CHEM 120 Chemistry for Engineering is a one-semester general chemistry course fulfilling the chemistry requirement for transfer into engineering programs, emphasizing aspects of physical chemistry. The course begins with thermochemistry, followed by classical and quantum mechanical concepts used to discuss atomic and molecular structure. The course continues with an investigation of gases, and consideration of the intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. An investigation of reaction rates (kinetics) is followed with the principles of equilibria applied to pure substances and aqueous solutions of acids, bases and salts. The laws of thermodynamics applied to chemical systems are introduced. The course concludes with a unit on electrochemistry. The lab work stresses scientific observations and measurements using chemical syntheses and quantitative analyses.
Prerequisites: Chemistry 12 or CHEM 60, Pre-calculus 12 or MATH 60, Physics 12 or PHYS 60 with a minimum grade of 80%. English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 60 with a minimum grade of 60%.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 90 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Calculate the energy associated with physical and chemical processes
- Predict periodic properties of elements by using knowledge of atomic structure
- Predict molecular polarity by using knowledge of atomic structure
- Apply the ideal gas law to gases and mixtures of gases
- Identify the types of intermolecular forces within liquids and solids, and use this knowledge to predict physical properties
- Relate the rate of reaction to the concentration of reactants, and the concentration of reactants to the time elapsed
- Predict the effect of changes on equilibrium systems, and to calculate quantities in equilibrium systems
- Identify acids and bases, and calculate pH for various solutions
- Predict whether physical and chemical changes can actually happen by using thermodynamic quantities
- Predict spontaneity of electrochemical reactions and calculate cell voltages
- Follow written laboratory procedures
- Use laboratory equipment such as burets, pipets, volumetric flasks, and spectrophotometers
- Demonstrate critical thinking to reach conclusions based on experimental data
Teaching and Learning Approach
The lectures in this course focus on the introduction of concepts and practice in problem-solving strategies.
Students are encouraged to enrich the class by asking questions and offering examples.
The lab provides opportunities to develop hands-on skills and to reinforce the problem-solving strategies
introduced in the lecture.Learning Resources
Required:
nd
Flowers, P., Theopold, K., Richard Langley, S.F., Robinson, W.R. (2019). Chemistry (2 ed.). Houston, TX:
OpenStax.
Download for free at https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e
Perrott, A. (2025). Chemistry 120 Pre-lecture notes, 2025. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College Bookstore.
Perrott, A. (2025). Chemistry 120 Laboratory manual, 2025. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College Bookstore.
A scientific calculator is needed for problem assignments, lab reports and exams. A lab coat is required for all
laboratory work.Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Chemical Foundations
2. Thermochemistry
3. Thermochemistry, Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties
4. Electronic Structure and Periodic Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
5. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry
6. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Geometry, Advanced Theories of Chemical Bonding
7. Thanksgiving Day holiday Test 1
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids, Colligative Properties
9. Kinetics
10. Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts
11. Study Break Test 2
12. Acid-Base Equilibria
13. Thermodynamics
14. Electrochemistry
15. ReviewAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Assignments (10) | 1-10 | 10% |
| Quizzes (4) | 1-10 | 5% |
| Midterm Tests (2 @15% each) | 1-10, 13 | 30% |
| Final Exam | 1-10, 13 | 35% |
| Lab | 1 -13 | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.