CHEM 1304:  General Chemistry II

Course Description

CHEM 1304 is the second part of the one-year CHEM 1303-1304 sequence. This course is designed primarily for science majors, premed students, and engineering students, and offers an introduction to the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry. In CHEM 1304, the student will be introduced to topics including solution chemistry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, and organic chemistry. CHEM 1304 is a prerequisite to all advanced courses in the department of chemistry. The anticipated small class size and fast pace of the J-Term should appeal to motivated students desiring a concentrated learning experience with more individualized faculty-student communication. This J-Term course is fully equivalent to CHEM 1304 offered during the regular spring semester. Completion of this course in the J-Term will enable the student to gain a head start on academic requirements whether they are for a science or engineering major, or the premedical/dental curriculum.

Instructor Biography

Dr. David Son is an associate professor in the department of chemistry at SMU. Dr. Son holds a Ph.D. from M.I.T. and has taught at SMU for 15 years. At SMU, Dr. Son has taught general chemistry for eleven years, and has additionally taught lecture and laboratory courses in organic and advanced inorganic chemistry. Professor Son was recognized by SMU students as a HOPE honoree (Honoring our Professors’ Excellence) in 2003 and 2011, and in 2011 was named a Ruth Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor by SMU. Dr. Son conducts research in the areas of organometallic and polymer synthesis. His webpage is http://faculty.smu.edu/dson

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

By the time a student finishes this course, he/she will be able to:

• Predict the macroscopic properties of solutions.
• Describe the mathematical relationships between chemical kinetics, equilibria, and thermodynamics.
• Mathematically analyze acid-base behavior in titration reactions.
• Predict the feasibility of various redox reactions, and apply this knowledge to everyday systems.
• Explain the basic structural concepts of both small and large (polymeric) organic compounds.
• Understand the chemical nature of radioactivity, and its practical applications.

Benefits of taking this course in the J Term:

• Student will be able to focus exclusively on this course
• Numerous breaks will be scheduled for problem sessions and review
• Small class size will allow for more individual faculty-student interactions
• Student will be free from taking CHEM 1304 during the spring or summer, making it possible to substitute other courses to fulfill GEC or major requirements