Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CHEM 121 D600

General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Class Number: 5995

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    Chemistry 12 with a minimum grade of B, or CHEM 109 or 111 with a minimum grade of C- or CHEM 110 and 115, both with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Atomic and molecular structure; chemical bonding; thermochemistry; elements; periodic table; gases, liquids, solids, and solutions. This course includes a laboratory component. Students with credit for CHEM 120 or 125 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

Please note, this course outline was accurate at the time of publication but it subject to change.

Mode of Teaching
3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week; 4 lab hours/week on alternate weeks
Lecture: In-person at Surrey campus
Laboratory: In-person at Surrey campus
Tutorial: In-person at Surrey campus

Lecture Topics:

Introduction      
Atoms, Molecules, and Ions   Ch. 2
Stoichiometry      Ch. 3
Chemical Reactions   Ch. 4
Gases   Ch. 5
Thermochemistry   Ch. 9
Atomic Theory   Ch. 12
Midterm Exam    
Bonding Concepts   Ch. 13
Covalent Bonding Orbitals   Ch. 14
Liquids and Solids   Ch. 16
Solutions   Ch. 17
Nuclear Science/Radiochemistry   Ch. 20

Laboratory Experiments:
Exp. 1     Chemical Reactions and Equations I
Exp. 2   Chemical Reactions and Equations II: A Sequence of Copper Reactions
Exp. 3   Redox Titrations: Analysis of Commercial Bleach
Exp. 4   The Molar Volume of a Gas
Exp. 5   Thermochemistry: Use of Hess' Law
Exp. 6   Intermolecular Forces: Evaporation and Vapour Pressure

Grading

  • LON-CAPA 10%
  • CANVAS Quizzes 5%
  • Tutorials 5%
  • Term Tests (3) 30%
  • Lab 20%
  • Final 30%

NOTES:

Grading Notes: All labs must be completed in order to pass the course. Students must pass both the lecture and laboratory components individually to obtain a passing grade in CHEM 121.

REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance of In-Person Laboratory Sessions: It is mandatory for students to attend all in-person laboratory sessions. If you are unable to attend an in-person laboratory session due to illness, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Materials

  • Non-programmable, non-graphing calculator
  • Lab coat and safety glasses/goggles
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 Precautions: Lab coats and safety glasses/goggles are mandatory in Chemistry for all in-person laboratory sessions. Additional PPE and precautionary measures may be required during in-person laboratory sessions based on the recommendations of the University and provincial health officials.

REQUIRED READING:

Steven S. Zumdahl & Donald J. DeCoste. Chemical Principles. 8th Edition. 2017. Publisher: Cengage Learning.
ISBN: 9781305581982

Lab manuals will be distributed during the first laboratory session.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.