CHEM 119 Fundamentals of Chemistry I – Comprehensive Syllabus Notes (Fall 2025)

CHEM 119 Fundamentals of Chemistry I – Comprehensive Notes (Fall 2025)

  • Course information

    • Course Number: CHEM 119
    • Course Title: Fundamentals of Chemistry I
    • Section: 662 - 686
    • Time: MWF 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
    • Location: ILCB 113
    • Credit Hours: 4
    • Instructor: Afroz Karim
    • Office: ILSQ, W302
    • Email: canvas mail
    • Office Hours: Tue 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM (ILSQ, W204); Fri 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM (ILSQ, W204)

  • Course description (core ideas and scope)

    • Fundamentals of Chemistry I with emphasis on modern theories of atomic structure and chemical bonding
    • Topics: chemical reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, equilibrium, acids and bases, coordination chemistry
    • Laboratory methods: qualitative and semi-quantitative procedures, investigative experimentation
    • Note: also taught at Galveston campus

  • Prerequisites

    • Completion of at least 90% of the ALEKS chemistry preparatory module

  • Special designation and core curriculum alignment

    • CHEM 119-Fundamentals of Chemistry II is a CORE course in Life and Physical Sciences (KLPS)
    • Core objectives for Life and Physical Sciences Foundational Component Area:
    • Critical Thinking: involves analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information; demonstrated via exams, assignments in Canvas, lab data analysis
    • Communication: development and expression of ideas through written, oral, and visual formats; in-class discussions; tables/graphs; result summaries; short demonstrations
    • Empirical and Quantitative Skills: manipulation and analysis of numerical data; real-world problem applications; lab data interpretation
    • Teamwork: ability to consider different viewpoints and work with others toward shared goals; problem-solving in lecture; lab collaboration

  • Learning outcomes (by end of course)

    • Stoichiometry and composition
    • Perform composition and reaction stoichiometry calculations
    • Name binary ionic compounds and molecular compounds from formulas
    • Calculate percent by mass composition and empirical/molecular formulas from data
    • ext{Percent by mass} = rac{m{ ext{part}}}{m{ ext{sample}}} imes 100\%
    • Reactions and solutions
    • Identify types of chemical reactions, predict aqueous reaction products, calculate concentration from reaction and dilution data
    • Write net ionic equations for aqueous reactions
    • Atomic structure and periodic trends
    • Describe electron arrangement around atoms; predict atomic/ionic size, ionization energies, electron affinities
    • Explain periodic table structure based on electron arrangement and quantum numbers
    • Bonding and structure
    • Predict bonding type (ionic vs covalent); draw Lewis structures; recognize octet rule limitations and allowed violations
    • Minimize formal charges around the central atom
    • Molecular geometry and polarity
    • Determine molecular geometry around the central atom; assess bond polarity; determine overall molecular polarity
    • Bonding theories
    • Explain covalent bonding via Valence Bond Theory and Molecular Orbital Theory
    • Gas behavior
    • Perform gas-law calculations; apply kinetic-molecular theory to explain ideal gas laws
    • Distinguish real vs ideal gases; operational conditions; apply corrections to the ideal gas law for real gases
    • Intermolecular forces
    • Identify ion–ion, dipole–dipole, ion–dipole, hydrogen bonding, and dispersion/van der Waals forces
    • Explain how these forces influence melting/boiling points, capillary action, surface tension, viscosity, and phase behavior
    • Thermochemistry
    • Understand and apply heat and enthalpy conceptually and computationally
    • Laboratory literacy and safety
    • Introduce lab equipment and methods; develop safe handling of chemicals; conduct experiments

  • Textbook and learning resources

    • Textbook: Chemistry: The Molecular Nature and Change (Silberberg & Amateis, 10th Ed., McGraw-Hill, 2024) – available as e-book via ALEKS
    • ALEKS homework system required for assignments
    • iClicker: Free access provided by college; app-based; enrollment and UIN setup required
    • Calculators: Any calculator allowed in lectures, except internet-enabled; internet-enabled devices prohibited during exams
    • Canvas: central hub for course content, announcements, and submissions

  • Assessment and grading (overall structure)

    • Grading components and weight:
    • Prep Module: 2%
    • Mini Exam: 3%
    • Midterm Exam 1: 13%
    • Midterm Exam 2: 13%
    • Midterm Exam 3: 13%
    • Final Exam: 13%
    • Lab: 25%
    • iClicker in-class polling: 6%
    • ALEKS homework: 6%
    • Practice Exams: 6%
    • Total: 100%
    • Homework (ALEKS):
    • If 90%+ of possible homework points achieved during the semester, full credit for the homework component
    • If <90%, final course percentage for homework is adjusted: ext{Homework%}_{ ext{final}} = rac{ ext{semester polling percentage}}{0.90}
    • Maximum per-homework score is 100%
    • Late ALEKS submissions (within 6 days of deadline): 10% penalty per day
    • More than 6 days late: no credit
    • iClicker polling:
    • Enrollment in CHEM 119 iClicker course; points earned via in-class polling
    • If 70%+ of possible polling points earned, full credit for polling component
    • If <70%, final polling percentage adjusted: ext{Poll}_{ ext{final}} = rac{ ext{semester polling percentage}}{0.70}
    • Maximum polling points: 100%
    • Polling questions not graded during add/drop period
    • Extra notes:
    • No extra-credit opportunities to salvage grades
    • A 70% threshold is required for full iClicker credit

  • Course schedule (representative overview for Fall 2025)

    • Week 1 (8/25–8/29): Introduction; Uncertainty in measurements; Dimensional Analysis; Chapter 1, Sec 1.4
    • 8/27: Chapter 2 topics – Matter, Elements, Atoms, Ions, Isotopes; Section 2.2, 2.4
    • 8/29: Chapter 2 – Isotopes and average atomic mass; Periodic Table; Sec 2.4, 2.5
    • 9/1: Labor Day – No Class
    • 9/3–9/5: Chapter 2 – Formulas and names of compounds; Sec 2.7
    • 9/8–9/12: Chapter 3 – Avogadro’s number, moles, mass, molar mass; Stoichiometry; Limitations of the octet rule; etc. (Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4)
    • 9/12: Mini Exam (25 minutes)
    • 9/15–9/19: Chapter 3 – Limiting reactant and excess reactant; Actual yield and percent yield (Sec 3.3, 3.4)
    • 9/22–9/26: Chapter 4 – Electrolytes, solubility rules, acids/bases; Molarity, Dilution; Redox (Sec 4.1–4.4)
    • 9/29–10/3: Exam 1; Chapter 7–Electromagnetic radiations; Bohr model; Emission/Absorption; 7.1–7.4; Chapter 8 and 9 topics follow in October
    • 10/6–10/10: Chapter 7–Quantum numbers; Chapter 8–Electron configurations; 12–Intermolecular forces; etc. (approx. sequence per syllabus)
    • 10/13: Fall Break – No Class
    • 10/15–10/31: Continued coverage of Chapter 9–10 (electronegativity, Lewis structures, resonance, octet rule), Chapter 12 (intermolecular forces)
    • 11/3–11/10: Chapter 11–Hybridization and orbital overlap; Chapter 6–Thermodynamics (Heat/Temperature, Heat Capacity, Specific Heat); Chapter 12–Phase Changes and Heating Curves
    • 11/17: Exam 3
    • 11/19–11/21: Chapter 6 – Enthalpy, thermochemical equations; Calorimetry
    • 12/1: Lab Assessment (final lab assessment window)
    • 12/8: Review
    • 12/10: Final Exam (Canvas; Final on Tue Dec 16, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM per calendar)
    • Note: Detailed calendar entries exist for each lecture; refer to the official schedule for exact dates and topics

  • Learning resources and support

    • Chemistry Learning Laboratory (CLL): Free support for CHEM 107/119/120; problem-solving help; Hours: Mon–Thu, 3:00–6:00 PM; Location: ILSQ W204
    • Supplementary Instruction (SI): SI session information posted on Canvas
    • Lab TA Help Desk: Located on 3rd floor of ILSQ; schedule on Lab Canvas site

  • Laboratory component (lab portion of CHEM 119)

    • Lab times: 2 hours 50 minutes, once per week
    • Lab coordinators: Dr. Elham S. Tabei; Dr. Josh D. Edwards
    • Lab contact: genchem@chem.tamu.edu; TA/IA contact: chem119@chem.tamu.edu
    • Learning outcomes (lab):
    • Maintain a detailed lab notebook enabling replication
    • Plan and perform experiments
    • Use standard lab equipment to obtain precise/accurate measurements
    • Analyze data (quantitatively and qualitatively)
    • Deduce conclusions from data
    • Describe analytical techniques in context
    • Integrate multiple techniques to solve problems
    • Practice safe lab behavior
    • Communicate results clearly (written/graphic/oral)
    • Collaborate professionally with peers
    • Required materials for lab (register with TAMU e-mail and 9-digit UIN):
    • Scientific calculator (programmable or non-programmable; internet-enabled calculators prohibited during exams)
    • Chemical splash goggles (fully enclosing, indirect vents)
    • Laboratory notebook (composition book or spiral notebook)
    • Macmillan Learning Achieve access for lab resources (via Canvas)
    • Gradescope for post-lab submissions; proper page tagging required
    • Lab grading components and totals: 550 points total
    • Safety and Orientation: 15
    • Pre-lab Preparation (PLP): 45
    • Safety and Performance (S&P): 45
    • Post-Lab Assignments + Misc.: 265
    • Lab Assessments: 160
    • CAMP: 20
    • Total: 550
    • Post-lab assignment score replacement policy
    • The lowest post-lab assignment set (PLA-related) may be replaced by the semester average (scaled to 30 points)
    • Example: if average PLA score is 25/30 (83.3%), then 25 points replace the lowest PLA set score of 30 points
    • Lecture Series, Capstone, Online Lab Quiz, Lab Assessments, and CAMP are not eligible for score replacement
    • Regrades and submission policies
    • Regrade requests via TA within one week of score posting; Gradescope email confirmations are official posting dates
    • Regrades not accepted during finals week
    • Grades posted on Canvas are final; Gradescope scores may differ due to late penalties or deductions
    • Late submission policies (digital submission only)
    • Late pre-lab prep: accepted only with university-approved excuse
    • Late post-lab assignments: flat 25% deduction; extension requests must be emailed to genchem@chem.tamu.edu within 24 hours of original deadline; extension not to exceed 48 hours
    • If any component is late, 25% deduction applied to entire post-lab assignment set
    • Transcription errors: 25% penalty applies to all post-lab assignments if extension is requested within 24 hours to correct errors
    • Submissions and confirmation
    • Gradescope submissions must be completed; only the most recent submission is graded; confirmation emails indicate successful submission
    • Lab safety policies
    • Safety video and checkpoint required during first lab meeting
    • Goggles and appropriate attire are mandatory in the lab
    • No eating, drinking, or smoking in the lab; food/drink must be kept out of lab area
    • Hair tied back; no loose clothing; closed-toe shoes required
    • Violations can lead to dismissal from lab and loss of credit
    • Lab attendance and makeup
    • Attendance is required; university-approved excused absences may allow a makeup lab
    • Makeups are typically held on Thursdays at 6:30 PM after the excused absence
    • Unexcused absences do not qualify for makeup; punctuality is required; late arrival may result in loss of points
    • Communication and conduct in lab context
    • All electronic communication should be from a TAMU email account; include name, UIN, course, and section
    • Expect 48-hour response window
    • Inappropriate behavior can lead to loss of credit or reporting to Student Conduct
    • AI policy in labs
    • AI tools should not be used for class work without explicit permission and attribution
    • AI tools are prohibited during quizzes and exams; violations may result in no credit and Aggie Honor Office reporting

  • Course policies and broader university requirements

    • Attendance policy
    • Attendance and participation are individual responsibilities; refer to Student Rule 7 for excused absences and makeup rules
    • Makeup work policy
    • Excused absences may allow makeup work per Student Rule 7; instructor not obligated to provide makeup for unexcused absences
    • Academic integrity and misconduct
    • Aggie core value: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal"
    • Students must be able to authenticate submitted work; keep records; misconduct investigations follow University rules
    • Discrimination, harassment, and Title IX
    • University policies prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics; Title IX coordination and contact details provided
    • Disabilities and accommodations (ADA)
    • Disability Resources office handles academic accommodations; contact information and procedures provided
    • Pregnancy accommodations
    • TAMU provides reasonable accommodations; contact Pregnancy Coordinator for options (e.g., extended time, schedule changes, lactation support)
    • Mental health and wellness resources
    • TAMU Health Services; TELUS Health app; 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline information
    • FERPA and privacy
    • FERPA protections for educational records; directory information policies; how to request directory hold information
    • Free Speech and civil discourse
    • Encouragement of civil dialogue aligned with Aggie Core Values; resources on Freedom of Expression and the First Amendment

  • Communication, platform access, and support channels

    • Canvas and Gradescope usage; course announcements, material access, and submission portals
    • Important contact channels
    • Course IAs: chem119@chem.tamu.edu
    • Lab inquiries: genchem@chem.tamu.edu
    • Response expectations
    • Allow up to 48 hours for email responses; typical hours are 8:00–16:00 on business days

  • Key formulas and equations you should be comfortable with (example set for this course)

    • Percent by mass
    • ext{Mass percent} = rac{m{ ext{part}}}{m{ ext{sample}}} imes 100\%
    • Molarity (concentration)
    • M = rac{n}{V} where nn is moles of solute and VV is volume of solution (in liters)
    • Percent yield (reaction efficiency)
    • ext{Percent yield} = rac{ ext{Actual yield}}{ ext{Theoretical yield}} imes 100\%
    • Ideal gas law (gas behavior basics)
    • PV=nRTPV = nRT
    • Relationship between moles, mass, and molar mass (stoichiometry context)
    • n = rac{m}{M} where mm is mass and MM is molar mass
    • General stoichiometry (balanced reaction example)
    • aA+bB<br/>ightarrowcC+dDaA + bB <br /> ightarrow cC + dD describes mole ratios among reactants and products

  • Important notes on prerequisites, calendar events, and exam logistics

    • ALEKS: Access via Canvas ALEKS tab; 90%+ completion for full homework credit; 90% threshold for 100% homework credit; late penalties apply
    • Exams: mini exam, three midterms, and a final; locations: ILCB 113; format includes MC and T/F questions; final exam includes only MC questions
    • Practice exams: released one week prior to each midterm; account for 6% of overall grade
    • Lab assessments and CAMP: multiple summative activities contributing to the lab portion of grade; CAMP is 30 points total; details provided in lab manual
    • Final exam date: Tuesday, December 16th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (per calendar)

  • Quick reference: key contact and support hours

    • Chemistry Learning Laboratory: Mon–Thu, 3:00–6:00 PM; ILSQ W204; free tutoring for CHEM 107/119/120 students
    • Lab Help Desk: located on 3rd floor ILSQ; contact via lab canvas site
    • Emergency and safety: immediate reporting to TA in case of accidents; 911 if serious; Beutel Health Center information available through TAMU resources

  • Ethical, philosophical, and practical considerations

    • Emphasis on critical thinking, data analysis, and evidence-based conclusions in both lecture and lab work
    • Emphasis on safety, integrity, and the responsible use of AI and technology in academic work
    • Importance of collaboration, communication, and responsible conduct in a scientific community

  • Summary reminders

    • Stay organized with the ALEKS and iClicker systems; keep up with lab notebooks, pre-lab prep, and post-lab assignments
    • Attend lectures and labs on schedule; be mindful of attendance rules and makeup policies
    • Maintain professional communication with instructors and TAs via TAMU email; respect deadlines and extension procedures
    • Review core objectives regularly: critical thinking, empirical/quantitative skills, communication, and teamwork

Note: This set of notes consolidates the syllabus information into a structured reference for exam preparation. For any ambiguities or latest updates, always consult the official Canvas course site and the instructor’s announcements.