chemistry Max 3% Scheduled by SLSC
*The course instructor has the right to amend the assessment methods and weights in case the university changes
teaching style from distance teaching to regular teaching or vice versa, in a way that does not harm the educational
process or the interest of students.

Grades are not negotiable and are awarded according to the following criteria:

Letter Grade Description Percentag Grade Points

e
A Excellent 90-100 4.00
B+ Very Good 85-<89 3.50
B Very Good 80-<85 3.00
C+ Good 75-<79 2.50
C Good 70-<75 2.00
D+ Pass 65-<69 1.50
D Pass 60-<65 1.00
F Fail Less than 60 0.00
I Incomplete: In case the student is absent from the final exam and provided acceptable
excuse
FA The student could not attend the final exam and could not provide any acceptable excuse
for his/her absence
FB The student exceeded the allowed absence limit of the lectures (25%)

WEEKLY LECTURE SCHEDULE AND CONTENT DISTRIBUTION

“Lecture hours and weeks are approximate and may change as needed”
Note: For Chem 101 sections with 2 lecture periods per week (S/T, M/W or T/R), one lecture period covers 1.5 lecture hours (80
minutes). The course content specifies the sections in chapters 1-10 of the textbook that will be included in quizzes, homework and
exams.

Tentative Schedule:
Weeks/
Chapter/Topics Activities
Lecturer hours
Chapter 1: Chemistry: The study of change
1. 7 Measurements  Basic Concepts in chemistry Module 1
1. 8 Handling Numbers (Bonus): Handling numbers and
dimensional analysis - Due by end of week
3.
Week 1-2
 Blackboard Activity-Group discussion: –
3 lecture hours 1. 9 Dimensional Analysis in Solving handling numbers and dimensional
Problems analysis – due date: Week 3.
 McGraw-Hill Connect: Quiz and Reading
assignment. (Due date – TBA).
Chapter 2: Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
2. 3 Atomic Number, Mass Number, and  Collaborative learning via end-of-chapter
Isotopes class activities – Chemical formulas and
Week 2-3 2. 4 The Periodic Table naming compounds (Sections 2.6 and
4 lecture hours 2. 5 Molecules and Ions 2.7).
2. 6 Chemical Formulas  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
2. 7 Naming Compounds assignment (Due date – TBA).
Chapter 3: Mass Relationships in Chemical Reactions

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 3. 1 Atomic Mass  Basic Concepts in chemistry Module 2
3. 2 Avogadro’s Number and Molar Mass (Bonus): Types of Chemical Reactions
of an Element (Writing and Balancing)-Due by end of
3. 3 Molecular Mass week 4.
3. 4 The Mass Spectrometer  Basic Concepts in chemistry Module 3
3. 5 Percent Composition of Compounds (Bonus): Stoichiometry – Limiting
3. 6 Experimental Determination of reagents. Due by end of week 4.
Week 3-4  In-Class activity: Group work - Percent
Empirical Formulas
5 lecture hours composition and Empirical and
3. 7 Chemical Reactions and Chemical
molecular formula.
Equations
 Collaborative learning via end-of-
3. 8 Amounts of Reactants and Products
chapter class activities - Molecular mass,
3. 9 Limiting Reagent Calculations amounts of reactant and products,
Limiting reagents, Percent Yield.
3.10 Reaction Yield  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
assignment. (Due date – TBA).
Chapter 4: Reactions in Aqueous media
4. 1 General Properties of Aqueous  In-Class activity: Group work – Net ionic
Solutions equations.
4. 2 Precipitation Reactions  Collaborative learning via end-of-
4. 3 Acid-Base Reactions chapter class activities – Types of
Week 5-7 reactions in aqueous solution, oxidation
4. 4 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions,
6 lecture hours numbers and solution stoichiometry.
Oxidation Numbers
4. 5 Concentration of Solutions, Solution  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
Stoichiometry assignment. (Due date – TBA).
4. 7 Acid-Base Titrations
Midterm Exam 1
Chapter: Gases
5.1 Substances That Exist as Gases  Flipped classroom activity.
5. 2 Pressure of a Gas  In-Class activities: Group homework –
5. 3 The Gas Laws Solve problems based on concepts
Week 7-8 5.4 The Ideal Gas Equation learned in Chapters 3, 4 and 5.
3 lecture hours 5. 5 Gas Stoichiometry  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
assignment (Due date – TBA).
5. 6 Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures  Survey of learning effectiveness/
perception.
Chapter 6: Thermochemistry
6. 1 The Nature of Energy and Types of  Basic Concepts in chemistry Module 4
Energy (Bonus): Thermochemistry – Due end of
6. 2 Energy Changes in Chemical week 9.
Reactions  Collaborative learning via end-of-
Week 8-9
6. 3 Introduction to Thermodynamics chapter class activities - Solve problems
5 lecture hours
6. 4 Enthalpy of Chemical Reactions based on concepts learned in Chapters
6. 5 Calorimetry 3, 4, 5 and 6.
6. 6 Standard Enthalpy of Formation and  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
Reaction assignment (Due date – TBA).
Chapter 7: Quantum Theory and the Electronic Structure of Atoms
Week 9 7. 1 From Classical Physics to Quantum  Collaborative learning via end-of-
3 lecture hours Theory chapter class activities – Quantum
7. 3 Bohr’s Theory of the Hydrogen Atom numbers and Electronic configuration.
7.6 Quantum Numbers  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
7. 7 Atomic Orbitals assignment (Due date – TBA)
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 7.8 Electron Configurations
7. 9 The Building-Up (Aufbau) Principle
Chapter 8: Periodic Relationships Among the Elements
8. 1 Development of the Periodic Table  Basic Concepts in chemistry Module 5
8. 2 Periodic Classification of the (Bonus): Periodic relationships – Due at
Elements the end of week 10.
Week 10
8. 3 Periodic Variation in Physical  In-Class activities: Group work –
2 lecture hours
Properties periodic relationships.
8. 4 Ionization Energy  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
8. 5 Electron Affinity assignment (Due date – TBA)
Midterm Exam 2
Chapter 9: Chemical Bonding I: Basic Concepts
9. 1 Lewis Dot Symbols  Basic Concepts in chemistry Module 6
9. 2 The Ionic Bond (Bonus): Chemical bonding – due at the
9. 4 The Covalent Bond end of week 13.
9. 5 Electronegativity  Collaborative learning via end-of-
Week 11-13
9. 6 Writing Lewis Structures chapter class activities – Valance
6 lecture hours
9. 7 Formal Charge and Lewis Structures electrons, Lewis Structures and formal
charges.
9. 8 The Concept of Resonance
 McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
9. 9 Exceptions to the Octet Rule assignment (Due date – TBA)
Chapter 10: Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Geometry and Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals
10. 1 Molecular Geometry
10. 2 Dipole Moment  In-Class activities: Group work – Polarity
Week 13-14 10. 3 Valence Bond Theory of molecules and hybridization.
4 lecture hours 10. 4 Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals  McGraw-Hill Connect Quiz and Reading
10. 5 Hybridization in Molecules assignment (Due date – TBA).
Containing Double and Triple Bonds
Review: Week 15 (if time permits)
Group work: In-class student engagement activity on a specific topic (see tentative schedule). The activity lasts
between 5-10 min. Students solve a specific problem/question in small groups and submit answers via
BB/Socrative/Kahoot.
Collaborative learning activity: In-class student engagement activity. This activity will involve use of specific
worksheet prepared by the instructor. The questions will be carefully prepared to connect multiple topics in a given
chapter/module and sometimes concepts learned in multiple chapters. The activity lasts between 15-20 min. The
activity will be done at the end of certain chapters/modules (see tentative schedule). Students ’ solve a set of specific
problems/questions in small groups and submit answers via BB/Socrative/Kahoot.
Flipped classroom activity: This activity will be performed for specific chapters/modules s (See tentative schedule).
For specified chapters/modules, students are required to watch the pre-recorded lectures before coming class.
During the class time, the instructor may summarize the topics, answer questions students may have, and the rest of
time will be used to solve assigned homework in groups. The instructor will facilitate the activity. Students will
submit homework via BB assignment tool.

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