Spring, 2013
CHEM 109. General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry for Nursing, 4T, 3 credits
Instructor: Dr. Mallory Cortez Office: 133 Beauregard
Phone: 985-448-4167 Email:
Course Meeting: 4T: Tues/Thurs 12 pm-1:20 pm Room: 104 Beauregard
Office Hours: Mon/Wed/Friday 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Tues/Thurs 9:00 am-11:00 am; 2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Whenever I am in the office you are welcome to come in and ask questions.
Course Description: Chem 109. General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry for Nursing . 3-3-0. Non-developmental Mathematics placement. General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry for Nursing will place an emphasis is on broad aspects of general, organic, and biochemistry necessary for the comprehension of biological processes occurring within the human body. A one-semester course designed for students in various health related programs – nursing, dietetics, etc. Degree credit will not be given for both CHEM 109 and 208, or 435. Basic computer knowledge is required for students enrolled in this course. (40.0599)
Prerequisites: Non-developmental mathematics placement
Required Texts and Other Materials:
1) General, Organic, and Biochemistry - An Integrated Approach, 1st edition by Frost, Deal, & Timberlake (ISBN 978-0-8053-8178-8) plus Mastering Chemistry (ISBN 978-0-312706195)
General Education Student Learning Outcomes:
CHEM 109, as a course specially designed for nursing students, fulfills three hours of general education requirements in the area of the natural sciences and is this designed to enable students to meet the following broad outcome for all natural sciences:
Goal: Upon completion of the undergraduate curriculum, students will be able to comprehend and to apply the basic principles of science and methods of scientific inquiry.
Students will be able to
1. Differentiate among facts, laws, theories, and hypotheses
2. Define major concepts, principles, and fundamental theories in at least one area of science
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic terminology in at least one area of science
4. Formulate a hypothesis, given a simple problem or questions, and design a valid experiment to test it
5. Make informed decisions on contemporary consumer or social issues demanding scientific literacy
For further explanation of the learning objectives associated with this goal, go to .
Student Outcome Objectives: This one semester course is designed to introduce students to the general principles of chemistry geared to the allied health major including organic chemistry and biochemistry. The principles fall into the four main areas of:
1. Measurement and Mathematical Concepts (MMC)
2. Molecular Structures (MS)
3. Solution and Acid/Base Chemistry (ABC)
4. Biochemistry (BC)
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
v Classify different forms of matter. Distinguish physical and chemical properties. Identify and describe the properties of metals and nonmetals (MS).
v Measuring items and applying rules for significant figures correctly (MMC).
v Convert English to metric units of measurement, and vice-versa. Perform simple dosage calculations through unit conversions (MMC).
v Explain the basic relationships of gas pressure, temperature, volume, and amount. Apply Boyle’s Law and Charles’ Law (MMC).
v Identify the number of subatomic particles present in atoms and ions. Distinguish between isotopes and ions by the number of subatomic particles present. Distinguish Mass Number from Atomic Mass (MS).
v Identify specific charges on ions. Distinguish and name ionic and binary covalent compounds. Identify the number of valence electrons in the main group elements (MS).
v Determine the molecular shapes of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen in a covalent compound. Determine the polarity of the covalent bond and a covalent compound (MS).
v Distinguish representatives of organic compounds (including Lewis, condensed, skeletal, 3-D ball, and stick structures). Define structural isomer (MS).
v Recognize organic families and hydrocarbon functional groups (MS).
v Distinguish isomers of organic compounds as structural, cis/trans, enatiomers, and diastereomers. Identify chiral centers in organic molecules (MS).
v Identify a carbohydrate by its molecular formula and functional groups. Distinguish the simple sugars by structure and function (BC).
v Determine the ring structure of a linear monosaccharide. Recognize and name a glycosidic linkage. Identify the products of the following reactions for carbohydrates: condensation, hydrolysis, oxidation and reduction. Describe what is a reducing sugar (BC).
v Describe the structure and function of complex carbohydrates, and identify the corresponding glycosidic linkages (BC).
v Draw fatty acid salts in water, a “micelle”. Describe the difference between a saturated versus an unsaturated fatty acid. Draw a triglyceride, and identify its functional groups. Distinguish between a fat and an oil.
v Distinguish the structural differences between a triglyceride and a phospholipid. Identify the function of phospholipids. Draw a phospholipid bilayer (BC).
v Determine the direction of the flow of water across a membrane in osmosis and diffusion (ABC). Distinguish the three main mechanisms of transport across a biological membrane (BC).
v Distinguish between a solution and a suspension. Distinguish solutions as electrolyte, non-electrolyte, or weak electrolyte (ABC).
v Calculate the concentration of a solution. Describe how you would make an aqueous solution of a known concentration using a solid solute or concentrated stock solution (ABC).
v Identify and learn how to name the strong acids and bases. Identify an acid, base, conjugate acid and conjugate base. Write conjugate acid-base reactions. Write a balanced neutralization reaction (ABC).
v Predict the strength of a weak acid from its Ka, or the pKa. Determine the acidity of a solution from the pH scale. Calculate the pH of a solution from its hydronium ion concentration and vice-versa (ABC).
v Explain how buffering works, and the components that make up a buffer. Apply LeChatelier’s principle to the bicarbonate buffer system (ABC).
v Determine the predominant species present in aqueous solution for the functional groups amine and carboxylic acid, found in amino acids, at a given pH (BC).
v Draw the general structure of an amino acid in zwitterion form. Identify the functional groups: amide, thiol, aromatic, and disulfide. Classify the amino acids by R- group polarity and charge (BC).
v Describe the levels of structure and various functions of proteins (BC).
v Establish whether a chemical reaction is exothermic or endothermic, by using a reaction free energy diagram. Apply the factors that affect enzyme activity to a given situation. Distinguish between competitive and noncompetitive types of inhibition (BC).
v Identify parts of a nucleotide and a nucleic acid. Distinguish purines and pyrimidines. Identify the structure and function of the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Provide the complementary strand for a given strand of DNA showing the 5’ and 3’ ends (BC).
Course Content:
Chapter 1: Chemistry
Chapter 2: Atoms and Radioactivity
Chapter 3: Compounds
Chapter 4: Introduction to Organic Compounds
Chapter 5: Carbohydrates
Chapter 6: Intermolecular Forces
Chapter 7: Solution Chemistry
Chapter 8: Acids, Bases, and Buffers in the Body
Chapter 9: Proteins
Chapter 10: Enzymes
Chapter 11: Nucleic Acids
Chapter 12: Food as Fuel
Homework: Homework will be given for each chapter and posted on moodle at the beginning of each chapter. The due date will be two days after finishing the chapter. Homework will not be graded, but points will be given for completion. It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand the homework. If you have problem doing the homework, please see me so that I can help you. No late homework will be accepted after the due date. The purpose of homework is to help you practice and prepare for the exam. The total points for each homework assignment will be 5 points.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given every Tuesday and will include material from the previous week. The quizzes will be discussed the first 10 minutes of class on a following class. Quizzes will be 10 pts each. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. The purpose of these quizzes is to keep students up to date on the materials as well as prepare students for the tests. In the event that a test is on a Friday or Wednesday, there will not be a quiz. No make-ups given for quizzes.
Bonus Points: 40 points will be given for attendance and participation. See details below under attendance.
Exams: 4 exams and 1 comprehensive Final exam will be given. One exam, with the exception of the finale exam, may be dropped. Each exam will be given after finishing 3 chapters.
Review Sessions: Review sessions will be given before every test to discuss problems and assignments. The time for these sessions will be announced.
Grading: The grading will be as follows
Item Total Points
Homework 60
Quizzes 60
Exams 400
Final Exam 200
Method of Evaluation: The grades earned will be as follows
90%-100% A 80%-89% B 65%-79% C 55%-64% D
Make-up Policy: Make-up exams for excused absences will be given on the last day of class only. This is the only opportunity to take a make-up exam. Other assignments will not be accepted late.
Attendance Policy: It is highly recommended that you attend class every day. Promptness is expected. I will give 40 points extra credit for attendance and participation. A student who misses 1 to 2 classes will earn 30 points, 3 to 4 classes will earn 20 points, 5 to 6 classes will earn 10 points, and missing 7 or more classes will result in no extra points. A sign in sheet will be available at the beginning of the class. It is the student’s responsibility to sign that they attended the class.
Academic Honesty Policy: Any student found cheating will be subject to the penalties as stated in the Student Code of Conduct handbook; including but not limited to a score of zero on exam, expulsion from the class or expulsion from the University.
Semester WITHDRAWALS: The last day to withdraw from the class with a “W” is 17th April 2012.
Academic Disabilities Policy: If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430 (TDD 449-7002).
Class Disruptions: Are not tolerated. The use of cell phones, pager and/or any other electronic personal devise in class is prohibited. Any infractions will result in the dismissal from class.
Academic Grievances: The proper procedure for filing grade appeals or grievances related to academic matters is listed in Section 5 of the Code of Student Conduct and at the following link: http://www.nicholls.edu/documents/student_life/code_of_conduct.pdf.
Continued Learning following an Extreme Emergency:
In order to make continued learning possible following an extreme emergency, students are responsible for:
· Reading regular emergency notifications on the NSU website;
· Knowing how to use and access Blackboard/moodle;
· Being familiar with emergency guidelines;
· Evacuating textbooks and other course materials;
· Knowing their moodle student login and password;
· Contacting faculty regarding their intentions for completing the course.
Faculty are responsible for:
· The development in the use of the moodle software;
· Having a plan for continuing their courses using only Blackboard and email;
· Continuing their course in whatever way suits the completion of the course best, and being creative in the continuation of these courses;
· Making adjustments or compensations to a student’s progress in special programs with labs, clinical sequences or the like only in the immediate semester following the emergency.
Note: This is not a binding contract. This syllabus is subject to change throughout the course.
Tentative Schedule:
Date / Topic / Date / TopicJan. 22 / University Closed / Jan. 24 / Scientific Inquiry Chapter 1. Matter
Metric Units, Prefixes, Conversions
Jan. 29 / Chapter 1. Gases
Significant Figures, . Classification of Matter; Elements, Compounds, Periodic Table
Quiz1 / Jan. 31 / Chapter 1. How matter Changes: Physical vs Chemical changes
Feb. 5 / Chapter 2. Atoms and their Basic Components, Atomic Number, Atomic mass, Isotopes, Atomic Mass, The Mole concept (counting atoms)
Quiz 2 / Feb. 7 / Chapter 2. Radioactivity and Radioisotopes, Nuclear Equations and Radioactive Decay, Radiation Units and Half-Lives, Medical Applications
Feb. 12 / MARDI GRAS / Feb. 14 / Chapter 3.COMPOUNDS: The Octet Rule, Ionic Compounds, Names
Feb. 19 / Chapter 3. Covalent Compounds, Names; Polarity
Quiz 3 / Feb. 21 / EXAM 1
Chapters 1,2, and 3
Feb. 26 / Chapter 4. Intro to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons and Their derivatives - Alkanes, Structures, Functional Groups
No Quiz / Feb. 28 / Chapter 4. Structural & Conformational Isomers, Chirality
Mar. 5 / Chapter 5. CHOs: Monosaccharides, oxidation-reduction, ring structures, Modified sugars, Disaccharides, Artificial Sweetners
Quiz 3 / Mar. 7 / Chapter 5. Polysaccharides, Blood Types
Mar. 12 / Chapter 6. Weak Intermolecular Forces, Solubility, Changes of State: Fats and Oils, Melting
Quiz 4 / Mar. 14 / Chapter 6. Cell Membranes, Phospholipids and Cholesterol
Mar. 19 / EXAM 2
Chapters 4,5, and 6 / Mar. 21 / Chapter 7. Solution Chemistry: Phases of Solutes and Solvents, Solubility, Elecrolytes, Concentrations, Dilutions
Mar. 26 / Chapter 7. Osmosis and Diffusion, Transport Across Cell Membranes
Quiz 5 / Mar. 28 / Chapter 8. Acids and Bases: Definitions, Strong vs. Weak, Equilibrium
Apr. 2 / Spring Break / Apr. 4 / SPRING BREAK
Apr. 9 / Chapter 8. pH and pH Scale, Autoionization of Water, Buffers: physiological pH, amino acids
No Quiz / Apr. 11 / Chapter 9. Proteins: Amino Acids, Classification, Separation, Three Dimensional Structure, Denaturation
Apr. 16 / EXAM 3
Chapters 7,8, and 9 / Apr. 18
W / Chapter 10. Enzymes: Substrate interaction, Thermodynamics
Apr. 23 / Chapter 10. Factors that Affect Enzyme Activity: Substrate, pH, Temp, etc.
Quiz 6 / Apr. 25 / Chapter 11. Nucleic Acids: Components: DNA, RNA, The Genetic Code, Protein Synthesis
Apr. 30 / Chapter 11. Mutations, Viruses, Recombinant DNA Technology
Chapter 12. Overview of Metabolism: Catabolism, Anabolism
Quiz 7 / May 2 / Chapter 12. Glycolysis, The Citric Acid Cycle, ATP Production
May 7 / EXAM 4
Chapters 10, 11, and 12 / May 9 / Review for Final
May 14 / FINALS
4T: 1pm-3pm / May 16 / May 16
(THURSDAY)
Grades Due 9:00 am