Page 1 of 13

School of Sciences, Technology & Allied Health

Department of Chemical & Physical Sciences
P.O. Box 175, Port of Spain,
Trinidad, W.I.

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry Course Outline

* Please retain this course outline as a reference for your future studies.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

- Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry-- CHEM 110-01/02/03/10/11

Semester: First Semester, 2020-2021
No. of Credits: 4 Credits
Days; Room; Time: Monday and Wednesdays 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Labs:
Dates would be announced

Pre-requisites

The participants of this course should demonstrate:

 Mathematics skills equivalent with that of CXC/GCE/MPE 2.0

 Be a registered USC student that is an Allied Health major
 Basic computer skills (including proficiency in MS-Word, MS-Excel & MS-PowerPoint at a
reasonable level or equivalent)
 Mastery in the use of e-mail (use of attachments, download of documents, etc.)
 Mastery in the use of the Internet (use of search engines, USC Online Library resources, use of
browsers - bookmarks, opening/managing e-mail accounts, etc.)
 Basic PC troubleshooting skills
 The ability navigate the USC virtual campus (Moodle) at www.elearn.usc.edu.tt and/or AEORION

Format: Blended/Remote

*This syllabus is subject to change based on the class need. Please check regularly on the course
home page on e-learn for any updates.
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

- Course Coordinator: Clairene R.J. McDavid-Adams MSc.(UWI), BS (AU)

- Course Instructor: Jasunella Gore MD, MSc

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 2 of 13

- Office Hours: By appointment scheduled via email is best.

o The instructors will be available to all CHEM110 students. One can always attempt to
"seek and find" any lecturer or lab instructor, but an appointment will guarantee a
meeting. Plan ahead by emailing or calling in advance.
o Contact us on USC eLearning by Moodle Messaging or AEORION
o Send us a message on Skype to check our availability for a conversation

-Department Chair: Dr. Camille Mitchell

662-2241 Ext. 2701
mitchellc@usc.edu.tt

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE/COURSE RATIONALE

An introduction to the principles and applications of inorganic and organic chemistry; for nursing,
dietetics, and allied health students. Meets the natural science breadth course requirement. Not
applicable toward a major or minor in Biology or Chemistry.

LETTER TO THE STUDENT

Dear Students,

Welcome to CHEM 110, Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry!!

Many of you may have been very disappointed to learn that chemistry is a requirement for completion
of your degree program. So, because you have no choice you are taking chemistry, perhaps for the first
time. While this course covers a broad amount of the basics of chemistry, it is designed to facilitate the
student who has never done chemistry before or may have struggled with it in past attempts.

The key to doing well in this course is consistency and commitment. You must maintain your focus on
each topic as it is covered in class and complete the requisite labs (both virtual and face to face),
assignments and quizzes when they are given. We would like you to enjoy your experience, but it does
take some work to achieve anything in life and we know that you know you have to apply effort if you
are to reap your rewards.

Whenever you may be overwhelmed in this course ensure you seek your instructor’s guidance and
advice. We are here to help, but please ask for help early so we can intervene.

You can look forward to learning new and exciting things in this wonderful world of chemistry! Success!

GOALS/AIMS
Aims

The course is designed for nurses, allied health and nutrition/dietetics students requiring chemistry. It is
a pre-requisite for BCHM120Introduction to Biochemistry. This course seeks to provide the student with
an introductory knowledge in the field of chemistry.

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 3 of 13

Students will understand and appreciate the importance of chemical principles applied in their everyday
world.

Students will become more aware of the unique concepts of chemistry as a study of matter

LEARNING OUTCOMES (Modules/Unit Learning Outcomes)

 After engaging in the various learning resources made available from the course web page and in-
class sessions, it is expected that each student would have acquired a certain level of knowledge,
skill and attitude that would not just earn them a desired grade but also equip them to move on to
a higher level of chemistry or be competent in their career path.
o Knowledge: At the end of this course each student should
 be able to recall the interaction among atoms, ions and molecules
 describe the nature of matter and chemical reactions
 discuss the nature of water and aqueous homogeneous mixtures
 list the properties of acids, bases, buffers, salts
 outline the nature of nuclear radiation
 communicate the basic concepts of organic chemistry in relation to structure
and nomenclature
 recognise the reactions of organic compounds and how these provide the basis
for life.
o Skills: Each students should possess the following skills
 use fundamental measurements and conversion factors in chemistry
 use chemical equations to describe chemical reactions
 carry out simple calculations which demonstrate the knowledge principles
 give the IUPAC names and structural formulas for simple organic compounds
 carry out simple laboratory exercises which demonstrate chemical principles
 write an submit laboratory reports using the appropriate scientific format
o Attitudes: At the end of the course each student should be more chemically literate
possessing the confidence and ability to apply concepts through mastery of active
learning activities. Students will be able to learn more about God as their Creator
through Science, and with a scientific mind.

Upon successful completion of Cognitive Domain Psychomotor Affective

CHEM110 students will be able to: Domain Domain
1. Students will be able to demonstrate Knowledge
an understanding of core knowledge
in introductory level chemistry
2. Students will be able to apply critical Comprehension
thinking and analytical skill to solve
chemistry case studies in their field
3. Students will be able to apply Application Manipulation Valuing

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 4 of 13

techniques and instrumentation to

solve problems
4. Students will be able to demonstrate Analysis
written, visual, and/or oral
presentation skills to communicate
introductory chemistry knowledge
5. Students will be able acquire and Critical Thinking Organisation
synthesize introductory level Problem Solving Articulation
chemistry information from a variety Decision-making
of sources

The competencies addressed in this course are Knowledge, Analytical Ability, Technological Expertise,
Effective Communication and Collaboration at the Entry and Immersion levels.

Course-to-Programme Learning Outcomes

Programme Level Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes

Applicable to
BCHM120Introduction to
Biological Chemistry
At graduation, biology, nursing dietetics and chemistry majors should have a set of
fundamental competencies that are knowledge-based, performance/skills-based, and
affective.
Knowledge Level
1. Graduates will be able to master a broad set of chemical knowledge concerning the
fundamentals in the basic areas of the discipline (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical
and biological chemistry).
2. Graduates will be able to solve problems competently by identifying the essential
parts of a problem and formulating a strategy for solving the problem. They will be 
able to rationally estimate the solution to a problem, apply appropriate techniques to
arrive at a solution, test the correctness of the solution, and interpret their results.
3. Graduates will be able to use computers in data acquisition and processing and use 
available software as a tool in data analysis.
4. Graduates will be able to use modern library search tools to locate and retrieve 
scientific information about a topic, chemical, chemical technique, or an issue relating
to chemistry.
Performance/Skills-Based
5. Graduates will be able to understand the objective of their chemical experiments, 
properly carry out the experiments, and appropriately record and analyze the results
6. Graduates will be able to use standard laboratory equipment, modern 
instrumentation, and classical techniques to carry out experiments.
7. Graduates will know and follow the proper procedures and regulations for safe 
handling and use of chemicals.
8. Graduates will be able to communicate the concepts and results of their laboratory
experiments through effective writing and oral communication skills.
Attitude/Affective
Graduates will be able to successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced
education in professional and/or graduate schools, in a scientific career in government 
or industry, in a teaching career in the school systems, or in a related career following
graduation.

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 5 of 13

Graduates will be able to appreciate God as their Creator, through a scientific lens

COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to Inorganic and Organic Chemistry (CHEM110) - Course Map

1. Chemistry & Measurement 7. Gases

a. Chemistry and chemicals a. Properties of Gases
b. Units of Measurements b. Gas Pressure
c. Scientific Notation c. Pressure & Volume (Boyle’s Law)
d. Significant Figures d. Temperature & Volume (Charles’s Law)
e. Conversion Factors e. Temperature & Pressure (Gay-Lussac’s Law)
f. Density f. The Combined Gas Law
g. Applying the Concepts g. Volume & Moles (Avogadro’s Law)
h. Partial Pressures (Dalton’s Law)

2. Matter & Energy 8. Acids & Bases

a. Classification of Matter a. What Are Acids and Bases?
b. States & Properties of Matter b. Strengths of Acids and Bases
d. Temperature 3. The pH Scale
e. Energy & Nutrition 4. Properties & Reactions of Acids and Bases
f. Changes of State 5. Auto-ionization of Water
8. Buffers
3. Atoms & Elements 9. Nuclear Radiation
a. Elements & Symbols a. What is Radioactivity?
b. The Periodic Table b. Nuclear Reactions & Equations
c. The Atom c. Types of Radiation Particles
d. Atomic Number & Mass Number d. Nuclear Half-Life
e. Isotopes & Atomic Mass e. Radiation Measurement
f. Electron Energy Levels f. Medicinal Applications Using Radioactivity
g. Trends in Periodic Properties 7. Nuclear Energy: Fission & Fusion Reactions

4. Compounds & Their Bonds 10 (A). Organic Chemistry

a. The Octet Rule & Ions a. Organic Compounds
b. Ionic Compounds b. Types of Organic Compounds
c. Naming & Writing Ionic Formulas c. Structural Formulas of Organic Compounds
d. Polyatomic Ions d. Common Functional Groups:
e. Covalent Compounds & Their Names
f. Electronegativity & Bond Polarity
g. Attractive Forces

5. Chemical Quantities & Reactions 10 (B). Functional Groups (Hydrocarbons, ROHs,

a. The Mole RCOOHs)
b. Molar Mass a. Homologous Series
c. Chemical Reactions & Equations b. Nomenclature-IUPAC System
d. Types of Reactions c. Structural Formula (line angle formula)
f. Mole Relations in Chemical Equations d. Structural Isomerism & Conformation
e. Physical Properties
f. Characteristic Reactions
g. Most Commercially Important

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 6 of 13

6. Solutions
a. Types of Solutions
b. Electrolytes & Nonelectrolytes
c. Solubility
d. Units of Concentration
e. Properties of Solutions

TEACHING STRATEGIES

 Lecture and Laboratory Includes traditional and non-traditional ways of teaching (e.g. Study
questions, worksheets and past paper questions, group work, problem solving, peer teaching,
student creative construction, brainstorming, mind mapping)

RESOURCES

MAIN TEXTBOOK (COMPULSORY FOR THE COURSE)

Denniston, J. General, Organic and Biochemistry. 10ed. McGraw Hill.

(Students are required to purchase access cards to this Smart-book from the USC BOOKSHOP ON
MAIN CAMPUS).

INTERNET SUPPORT

 Topic I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7yhfSut6Kk;
http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryglossary/g/measurement-definition.htm
 Topic II: http://anatomyandphysiologyi.com/basic-chemistry-matter-and-energy/
 Topic III: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/chemistry--of-life/elements-and-atoms/v/elements-and-atoms
 Topic IV: http://www.cod.edu/people/faculty/jarman/richenda/085_materials/chemical%20bonding%20and%20compound%20formation.htm
 Topic V: http://thescienceclassroom.org/chemistry-lessons/chemical-quantities-and-reactions/
 Topic VI: http://chemistry.bd.psu.edu/jircitano/solution.html;
http://www.ausetute.com.au/concsols.html
 Topic VII: http://chemistry.bd.psu.edu/jircitano/gases.html;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehvLyvwAEYc
 Topic VIII: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/acids-and-bases-topic;
http://www.chemtutor.com/acid.htm
 Topic IX: http://www.visionlearning.com/en/library/Chemistry/1/Nuclear-Chemistry/59
 Topic X: http://www.chem.ucalgary.ca/courses/351/WebContent/orgnom/index.html
http://www.sciencegeek.net/APchemistry/Presentations/22_Organic/

ASSIGNMENTS

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 7 of 13

1. Class participation A note on attendance and class participation: Regular and active
participation is an essential if you are achieve a high degree of success in this course. Absences
exceeding 20% of the total class hours can lead to the ‘F’ grade. It is expected that students will
visit the course web page regularly. It is critical that you read all of the lecture and assignment
materials as well as all of the public discussion materials. Your full participation ON A WEEKLY
BASIS is not only a requirement; it is an essential aspect of the course process. All students are
expected to do the work assigned, notify the instructor when emergencies arise.
2. Assignments, activities and discussions reinforce the student’s understanding of the material
covered in the course. Performance in various assessments will contribute to the final grade.
Late assignments are unacceptable and will incur a penalty of 5% after the due date up to 3
days. Thereafter, late assignments will not be accepted. However, it is understood that
sometimes things may happen that would necessitate the late submission of an assignment. In
this case contact the instructor within 24 hours of the deadline date so that negotiations on
when and how the assignment can be submitted are entertained. For forum discussions, posts
made after the deadline date will not be marked.

3. Assessment Weighting is based on laboratory performance, assignments (group activities,

online forum posts, active learning exercises), and three in-course sectional exams.

Laboratory Performance 20%

Assignments 20%

Sectional Examinations (3) 60%

Total 100%

COURSE ASSESSMENT

Students are assessed to ensure that the course objective and outcomes are being achieved. A variety
of assessment tools will be used to determine your understanding of the materials and issues raised in
the course:

 Focus Groups: Groups of students will be assembled to work on assigned topics. Each group
will present their presentations on the course webpage or by other medium leading to a round-
table discussion by the other class participants. Presentation is due during the relevant class
topic. You will be given more information about this on the course page.

 Examinations: There will be 3 sectional examinations. Tests will not be curved. Makeup tests
are not anticipated and if one is granted for special circumstances, it may be entirely different,
even oral. You have ample ways of controlling your grade. There will be no extra credit work!

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 8 of 13

Exam Format: The sectional exams may include a variety of questions; primarily fill in the
blanks, diagrams, true-false and multiple choice. Note that there is NO final exam in the
scheduled University final exam period for this course.

MISSED EXAMS
Exams are scheduled at pre-announced dates, and, as such, you are expected to complete your exams at
the specified dates and times. In the event of an unexpected absence for health reasons, family
emergency, etc., you must contact the instructor within 24 hours of the exam and also provide written
documentation from a doctor, counselor, or clergyman supporting your absence within one week.
Unexcused absences will be counted as a zero for exam. Failure to follow these policies will also result
in a zero for an exam.

TUTORIALS

Supervised tutoring is NOT provided by the department, however, a list of potential tutors will be
provided should one desire tutoring. They will be available at individual cost to student’s desiring to
have tutorials, and the students will be responsible for making necessary arrangements with the contact
tutor(s). Tutorial practice questions are available on the class website on www.elearn.usc.edu.tt or will
be made available by your specific instructor should students desire to work on their own for extra
practice before the classes.

LABORATORY

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the laboratory component of this course will be conducted virtually.
Students will be required to pay a lab fee for use of this virtual laboratory facility of TT$300.00 during
registration.

Laboratory sessions will be conducted using a schedule of activities based on the virtual laboratory
exercises. Laboratory reports depending on the extent of the activity should be submitted on the
specified day and time after the relevant exercise/experiment has been completed. Late laboratory
reports will NOT be accepted by the laboratory instructors, and make-up laboratory exercises MAY
NOT be entertained for missed labs.

You will need to follow directions carefully and complete the activity within the time frame set. A lab
technician will be online with you during the lab time period should you have any concerns as you
navigate your virtual laboratory activities. BE ON TIME FOR START OF LAB SESSIONS. You will need all
the allotted time. If you arrive LATER THAN TWENTY (20) MINUTES AFTER THE SCHEDULED
LABORATORY TIME YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LABORATORY EXERCISES.

LAB CREDIT POLICY

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 9 of 13

A student repeating this course may be exempted from laboratory if he or she can produce evidence of
having achieved at least a 55%-lab average during the previous academic year. This must be done during
the first week of the new semester. Lab grades are only valid for ONE (1) academic year.

* Note that laboratory exercises are subject to change as seen necessary by the Laboratory Instructor(s).
You will be informed of those changes in advance via email or in person.

COURSE CALENDAR-Subject to Minor Adjustments

1. Chemistry and Measurements

2. Matter and Energy

3. Atoms and Elements

4. Compounds and Their Bonds

SECTIONAL EXAM I

5. Chemical Quantities and Reactions

6. Solutions

7. Gases

SECTIONAL EXAM II

8. Acids and Bases

9. Nuclear Radiation

10. Introduction to Organic Chemistry & Functional Groups

SECTIONAL EXAM III

LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES

Public Holidays: Republic Day -September 24th, Diwali- November 14th

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 10 of 13

Mid-Semester Break: October 16th- 18th

Chemistry Mole Day: October 23rd

National Chemistry Week: October 18th -24th, Theme: Sticking With Chemistry

LABORATORY SCHEDULE-Subject to minor Changes

Week Experiment Experiment/Activity

No.

1-2
No Lab

3 Lab#2 Lab Safety and Atomic Structure

4 Lab#3 Periodic Table

5 Lab#4
Ionic/Covalent Bonds

6 Lab#5 Acids and Bases

7
MID SEMESTER BREAK.

8 Lab#7 Reaction Kinetics and Solution Preparation

9 Lab#8 Nuclear Chemistry

10 Lab#9 Organic Chem Intro & Models Lab

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 11 of 13

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

University Policies:
 Attendance Policy/Regulations(USC Bulletin 2010-2012, pg. 15)
 Grading Policy(USC Bulletin 2010-2012, pg. 16)
 Plagiarism(USC Student Handbook, pg. 47)

GRADING SYSTEM
Description of the grading system of the university

Letter Grade Marks/Percentage

A 90 – 100

A- 85 - 89

B+ 80 - 84

B 75 - 79

B- 70 - 74

C+ 65 - 69

C 60 - 64

C- 55 - 59

D 50 - 54

F 0 - 49

HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE

Chemistry is a wonderful, important and challenging subject. You will do well in this course if you do the
reading assignments prior to making forum posts and sitting sectional exams, study the material several
times every week, conscientiously tackle the worksheet problems and practice quizzes as the course
proceeds, and visit the course webpage every day. DON’T BE WORRIED ABOUT YOUR GRADE THREE
WEEKS BEFORE THE SEMESTER ENDS!!

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 12 of 13

COURSE CALENDAR

Week Unit Topic Content & Objectives Assignment/Activity

Week 1 1 Chemistry & Measurements See course content Assignments:
section 1. Student Voice Forum. (Introduction of self; Expectations of course),
Chemistry & Measurement Forum/Activities (OL)
2. Chemistry & Measurements Active Learning Worksheet
Activities:
1.Become familiar with USC eLearning (F2F)/e-book
2. Develop Unit 1Concept Map

Week 1 & 2 2 Matter & Energy Assignments:

1. Matter & Energy Forum/Activity. (OL)
2. Matter & Energy Worksheet Practise
Activities:
1. Topic Reading Links and PowerPoint (OL)
2. Develop & attach Unit 2 Concept Map

Week 3 3 Atoms & Elements Assignments:

1. Atoms & Elements Forum/Activity. (OL)
2. Atoms & Elements Worksheet Practise
Activities:
1. Develop Unit 3 Concept Map (F2F)
2.Active Learning-Game (F2F)

Week 4 4 Compounds & Their Bonds Assignments:

1. Chemical Bonding Forum/Activity (OL)
2. Chemical Bonding Worksheets Practise
Activities:
1.Topic Reading Links and PowerPoint (OL)
2. Develop & attach Unit 4 Concept Map

Week 5 SECTIONAL EXAM I (Week of October 18th -October 24th )

Week 5 & 6 5 Chemical Quantities & Assignments:
Reactions 1. Chemical Reactions Forum/Activity (OL)
2. Chemical Reactions Worksheets Practise
Activities:
1.Active Learning-Problem Solving (F2F)
2. Develop Unit 5 Concept Map

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021
 Page 13 of 13

Week 7 & 8 6 Solutions Assignments:

1. Solutions Forum/Activity (OL)
2. Solutions Worksheets Practise (OL)
Activities:
1.Active Learning-Problem Solving (F2F)
2. Develop Unit 7 Concept Map
Week 10 SECTIONAL EXAM II (Week of November 22nd –28th)
Week 9 7 Gases Assignments:
1. Gases Forum/Activity (OL)
2. Gases Worksheets Practise (OL)
Activities:
1.Active Learning-Problem Solving (F2F)
2. Develop Unit 6 Concept Map
Acids and Bases
Week 10 8 Assignments:
1. Acids & Bases Forum/Activity (OL)
2. Acids & Bases Worksheets Practise (OL)
Activities:
1.Active Learning-Health/Environ.(F2F)
2. Develop Unit 8 Concept Map
Week 10 9 Nuclear Radiation Assignments:
(Online: Hand-out & Activity) 1. Nuclear Radiation Brochure (OL)

Activities:
1.Develop & attach Unit 9 Concept Map (OL)
Introduction to Assignments:
Week 11 10A Organic Chemistry 1. Organic Chemistry Forum/Activity (OL)
2. Organic Chemistry Worksheets Practise (OL)
Activities:
1.Active Learning-Problem Solving (F2F)
2. Develop Unit 10 Concept Map
Week 12 10B Functional Groups Assignments:
1. Functional Groups Reading Links (OL)
2. Functional Groups Worksheets Practise
Activities:
1.Active Learning-Group Interactive Booklet (F2F)
2. Develop Unit Concept Map
Week 13 FINAL SECTIONAL EXAM (Week of December 13TH – 19TH )

CHEM110Introduction to Inorganic & Organic Chemistry Course Outline: First Semester 2020/2021