CHEM 1501 - An Introduction to Chemistry
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 44153,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Christine Cunningham
Email: cmcunningham01@ysu.edu
Course Description
1501. Introduction to Chemistry. Metric units, dimensional analysis, chemical nomenclature, the mole concept, chemical stoichiometry. Emphasis on problem solving and the mathematics required for success in the study of chemistry. For students without high school chemistry and others needing preparation for CHEM 1510 or CHEM 1515. Three hours lecture, no laboratory. Prereq.: "C" or better in MATH 1510 or Level 20 on the MPT or one unit each of high school algebra and geometry. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Basic Chemistry 6th edition (Pearson+), digital rental | Timberlake and Timberlake | 8220145125501 |
Hardcopy ISBN: 9780134878119
Looseleaf ISBN: 9780134986999
*The above ISBN are 3 different options for the same book. Do not purchase all 3.
Required text:
Zumdahl S.S. and DeCoste D.J. Basic Chemistry, 7nd edition; ISBN: 978-0-538-73637-4
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8/24 | CH 1 | Introduction; Scientific Method, Math Review | |
| Wed | 8/26 | CH 1 | Scientific Notation/Significant Figures, Conversion Factors | Chapter 1 Homework due Sunday, Aug. 30th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 8/31 | CH1 / CH 2 | Dimensional Analysis, Density | |
| Wed | 9/2 | CH 2 | Matter; Classifications and Properties, Temperature | Chapter 2 Homework due Sunday, Sept. 6th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 9/7 | CH 3/ CH 4 | Energy/Elements and Symbols | |
| Wed | 9/9 | CH 4 | The Periodic Table, Atoms and Isotopes | Chapter 3 Homework due Sunday, Sept. 13th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 9/14 | CH 6 | Ions, Nomenclature; Ions and Ionic Compounds | |
| Wed | 9/16 | CH 6 | Nomenclature cont.; Polyatomic Ions, Molecular Compounds | Chapter 4/6 Homework due Sunday, Sept. 20th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 9/21 | CH's 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 | EXAM 1 | |
| Wed | 9/23 | CH 5 | Electromagnetic Radiation, Energy Levels, Sublevels and Orbitals | |
| Mon | 9/28 | CH 5 | Electron Configuration, Periodic Table Trends | |
| Wed | 9/30 | CH 7 | The Mole, Molar Mass, Percent Composition | Chapter 5 Homework due Sunday, Oct. 4th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 10/5 | CH 7 | Empirical and Molecular Formulas | |
| Wed | 10/7 | CH 8 | Chemical Equations, Balancing Equations | Chapter 7 Homework due Sunday, Oct. 11th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 10/12 | CH 8 | Chemical Reactions, Redox Reactions | Chapter 8 Homework due Wednesday, Oct. 14th by 11:59 PM |
| Wed | 10/14 | CH's 5, 7, and 8 | EXAM 2 | |
| Mon | 10/19 | CH 9 | Stoichiometry, Limiting Reactant, Percent Yield | |
| Wed | 10/21 | CH 9 | Energy in Chemical Reactions, Enthalpy | |
| Mon | 10/26 | CH 10 | Lewis Structures, VSEPR Theory | |
| Wed | 10/28 | CH 10 | Molecular Geometry, Electronegativity, Polarity | Chapter 9 Homework due Sunday, Nov. 1st by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 11/2 | CH 10 | Molecular Polarity, IMF, phase changes | |
| Wed | 11/4 | CH 11 | Gas Laws | Chapter 10 Homework due Sunday, Nov. 8th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 11/9 | CH 11 | Ideal Gas Law, Partial Pressure | |
| Wed | 11/11 | CH's 9, 10, and 11 | EXAM 3 | Chapter 11 Homework due Sunday, Nov. 15th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 11/16 | CH 12 | Solutions, Solubility, Concentration | |
| Wed | 11/18 | CH 12 | Concentration cont., Dilutions, Colligative Properties | |
| Mon | 11/23 | CH 13 | Equilibrium | Chapter 12 Homework due Monday, Nov. 30th by 11:59 PM |
| Wed | 11/25 | No Class | ||
| Mon | 11/30 | CH 13 | Equilibrium cont., Le Châtelier’s Principle | |
| Wed | 12/2 | CH 14 | Acids and Bases; Kw,pH, Buffers | Chapter 13/14 Homework due Sunday, Dec. 6th by 11:59 PM |
| Mon | 12/7 | No Class | ||
| Wed | 12/9 | CH's 1-14 | Comprehensive Final Exam: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Cushwa Hall Room B110 |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.