Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CHEM 121 D100

General Chemistry and Laboratory I (4)

Class Number: 1526

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Oct 26, 2026
    Mon, 6:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Garry Mund
    gmund@sfu.ca
    778-782-7529
    Office: SCC9024

  • 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:

Builds upon the principles of chemistry through a lecture and laboratory experience to develop problem-solving skills with a focus on learning trends in the periodic table, electronic structure of atoms and molecules, chemical bonding, chemical stoichiometry, the energetics of chemical reactions, and properties of gases, liquids, and solids. 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 per week
  • 1 tutorial hour per week
  • 4 laboratory hours on alternate weeks

Lecture Topics:
  • Atoms, Molecules, and Ions
  • Stoichiometry
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Gases
  • Thermochemistry
  • Atomic Theory
  • Chemical Bonding
  • Liquids and Solids
  • Solutions
  • Nuclear Chemistry and Radiochemistry (may not be covered in all course offerings)


Laboratory Topics:

Students will complete six laboratory experiments designed to reinforce lecture concepts. Laboratory activities may include topics such as chemical reactions, stoichiometry, redox chemistry, gas laws, thermochemistry, and intermolecular forces.

Grading

  • Laboratory 25%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Final 50%

NOTES:

Students must complete all six experiments and earn at least 50% in the laboratory portion to be eligible to receive a prerequisite grade of C- or better. Otherwise, a grade of D, N or F will be assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance at all laboratory sessions is mandatory. Students who are unable to attend a laboratory session due to illness or other exceptional circumstances should notify their instructor before the scheduled laboratory session whenever possible, or within 24 hours of the missed session, to arrange a makeup laboratory session, subject to instructor approval.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Materials

  • Non-programmable, non-graphing calculator
  • Lab coat and safety glasses/goggles

REQUIRED READING:

Lab manuals will be distributed during the first laboratory session.

Required Textbook (e-textbook or print copy):
Chemical Principles, 9th ed. (2026) by Steven S. Zumdahl and Donald J. DeCoste. Publisher: Cengage Learning.

OR

Chemical Principles, 8th ed. (2017), by Steven S. Zumdahl and Donald J. DeCoste. Publisher: Cengage Learning. (8th edition is alternative).


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.