General Chemistry I, CH 115

School of Engineering and Sciences

Meeting Times:

Classroom Location:
Instructors:

Contact Info:

Office Hours:

Lecture A: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00-10:50

Lecture B: Tuesday and Thursday, 11:00-11:50
Lecture C: Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00-12:50
Recitations RA-RP: Fridays for one 50 minute period between 9 to 5
Lectures A to C in
Recitations RA-RP in
Dr. Patricia Muisener Lectures: A, B, C
Dr. Anju Sharma, Recitations: RB; RD; RH; RJ; RL; RN; RP
Dr. Eun-Hee Khang, Recitations: RC; RF
Professor Ciara Agresti, Recitations: RA; RE; RG; RI; RK; RM; RO
Dr. Patricia Muisener
Office: McLean 113 Phone:
E-mail: pmuisene@stevens.edu Dr.
Anju Sharma
Office: McLean 313
Phone: 201-206-5330 E-mail: asharma@stevens.edu
Dr. Eun-Hee Khang
Office: McLean 203
E-mail: ekang1@stevens.edu
Professor Ciara Agresti
Office: McLean 327
E-mail: cagresti@stevens.edu
Dr. Patricia Muisener: T: 2:00-3:30, W: 10:00-noon; F: 10:00-noon OR
by appointment, send an email with a few suggested times to meet
Dr. Anju Sharma: M 3-5 PM, W 2-4 PM also by appointment excludes Fridays
Dr. Eun-Hee Khang: MW 10-11AM, F 2-3 PM
Professor Ciara Agresti: M 1-4PM

Course Web Address: https://sit.instructure.com/courses/4628

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): CH 117
Cross-listed with: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to important concepts and principles of chemistry with a focus on the
following topics: atomic structure and periodic properties, stoichiometry, properties of gases,
thermochemistry, chemical bond types, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids, chemical kinetics and
introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry.

CH 115, General Chemistry I, Dr. Muisener

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Describe the composition of matter on atomic and molecular scales in terms of chemical formulas
and structures
2. Use the periodic table and predict the properties and behavior of elements based on their position
in the periodic table
3. Identify the properties of common chemical reactions and predict the quantities of reactants
consumed and products produced using balanced chemical equations
4. Understand the nature and types of chemical bonding and its consequences in establishing
molecular shape
5. Predict key physical properties of gases, liquids and solids and relate these properties to
molecular shape and interactions between atoms, ions and molecules
6. Determine energy changes that occur in chemical reactions in terms of thermodynamic properties
of reactants and products and apply these energy changes to determine whether a given reaction is
spontaneous.
7. Identify the intramolecular forces that can exit between atoms with a chemical compound or
molecule and the intermolecular forces that occur between molecules
8. Determine reaction rates, use rate laws, predict reaction mechanisms
9. Understand the nature of organic compounds, polymers and natural polymers
FORMAT AND STRUCTURE
COURSE MATERIALS
Textbook:
Zumdahl and Zumdahl, Chemistry, 9th edition, Cengage
Other Readings: Check Canvas course shell for any material
Access Code to OWLv2: This can be purchased through Cengage in order to do online
homework.
REQUIRED CLICKER: We shall be using Turning Point Technology polling software.
Please purchase a clicker only. We will start using the clickers for points by Tuesday on the second
week of classes. DO NOT REGISTER CLICKERS UNTIL THE INSTRUCTIONS ARE
POSTED ON CANVAS DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.
REQUIRED CALCULATORS: During exams, only NON-GRAPHING scientific calculators
can be used. Non-graphing scientific calculators can be purchased at stores like Walmart or Target
for 15 dollars or less. Someone caught using an unauthorized calculator or cell phone during an
exam will have that calculator or phone confiscated until the end of the exam and receive a 15%
reduction in their score for that exam.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance/Participation
Mandatory. Work done during lecture and recitation cannot be made
up. Clicker questions and quizzes will be given throughout the semester. The recitation sections will
also be working in group to complete assignments. To receive credit you must attend the lecture and
recitation section that you are assigned to.
Homework
You will complete graded homework problems throughout the semester that will be
administered through the OWLv2 online homework system, the link to the system can be found on
Canvas. Instructions for signing up in OWLv2 will be given in a Canvas announcement during the first
week of classes (you will need your access code from Cengage and course key we provide). Each
recitation section will have a different course key. DO NOT REGISTER AND USE YOUR ACCESS

CH 115, General Chemistry I, Dr. Muisener

CODE, UNTIL YOU SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS. The access code for OWL has been bundled with
the book at the bookstore. If you do not purchase the book at the bookstore, you can purchase the access
code online through Cengage (instructions can be found on Canvas.)
You will be required to read the chapter sections in advance of lecture. The prior lecture will detail what
section you should be reading for the next lecture. Also, the schedule will be updated regularly.
READING HOMEWORK: You will be required to read the chapter sections in advance of lecture.
The prior lecture will detail what section you should be reading for the next lecture. Also, the schedule
will be updated regularly.
Quizzes There will be quizzes both during lecture and recitation
Exams Three one hour exams offered during the Quiz period, Tuesday 5:00-6:15. This semester the
exams are offered:
Exam 1: October 6, Tuesday, from 5:00-6:05, room assignments to be announced
Exam 2: November 3, Tuesday, from 5:00-6:05, room assignments to be determined
Exam 3: December 8, Tuesday, from 5:00-6:05, room assignments to be determined
Final Exam: Date to be Determined
Exams will consist of multiple choice and short answer questions. Material for exams taken from
lecture, problems worked in class, end of chapter problems, and homework assignments.
After each exam, exam grades will be posted on Canvas within three days.
A Make-up exam for approved excused absence from a regularly scheduled exam during the
semester will be offered at an agreed upon time within two weeks of the exam, place to be
announced, but not during class. (Approved excused absences include documented illness, deaths
in the immediate family and other documented crises, call to active military duty, court-imposed
legal obligations such as jury duty and subpoenas, religious days, special requirements of other
courses and university sponsored events such as performances, games/meets, judging trips, and
field trips, and severe weather conditions. Employment schedules and athletic training/practice
schedules do not comprise a valid excuse for absences.) A student wishing to take the make-up
exam for an approved excused absence would have to notify the instructor, complete and submit
the make-up form on Canvas within the first two weeks of the class and provide documentation.
If there is an unexpected excused absence (illness, death, etc.), the student would have to follow
the same process above within three days in order to schedule and take the make-up exam.
Final exam is mandatory and is comprehensive. If you miss the final, you will receive a failing
grade. Suggested topics for review will be posted on the website. If any changes are made
to the final exam date you will be notified in lecture.
Extensive absences in the lectures or exams may result in a failing grade
GRADING PROCEDURES
Quizzes and Participation in Lectures and Recitations
OWLv2 Homework
Three 1 hour exams
Final Exam

15 %
5%
40 %
40%

CANVAS: A website for this course is available on https://mystevens.stevens.edu/. Log on to mystevens

by entering your NetID and password and then click on the courses tab and click on CH 115A. You are
responsible for checking this site frequently to receive announcements and receive instructions concerning
the computerized homework. Here you will also find the syllabus; regularly updated schedule; lecture
notes; lecture note outlines, topics for review for each exam; the exam answer keys; your grade; email
addresses to communicate with the instructors and other students in your class; useful links; among other
things.

CH 115, General Chemistry I, Dr. Muisener

COMMUNICATION: Discussions will be established on Canvas. There will be two main discussions:
one will be strictly for questions relating to chemistry and chemical concepts and the other will be related
to course policies. The discussion boards take the place of e-mail for questions and topics of general
interest. E-mail is to be used ONLY for questions that concern you and only you. When you send an
e-mail use your Stevens e-mail address as my junk e-mail filter may filter out any other e-mail addresses.
If you need to send an e-mail to me you must do it outside of Canvas. I normally respond to e-mail within
48 hours at the latest. Please keep in mind if you email Friday night or over the weekend you may not
receive a response until Monday. If I have not responded in a timely fashion as describe above please
email me again and/or see me after class or during office hours.
General Course Policies:
Lectures may be recorded with the instructors permission; however, tapes or notes for
this course may NOT be sold or posted on the Internet without explicit written permission
from the instructor.
Cell phones and other electronic communication devices are not allowed to be used during
lecture or recitation. Any student using them for any other purposes will be asked to leave
lecture and will be liable under the policies regarding class room disruptions
Laptops can be used to take notes or follow the posted PowerPoints. However, if laptops are
used for other activities (games, surfing the web, messaging, etc.), the student will be asked to
leave lecture and will be liable under the policies regarding class room disruptions. If this
occurs frequently, laptop use may be banned during class.
BE PREPARED and ON TIME for class! Study and review course materials before class!
Bring your clicker to class every day and use only your clicker
Limit personal conversations so you do not compete with me giving the lecture nor annoy
other trying to listen or ask questions
Ask questions during lecture if you dont understand something, cant hear me, or cant
decipher something I have written.
Classroom Disruption: Conversations between students that persistently disrupt the quiet pro-learning
academic environment are prohibited and when disruptive behavior should persist, students will be asked
to leave.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES/UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES: Students who anticipate the necessity
of being absent from class due to a major religious observance or an approved university activity must
provide notice of the date(s) in an email via Canvas to the instructor within the first two weeks of the
semester. Follow-up documentation may be required. Oral notice is not sufficient.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Undergraduate Honor System
Enrollment into the undergraduate class of Stevens Institute of Technology signifies a student's
commitment to the Honor System. Accordingly, the provisions of the Stevens Honor System apply to all
undergraduate students in coursework and Honor Board proceedings. It is the responsibility of each
student to become acquainted with and to uphold the ideals set forth in the Honor System Constitution.
More information about the Honor System including the constitution, bylaws, investigative procedures,
and the penalty matrix can be found online at http://web.stevens.edu/honor/
The following pledge shall be written in full and signed by every student on all submitted work
(including, but not limited to, homework, projects, lab reports, code, quizzes and exams) that is assigned
by the course instructor. No work shall be graded unless the pledge is written in full and signed.
I pledge my honor that I have abided by the Stevens Honor System.
Reporting Honor System Violations

CH 115, General Chemistry I, Dr. Muisener

Students who believe a violation of the Honor System has been committed should report it within ten
business days of the suspected violation. Students have the option to remain anonymous and can report
violations online at www.stevens.edu/honor.

EXAM ROOM CONDITIONS

The following procedures apply to quizzes and exams for this course. As the instructor, I reserve the right
to modify any conditions set forth below by printing revised Exam Room Conditions on the quiz or exam.
1. Students may not use any of the following devices during quizzes and exams. Any other
electronic devices that are not mentioned in the list below are not permitted as well.
Device
Laptops
Cell Phones
Tablets
Smart Watches
Google Glass
Other

Permitted?
Yes
No
X
X
X
X
X
X

2. Students may only use a scientific calculator on the exam. Any materials that are not mentioned
in the list below are not permitted.
Material
Handwritten Notes
Typed Notes
Textbooks or Readings
Other (specify) Scientific Calculator

Permitted?
Yes
No
X
X
X
X

3. Students are not allowed to work with or talk to other students during quizzes and/or exams.
However, during class when doing clicker questions, students may talk and work together if they
are directed as such.
LEARNING ACCOMODATIONS
Stevens Institute of Technology is dedicated to providing appropriate accommodations to students with
documented disabilities. Student Counseling and Disability Services works with undergraduate and
graduate students with learning disabilities, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders, physical disabilities,
sensory impairments, and psychiatric disorders in order to help students achieve their academic and
personal potential. They facilitate equal access to the educational programs and opportunities offered at
Stevens and coordinate reasonable accommodations for eligible students. These services are designed to
encourage independence and self-advocacy with support from SCDS staff. The SCDS staff will facilitate
the provision of accommodations on a case-by-case basis. These academic accommodations are provided
at no cost to the student.
Disability Services Confidentiality Policy
Student Disability Files are kept separate from academic files and are stored in a secure location within
the office of Student Counseling, Psychological & Disability Services. The Family Educational Rights

CH 115, General Chemistry I, Dr. Muisener

Privacy Act (FERPA, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; 34CFR, Part 99) regulates disclosure of disability documentation
and records maintained by Stevens Disability Services. According to this act, prior written consent by the
student is required before our Disability Services office may release disability documentation or records
to anyone. An exception is made in unusual circumstances, such as the case of health and safety
emergencies. For more information about Disability Services and the process to receive
accommodations, visit https://www.stevens.edu/sit/counseling/disability-services. If you have any
questions please contact:
Lauren Poleyeff, Psy.M., LCSW - Disability Services Coordinator and Staff Clinician in Student
Counseling and Disability Services at Stevens Institute of Technology at lpoleyef@stevens.edu or
by phone (201) 216-8728.
INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT
Stevens Institute of Technology believes that diversity and inclusiveness are essential to excellence in
education and innovation. Our community represents a rich variety of backgrounds, experiences,
demographics and perspectives and Stevens is committed to fostering a learning environment where every
individual is respected and engaged. To facilitate a dynamic and inclusive educational experience, we ask
all members of the community to:
be open to the perspectives of others
appreciate the uniqueness their colleagues
take advantage of the opportunity to learn from each other
exchange experiences, values and beliefs
communicate in a respectful manner
be aware of individuals who are marginalized and involve them
keep confidential discussions private
Any changes to this syllabus will be announced in class and posted on Canvas
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
Week
Date
1
Tues., August 31

Session
1

Chapter
Topic
1
Introduction; discuss course syllabus
and structure; Chapter 1 Chemical Foundations
Thurs., Sept. 1
2
1, 2 Chapter 2 Atoms, Molecules and Ions (2.1 to 2.2)
Fri., Sept. 3
1R
1
Recitation Sections
For Friday: complete survey on course on Canvas site and take Diagnostic Exam before 8AM
Homework due in OWLv2: Monday September 7 Introduction to OWLv2, Chapter 1
2
Tues., Sept. 8
3
2
Chapter 2, (2.3 to 2.5)
Thurs. Sept. 10
4
2, 3 Chapter 2 (2.6 to 2.8) and Chapter 3 Stoichiometry (3.1 to 3.2)
Fri. Sept. 11
2R
2
Recitation Sections
Homework Due in OWLv2: Monday, September 14 on Chapter 2
3
Tues., Sept. 15
5
3,
Chapter 3: (3.3 to 3.6)
Thurs., Sept. 17
6
3
Fri., Sept. 18
3R
3
Recitation Sections: Stoichiometry
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday September 21 on Chapter 3 part 1
4
Tue., Sept, 22
7
4
Chapter 4: Types of Chemical Reactions and Solution
Stoichiometry (4.1 to 4.3)
Thurs., Sept. 24
8
4
Chapter 4: (4.4 to 4.8)
Fri., Sept. 25
4R
4
Recitation Sections: Stoichiometry and Balancing
Oxidation/Reduction Reactions

CH 115, General Chemistry I, Dr. Muisener

Homework due in OWLv2, Monday, September 28 on Chapter 3 part 2 and Chapter 4 part 1
5
Tue., Sept. 29
9
4,5 Chapter 5, Gases
(5.1 to 5.3)
Thurs., Oct. 1
10
5
Chapter 5 (5.4 to 5.5)
Fri., Oct. 2
5R
5
Recitation Sections: Gas Laws
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday, October 5 on Chapter 4 part 2 and a few Chapter 5 questions
6
Tue., Oct. 6
11
Review and Chapter 5
Tue., Oct. 6 5:00-6:05
EXAM 1 Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, a couple questions from 5
Thurs., Oct. 8
12
6
Chapter 6 Thermochemistry
Fri., Oct. 9
6R
5
Recitation Sections: Kinetic Molecular Theory of Gases
Homework due in OWLv2, Tuesday, October 13 on Chapter 5
7
Tue., Oct. 13
No class, Monday Schedule
Thurs., Oct. 15
14
6
Chapter 6 Thermochemistry
Fri., Oct. 16
7R
6
Recitation Sections: Enthalpy and Calorimetry
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday, October 19, Chapter 6 part 1
8
Tue., Oct. 20
15
6
Thurs., Oct. 22
16
6, 7 Chapter 7 Atomic Structure and Periodicity
Fri., Oct. 23
8R
7
Recitation Sections: Electromagnetic Radiation
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday October 26, Chapter 6 part 2
9
Tue., Oct. 27
17
7
Thurs., Oct. 29
18
7
Fri., Oct. 30
9R
7
Homework due in OWL v2, Monday November 2, Chapter 7
10 Tue., Nov. 3
19
8
Review and start Chapter 8 Bonding Central Concepts
Tue., Nov. 3
5:00-6:05
EXAM 2 Chapters 5, 6, 7
Thurs., Nov. 5
20
8
Fri., Nov. 6
10 R
8
Lewis Structures and Molecular Shapes
11

Tue., Nov. 10
21
8
Thurs., Nov. 12
22
9
Chapter 9 Covalent Bonding Orbitals
Fri., Nov. 13
11 R
9
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday November 9, Chapter 8
12

Tue., Nov. 17
23
9
Thurs. Nov. 19
24
10
Chapter 10 Liquids and Solids
Fri., Nov. 20
12 R
10
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday November 23, Chapter 9
13 Tues., Nov. 24
25
10
Thurs., Nov. 26
NO LECTURE, THANKSGIVING
Fri., Nov. 27
NO RECITATION, THANKSGIVING BREAK
Homework due in OWLv2 Monday November 30, Chapter 10
14 Tues., Dec 1
26
12
Chapter 12 Chemical Kinetics
Thurs. Dec 3
27
12
Fri., Dec. 4
13 R
12
Homework due in OWLv2, Monday December 7, Chapter 12
Tue., Dec 8
28
22
Chapter 22 Organic and Biological Molecules
Tue., Dec 8
5:00-6:05
EXAM 3 Chapters 8, 9, 10, 12
Thurs., Dec. 9
29
22 and Review
Fri., Dec. 10
14 R
22
Homework due in OWLv2, Friday December 11, Chapter 22
16 TBA
FINAL EXAM
15

Final exam will be comprehensive and cover all the material covered during the semester