Overview
CHEM 217 provides an introduction to chemistry from both a theoretical and practical point of view. Topics in CHEM 217 include chemical reactions and equations; energy in chemical systems; and the structure and properties of atoms, molecules, gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. The combination of CHEM 217 and CHEM 218 is the equivalent to first-year university chemistry.
Outline
- Unit 1 – Units of Measurement for Physical and Chemical Change
- Unit 2 – Atoms and Elements
- Unit 3 – Molecules, Compounds, and Nomenclature
- Unit 4 – Chemical Reactions and Stoichiometry
- Unit 5 – Gases
- Unit 6 – Thermochemistry
- Unit 7 – The Quantum–Mechanical Model of the Atom
- Unit 8 – Periodic Properties of the Elements
- Unit 9 – Chemical Bonding I: Lewis Theory
- Unit 10 – Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, Valence Bond Theory, and Molecular Orbital Theory
- Unit 11 – Liquids, Solids, and Intermolecular Forces
- Unit 12 – Solutions
Note: Units 1 to 4 are for review purposes only, covering content from prerequisite high school–level chemistry.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- name chemical compounds and interpret chemical formulas.
- solve problems in chemical stoichiometry.
- describe the properties of gases and perform calculations using gas laws.
- use thermochemical data to solve chemical problems involving heat, work, and enthalpy.
- detail the quantum–mechanical model of the atom and the historical atomic models that preceded it.
- recognize the periodic properties of the elements and explain them using the quantum–mechanical model of the atom.
- discuss chemical bonds using the Lewis theory, valence bond theory, and molecular orbital theory, and predict molecular shapes using the valence shell electron pair repulsion theory.
- describe intermolecular forces and apply them to explain the properties of liquids, solids, and gases.
- summarize the properties of solutions in terms of intermolecular forces and perform calculations involving the colligative properties of solutions.
- perform qualitative and quantitative chemical experiments and record and interpret results.
Evaluation
To receive credit for CHEM 217, you must achieve at least 50 percent on each of the two examinations, an average grade of at least 50 percent on the oral quizzes, an average grade of at least 60 percent on the laboratory component, and an overall course composite grade of at least D (50 percent).
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignments 1–8 (2.5% each) | 20% |
| Oral quizzes 1–4 (5% each) | 20% |
| Laboratory work | 20% |
| Midterm examination | 15% |
| Final examination | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
The midterm and final examinations for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
You must complete 32 hours of laboratory work, using a home lab kit, to obtain credit in this course. Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Tro, N. J., Fridgen, T. D., & Shaw, L. E. (2023). Chemistry: A molecular approach (4th Canadian ed.). Pearson.
Platforms
This course also uses Mastering Chemistry.
Other Resources
The course resources also include a home lab kit (to be borrowed from the AU Science Lab) with a home laboratory manual.
You will also need to purchase an electronic calculator capable of handling logarithms and exponentials. Remember: Take your calculator with you whenever you write an examination.