Chemical Principles I

CHEM31A is the first half of a two-part course designed to provide a robust foundation in key chemical principles for students with a background in high school chemistry (non-AP/IB), who have already placed into Math19 or higher. The course engages students in group problem-solving activities throughout class periods to deepen their ability to analyze and solve chemical problems. Students will also participate in a weekly laboratory activity that will provide hands-on practice and applications of chemical phenomena discussed in lecture. Students entering the course are expected to be able to balance chemical equations, calculate empirical formulas, and use stoichiometry to determine the limiting reagent. Students will explore chemical principles that allow them to analyze the carbon efficiency of fossil fuels by applying their knowledge of stoichiometry and energetics, apply multiple structural models to describe interactions critical for biomolecules such as DNA, and use gas laws to determine the pressure exerted on a deep-sea diver or how to put out a forest fire at high altitude.