Fall 2026 - CHEM 180 D100
General Chemistry II with Applications to Life Sciences (3)
Class Number: 1615
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
Burnaby -
Exam Times + Location:
Oct 20, 2026
Tue, 6:30–7:50 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Caterina Ramogida
cfr@sfu.ca
778-782-4880
Office: SCC9035
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Prerequisites:
CHEM 121 with a minimum grade of C-.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
A basic introduction to chemical kinetics, thermodynamics, acid-base chemistry, electrochemistry, and equilibria as well as application of these concepts to the structure and function of biomolecules. Concepts will be illustrated using examples of biological systems. Students will be introduced to central ideas in biochemistry and molecular biology. Students with credit for CHEM 122 or CHEM 124 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.
COURSE DETAILS:
Mode of Teaching:
3 lecture hours/week; 1 tutorial hour/week for 12 weeks
Lecture: In-person at Burnaby campus
Tutorial: In-person at Burnaby campus
General Course Description:
As the second half of General Chemistry, this course will focus on topics including fundamental chemical thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry as they apply to the structure and function of biomolecules. Concepts will be illustrated using modern examples of biological systems. Students will be introduced to central ideas and selected molecular engineering methods in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Topics Covered:
Chemical Kinetics (Ch. 15)
Chemical Equilibrium (Ch. 6)
Acids and Bases (Ch. 7)
Aqueous Equilibria (Ch. 8)
Entropy and Free Energy (Ch. 10)
Electrochemistry (Ch. 11)
Introduction to Biomolecules (Ch. 21 in part)
Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
- To give engineering students who have taken CHEM 121-4 General Chemistry and Laboratory I sufficient background to enter KIN 208-3 Introduction to Physiological Systems.
- To give science or engineering students who have CHEM 121, but no background in biology, a basic understanding of central concepts of bioorganic chemistry and biochemistry.
Grading
- Tutorial Quizzes 20%
- Midterm Exam 30%
- Final Exam 50%
NOTES:
Course Notes:
- Lectures allocated to each topic are an estimate and may vary slightly.
- Notes are provided in class.
Online Exam Invigilation: Students completing exams remotely must comply with the online invigilation procedures implemented by the course instructor.
A grade of C- or better is required for all prerequisite courses.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
Required Materials:
- Non-graphing, non-programmable calculator
REQUIRED READING:
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:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
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.