CHEM 125 Fundamentals of Chemistry II is the continuation for either CHEM 110 or CHEM 122. The course consists of two major units: physical chemistry and organic chemistry. The study of physical chemistry begins with an investigation of reaction rates (kinetics), followed by the principles of equilibria applied to pure substances and aqueous solutions, and an introduction to the laws of thermodynamics. The second major unit is a survey of the field of organic chemistry; topics include the physical and chemical properties of alkanes and alkenes, stereochemistry, and addition, substitution, and elimination reactions. The laboratory work involves the measurement of physical and chemical properties as well as chemical syntheses.
Prerequisites: CHEM 110 or CHEM 122 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 | 105 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 4 |
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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:
- Write clear, complete and concise answers, showing units and correct significant figures
- Quantify the energy associated with physical and chemical processes
- Quantitatively relate the rate of reaction to the concentration of reactants, and the concentration of reactants to the time elapsed
- Qualitatively describe the concept of equilibrium and the effect of changes on equilibrium systems, and to calculate quantities in equilibrium systems
- Recognize acids and bases, and calculate pH for various solutions
- Predict whether physical and chemical changes can actually happen by using thermodynamic quantities
- Visualize and draw molecular structures in styles suggesting three dimensions
- Rationalize known reactions and predict the products for unfamiliar combinations of reactants by using curved-arrow notation
- Follow written laboratory procedures with minimal guidance
- Use laboratory equipment such as spectrophotometers and pH meters
- Demonstrate critical thinking to reach conclusions based on experimental data
- Exhibit professional behaviours such as respect for colleagues, punctuality, willingness to think independently, and pride in presentation of work
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. (2026). Chemistry 125 Pre-Lecture Notes, 2026. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College.
Perrott, A. (2026). Chemistry 125 Laboratory Manual, 2026. Castlegar, BC: Selkirk College.
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. PART I: Physical Chemistry Text references to Chemistry 2e Thermochemistry
2. Thermochemistry (continued) Kinetics
3. Kinetics (continued)
4. Gases Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts
5. Fundamental Equilibrium Concepts (continued) Acid-Base Equilibria
6. Acid-Base Equilibria (continued)
7. Study Week – No Classes
8. Acid-Base Equilibria (continued)
9. Acid-Base Equilibria (continued) Equilibria of Other Reaction Classes
10. Thermodynamics
11. PART II: Organic Chemistry Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
12. Stereoisomerism and Chirality
13. Alkenes: Bonding, Nomenclature, and Properties Reactions of Alkenes
14. Nucleophilic Substitution and Elimination
15. ReviewAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
|---|
| Assignments (8) | 1-8, 12 | 10% |
| Midterm Tests (3 @ 12% each) | 1-8, 11, 12 | 36% |
| Final Exam | 1-8, 11, 12 | 34% |
| Lab | 9-12 | 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.