Chemistry 1

This one semester introductory chemistry course includes weekly three hour lectures and three hour laboratory sessions. The lectures deal with the theoretical aspects of chemical principles, whereas the laboratory relates to the practical applications of chemistry and the development of the necessary ‘hands on' basic techniques and skills. Topics discussed in the lectures include matter, atomic structure, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical formulae, the mole, stoichiometry and chemical reactions. An emphasis is placed on developing problem solving skills, which relies, to an extent, on an appropriate mathematical background. The laboratory sessions include a topic on lab safety and safe procedures and practices are continually stressed throughout the semester. The experiments involve sample preparation, use of the analytical balance, solution preparation and standardization, analysis of samples by various procedures, the use of glassware and the use of simple instrumentation (Spec.20, pH meters).