Problem Solving in Chemistry (CHEM C) offers support for students who are concurrently enrolled in CHEM 101A, the first semester of General College Chemistry. Topics include problem-solving concepts and skills necessary for success in calculations involving chemical equations, chemical formulas, stoichiometry, gas laws, kinetic molecular theory, thermochemistry, atomic structure, molecular structure, and chemical equilibrium. Concepts are taught in the context of the linked Chem 101A course. Each week we will work through and discuss problems relevant to the topics covered concurrently in Chemistry 101A. 

Note: Chemistry C is intended to support your success in CHEM 101A. Students enrolled in Chemistry C must be concurrently enrolled in Chemistry 101A.

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• Identify and implement problem solving strategies to successfully solve both conceptual and quantitative chemistry problems at the level of first-semester general college chemistry.

• Apply study and learning skills necessary for chemistry at the general college level.

Course Format

Each week, we will meet in-person for 1.5 hours and you will be provided with a set of problems that illustrate concepts and problem-solving techniques that were covered in that week’s 101A lectures. During class time, you will be solving these problems, working on your own or with other students and with the help of the instructor, as needed. You may be required to share full solutions with your study group. There are no extra assignments to be submitted and no additional examinations. 

Course Schedule 

Chem C is a late start course. This allows students to initially "get settled" into the co-requisite course, Chemistry 101A. As part of Chemistry 101A, students will be surveyed during the first two weeks of the semester in order to determine the best meeting times for Chem C.  Chem C session(s) will then be scheduled based upon survey responses. Once scheduled, registered Chem C students will meet in-person, weekly, and work on problem solving. 

Weekly Time Commitment

You should expect to spend 1-3 hours per week working on the Chem C material (1.5 hour in class, plus any additional time spent working outside of class.)

Note: as a support course, Chemistry C should not significantly add to your workload!! The idea is to work and discuss problems that are highly relevant to the Chem 101A material. That said, you will be able to modify the workload as necessary to balance the work from Chem 101A. Chem C should never represent an additional burden.

Course Policies and Grading

Grading Policies

Chemistry C is offered on a Pass/NoPass basis only. In order to receive a passing grade of P (Pass), you must:

1. Have maintained satisfactory attendance and participation in the course. (You must earn at least 80% of the possible attendance and participation points.)

2. Submit a final brief self-evaluation indicating that you have successfully met the student learner outcomes (i.e. you are passing Chem 101A.)

Methods of Evaluation

1. Attendance and participation is evaluated as follows. For each class period, you must:

   • Arrive on time: if you arrive more than ten minutes late, you will be counted as late for the day.

   • Arrive prepared: you are expected to begin work--or at least look over--the assigned practice problems prior to arriving in class.

   • Participate: you must work on problem solving, either alone or in a group, for the duration of the class period.

2. A self-evaluation is completed as follows: A brief self-evaluation questionnaire will be completed at the end of the semester. Within the self-evaluation, students will be asked to accurately report their student learner outcomes. Final performance in the co-requiste course, Chem 101A, may be presented as evidence of achievement. If final performance in the co-requisite course is in question, the self-evaluation may be submitted after the Chem 101A final.