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7.3. Chemistry I (Mandatory)

7.3.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

Chemistry provides the foundation for understanding the composition, structure, and properties of matter – knowledge required across computing, and engineering programs alike as part of a rigorous grounding in the natural sciences. This course introduces the basic principles of general chemistry and extends them to chemical equilibrium and electrochemistry, together with the applied chemistry of water, polymers, and cement, topics that recur in materials science, environmental analysis, and engineering practice.

7.3.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. Understand the structure of matter at the atomic and molecular level.
2. Apply the principles of stoichiometry to perform chemical calculations.
3. Understand the different types of chemical bonds and their influence on the properties of substances.
4. Apply chemical equilibrium, including acid-base and solubility equilibria, to predict the behavior of aqueous systems.
5. Apply electrochemical principles to analyze corrosion of metals and reinforced concrete.
6. Relate the composition and properties of water, polymers, and cement to their applications in materials science and civil engineering.

7.3.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

ABET-1) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. (Familiarity)

7.3.4. Content ↑ Back to top

7.3.4.1. Matter and Energy (8 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Classification of matter: elements, compounds, and mixtures
2. The scientific method and the international system of units

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the properties of matter and energy and classify a given substance [Familiarity]
2. Perform unit conversions in engineering chemistry problems [Usage]

7.3.4.2. Basic Atomic Structure (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Structure of the atom, atomic number, mass number, and isotopes
2. Quantum model of the atom and electron configuration

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the structure of the atom and its subatomic particles [Familiarity]
2. Determine the electron configuration of an atom and relate it to its chemical properties [Usage]

7.3.4.3. Chemical Bonding (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding
2. Molecular geometry and its relationship to substance properties

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the different types of chemical bonding [Familiarity]
2. Predict molecular geometry and relate bond type to material properties [Assessment]

7.3.4.4. Stoichiometry (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Molar mass, the mole concept, and balancing chemical equations
2. Stoichiometric calculations, limiting reagent, and percent yield

Learning Outcomes

1. Calculate the molar mass of a compound and balance chemical equations [Usage]
2. Determine the amount of reactants and products in an engineering process using stoichiometric calculations [Assessment]

7.3.4.5. States of Matter (10 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Properties of gases, liquids, and solids, and phase changes
2. Ideal gas laws and phase diagrams

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the properties of the different states of matter and their phase changes [Familiarity]
2. Apply ideal gas laws to engineering problems [Usage]

7.3.4.6. Environmental and Water Chemistry (4 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Water quality parameters (pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen, BOD) for infrastructure design
2. Fundamentals of water treatment and major air and water pollutants

Learning Outcomes

1. Interpret water quality parameters for the design of treatment systems [Usage]
2. Identify pollutants relevant to sanitary and environmental infrastructure projects [Familiarity]

7.3.4.7. Polymers and Geosynthetics (4 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Chang and Goldsby, 2016; Mamlouk and Zaniewski, 2017)

Topics

1. Classification of polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers
2. Geosynthetics: geotextiles, geomembranes, and geogrids, and their applications in civil works

Learning Outcomes

1. Classify a polymer by its structure and thermal behavior [Usage]
2. Select the appropriate geosynthetic for a given civil engineering application [Usage]

7.3.4.8. Chemical Equilibrium (4 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. The equilibrium constant \(K_c\) and its relation to stoichiometry
2. Le Chatelier's principle and its effect on industrial chemical processes

Learning Outcomes

1. Write the equilibrium constant expression for a reaction of engineering interest [Usage]
2. Predict the shift of a chemical equilibrium in an engineering process [Assessment]

7.3.4.9. Ionic Equilibrium and Salt Hydrolysis (12 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Calculating the pH of strong and weak acids and bases
2. Salt hydrolysis and its effect on the pH of water and soils

Learning Outcomes

1. Calculate the pH of solutions relevant to environmental quality control [Usage]
2. Predict the effect of salt hydrolysis on the pH of water and soils [Assessment]

7.3.4.10. Salts, Solubility, and Precipitation Equilibria (6 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. The solubility product \(K_{sp}\) and predicting precipitation

Learning Outcomes

1. Predict the formation of precipitates or scale in engineering water systems [Usage]

7.3.4.11. Electrochemistry and Electrolysis (8 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Brown et al., 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Redox reactions, galvanic cells, and electrode potentials
2. Electrochemical corrosion of metals and of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete, and protection methods

Learning Outcomes

1. Calculate the potential of a galvanic cell and predict the spontaneity of a redox reaction [Usage]
2. Analyze corrosion conditions in engineering structures and propose protection methods [Assessment]

7.3.4.12. Cement Chemistry (4 hours) [Skills ABET-1] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Mamlouk and Zaniewski, 2017; Chang and Goldsby, 2016)

Topics

1. Chemical composition of Portland cement and its main compounds
2. Cement hydration reactions and their relation to concrete strength development

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the chemical composition of Portland cement [Familiarity]
2. Explain the relationship between cement hydration and concrete strength development [Usage]

7.3.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Brown, T. L., Jr., H. E. L., Bursten, B. E., Murphy, C. J., and Woodward, P. M. (2017). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson.

Chang, R. and Goldsby, K. A. (2016). Chemistry. McGraw-Hill Education.

Mamlouk, M. S. and Zaniewski, J. P. (2017). Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers. Pearson, 4th edition.