CHEM 1010      Introduction to Chemistry



Credits:   3.0

Taught by:   Sarah Morgan Black

Semesters offered:   Fall, Spring

Formats:   classroom

General education requirements fulfilled:   PS - Physical Science

Prerequisites:   none

Fee:   none

Course Description:

This course fills a physical science (PS) general education requirement. It is not designed for science, nursing, or pre-med students and will not fulfill any requirements in those programs. However, you are welcome to take this course if you feel you need some extra preparation before taking the Chem 1110 or 1210 series. If you need help deciding which course to take, please see the instructor.

You do not need to have taken any previous chemistry classes to succeed in this class. If you have taken chemistry in high school you will have an advantage, but since the content and purpose of this course differs from a high school chemistry class, even students who did well in high school chemistry shouldn't expect to slide through without effort.

Successful completion of the classroom course requires college level writing skills. It is strongly recommended that you either take English 1010 this semester or have taken it and received at least a C grade before taking this class. If you are enrolled in English 750 or English 920 this semester, it is recommended that you drop this class now and take in a future semester after you have successfully completed these courses and are enrolled in English 1010.

Course Objectives:

After completing any physical science elective course, you should be able to:
  • Explain and apply major concepts in the physical sciences.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the process of science.
  • Communicate scientific ideas through oral or written assignments.


After completing Chem 1010, you should be able to:
  • Understand and use the Periodic Table of Elements to predict the behavior of atoms.
  • Correctly use the vocabulary of chemistry.
  • Demonstrate computational skills such as balancing an equation, drawing a Lewis dot structure for a covalent compound, and predicting the results of a radioactive decay.
  • Gain an appreciation for the chemicals in the world around you and the role of chemistry in creating our standard of living.
  • Apply chemical concepts to decisions you make in everyday life.
  • Form intelligent opinions about environmental issues which involve chemistry.
  • Independently gather, evaluate, and synthesize information about chemistry and communicate these ideas in writing.


Required Materials
  1. Chemistry for Changing Times, by Hill and Kolb (optional)
  2. Chem 1010 Lecture Notes available without cost at http://cactus.dixie.edu/smblack/chem1010
  3. Periodic Table (given out in class)