Chem 201 - General Chemistry1 - Dr. Gautam Dhar

Introduction

I extend a warm welcome to all of you in my Chem 202 class. I am eagerly anticipating a fruitful and enjoyable semester with each one of you! I am Dr. Gautam Dhar, your instructor for this course. Prior to joining College of the Canyons, I served as an Assistant Professor at UCLA School of Medicine, focusing on various aspects of chemistry in the biological field, including protein synthesis, DNA recombination, and Cancer Biology, among others. I am excited to share my experience in teaching and research throughout this course, making it both interesting and goal-oriented for your future endeavors. If you know of any colleagues or friends interested in taking this class, please encourage them to join. Together, we will make this class successful and enjoyable. 

Course Description

Welcome to Chemistry 201 – the first semester of the UC transferable general chemistry sequence. This 5-credit course is designed to provide a foundation in the basic principles of chemistry from a molecular approach and provide the prerequisite information required for Chem 202. (Prerequisites: CHEM-151, or CHEM-151H or COC Chemistry Placement Exam. MATH-070 or higher recommended)

What to Expect in this Course

By the end of Chem 201, students will be able to:

1. Analyze chemical bonding and properties of materials using atomic theory.
2. Predict chemical reactions and solve chemical problems using stoichiometric methodologies.
3. Formulate conclusions according to scientific inquiry by collecting and interpreting gravimetric, volumetric, and spectroscopic chemical data.
4. Generate and interpret graphical representation of chemical data.’

Types of Assessments

Students will be assessed through exam, quizzes, homework, class work and activities and Laboratory work. For in-person classes there will be in-person lecture and on campus. For hybrid classes the laboratory portion is in campus but the study material will be in canvas that the students will complete as scheduled. All exams and Final will be in-person

Textbook Information

We will continue using the OER custom text in LibreTexts. Students and instructors can access the e-text for free at the following link:  https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/College_of_the_Canyons/Chem_201%3A_General_Chemistry_I_OER. The students can also purchase a colored print of the textbook in the bookstore for a small cost or they can order the print copy directly from LibreTexts for $37.42 (grayscale), or $51.09 (color) through the following link (note that the price already includes shipping fees): https://libretexts.org/bookstore/single.html?chem-358067

This text is largely based on the OpenStax textbook. However, the chapters follow the same lecture schedule that we adopt and no longer jump around. Also, some concepts that belonged to one big chapter in OpenStax were split into two different chapters. So, even though, we have more chapters in the custom OER textbook, it still covers the same concepts as OpenStax. Below is the sequential order of the chapters.

1: Matter and Measurements

2: Atoms and Elements

3: Molecules and Compounds

4: Introduction to Solutions

5: Chemical reactions

6: Reaction Stoichiometry

7: Gases

8: Thermochemistry

9: Electronic Structure and Periodic Table

10: Lewis Structures and Bond Energy

11: Theories of Chemical Bonding

12: Liquids and solids

13: Solutions

Lab Goggles: Available for purchase in bookstore. These MUST be purchased by the second lab; without them you may not be allowed to participate in the laboratory. Goggles must be the full splash-proof goggles, like we sell in the bookstore (ANSI Z87.1B). Students may purchase anti-fogging goggles, or use anti-fogging agent to prevent the goggles from blocking their view of the lab set-ups if they choose to wear a mask.

Laboratory Manual: A printed copy of the Chemistry 201 lab manual will be available in the bookstore. The cost of the printed manual is less than $5. In addition to the experimental handouts, two appendices were added. Appendix A includes the elements and symbols table, a periodic table, the list of polyatomic ions & solubility rules, the water vapor pressure at different temperatures table, and the electron and molecular Geometry summary table. Appendix B includes all the “Chemistry Skill Builder”.

Worksheets: Documents will be posted on Canvas and must be printed

Scientific calculator: Please see instructor prior to first exam to ensure that your calculator is appropriate for the course. NO graphing or programmable calculators will be allowed.

Aktiv Learning Access: through canvas only

Other Relevant Course Information

Additional study materials, lecture slides, videos, worksheets will be made available through canvas 

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 04/04/2025 Sub#: 1917