Course Syllabus

Course: CHEM 1125

Division: Natural Science and Math
Department: Chemistry
Title: Elementary Organic/Biochemistry Laboratory

Semester Approved: Spring 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Fall 2028

Catalog Description: This is an organic and biochemistry laboratory which reinforces the fundamental facts, theories, and laws of chemistry through laboratory experiences. It is designed for students in family and consumer science, nursing, physical therapy, some areas of biology, forestry and agriculture. Lab fee required.

Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2

Prerequisites: CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1115 (both successfully completed)

Corequisites: CHEM 1120


Justification: This course is a practical application of organic and biochemistry principles taught in CHEM 1120. It reinforces principles emphasized in organic and biochemistry. It is a service course for allied health sciences, forestry, agriculture, etc. as required by their major departments. This laboratory course is a common course number through the state of Utah and is offered at each institution.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to see application of principles taught in organic and biochemistry involving application of functional group reactions, organic synthesis, properties of carbohydrates, lipids, carbohydrates, and enzymes. At the conclusion of this course students should have sufficient knowledge of chemical principles and laboratory techniques to be able to meet requirements in their major department.  Students will demonstrate understanding in each of these areas through pre-lab assignments, lab reports and a final examination.


Content:
Chemistry 1125 is an introduction to Organic and Biochemistry Laboratory. Experiments will include some or all of the following: Laboratory Safety, Alkane Chemistry, Alcohol Reactions, Synthesis of Esters, Carbonyl Reactions, Synthesis of Aspirin, Carbohydrates Lab, Lipids, Amino Acids, Enzymes, and others deemed appropriate by the instructor. Scientists from any background may be highlighted as to their role in these historical experiments. Including the diverse perspectives of historical and modern scientists as well as from the students in this course are invaluable in aiding accessibility for all students to understand the chemical context of everyday life.

Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be assessed on pre-lab assignments and laboratory data sheets. Grades will be based on the following approximate scale of percentages:

LABS  50 to 60%

PRE-LABS 10 to 35%

LAB FINAL 10 to 25%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Most laboratory experiments will be written in-house. A copy of each laboratory experiment will be available on the class Website.


Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be delivered through hands-on laboratory exercises. These teaching methods will allow everyone, regardless of background to learn chemistry in the laboratory.

Instructional Mediums:
Lab

Maximum Class Size: 24
Optimum Class Size: 20