- ES Español (Latinoamérica)
- EN English
4.14. General Chemistry (GCH)
This area covers general chemistry fundamentals: the nature of matter and energy, basic atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and states of matter, needed as a foundation for engineering disciplines.
| Knowledge Area (KA) | Core Tier1 | Core Tier2 |
 4.14.1 Matter and Energy | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.2 Basic Atomic Structure | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.3 Chemical Bonding | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.4 Stoichiometry | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.5 States of Matter | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.6 Environmental and Water Chemistry | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.7 Polymers and Geosynthetics | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.8 Chemical Equilibrium | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.9 Ionic Equilibrium and Salt Hydrolysis | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.10 Salts, Solubility, and Precipitation Equilibria | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.11 Electrochemistry and Electrolysis | 1 | 1 |
|
4.14.12 Cement Chemistry | 1 | 1 |
4.14.1. GCH/Matter and Energy (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Classification of matter, the scientific method, and the unit system used in engineering chemistry.
Topics:
Core
- Classification of matter: elements, compounds, and mixtures
- The scientific method and the international system of units
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the properties of matter and energy and classify a given substance [Familiarity]
- Perform unit conversions in engineering chemistry problems [Usage]
4.14.2. GCH/Basic Atomic Structure (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Structure of the atom, atomic number and isotopes, and electron configuration at an introductory level.
Topics:
Core
- Structure of the atom, atomic number, mass number, and isotopes
- Quantum model of the atom and electron configuration
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the structure of the atom and its subatomic particles [Familiarity]
- Determine the electron configuration of an atom and relate it to its chemical properties [Usage]
4.14.3. GCH/Chemical Bonding (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Types of chemical bonding and their relationship to molecular geometry and substance properties, foundational for engineering material selection.
Topics:
Core
- Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonding
- Molecular geometry and its relationship to substance properties
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the different types of chemical bonding [Familiarity]
- Predict molecular geometry and relate bond type to material properties [Assessment]
4.14.4. GCH/Stoichiometry (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Quantitative calculations of chemical reactions: molar mass, equation balancing, limiting reagent, and yield, essential in engineering processes.
Topics:
Core
- Molar mass, the mole concept, and balancing chemical equations
- Stoichiometric calculations, limiting reagent, and percent yield
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Calculate the molar mass of a compound and balance chemical equations [Usage]
- Determine the amount of reactants and products in an engineering process using stoichiometric calculations [Assessment]
4.14.5. GCH/States of Matter (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Properties of gases, liquids, and solids, phase changes, and ideal gas laws applied to engineering systems.
Topics:
Core
- Properties of gases, liquids, and solids, and phase changes
- Ideal gas laws and phase diagrams
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the properties of the different states of matter and their phase changes [Familiarity]
- Apply ideal gas laws to engineering problems [Usage]
4.14.6. GCH/Environmental and Water Chemistry (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Water quality as a resource and environmental pollutants relevant to the design of sanitary and environmental infrastructure.
Topics:
Core
- Water quality parameters (pH, hardness, dissolved oxygen, BOD) for infrastructure design
- Fundamentals of water treatment and major air and water pollutants
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Interpret water quality parameters for the design of treatment systems [Usage]
- Identify pollutants relevant to sanitary and environmental infrastructure projects [Familiarity]
4.14.7. GCH/Polymers and Geosynthetics (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Classification of polymers and geosynthetics used in civil engineering works.
Topics:
Core
- Classification of polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers
- Geosynthetics: geotextiles, geomembranes, and geogrids, and their applications in civil works
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Classify a polymer by its structure and thermal behavior [Usage]
- Select the appropriate geosynthetic for a given civil engineering application [Usage]
4.14.8. GCH/Chemical Equilibrium (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
The equilibrium constant and Le Chatelier's principle applied to engineering processes.
Topics:
Core
- The equilibrium constant \(K_c\) and its relation to stoichiometry
- Le Chatelier's principle and its effect on industrial chemical processes
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Write the equilibrium constant expression for a reaction of engineering interest [Usage]
- Predict the shift of a chemical equilibrium in an engineering process [Assessment]
4.14.9. GCH/Ionic Equilibrium and Salt Hydrolysis (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
pH, acid-base equilibrium, and salt hydrolysis relevant to water quality control and concrete.
Topics:
Core
- Calculating the pH of strong and weak acids and bases
- Salt hydrolysis and its effect on the pH of water and soils
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Calculate the pH of solutions relevant to environmental quality control [Usage]
- Predict the effect of salt hydrolysis on the pH of water and soils [Assessment]
4.14.10. GCH/Salts, Solubility, and Precipitation Equilibria (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
The solubility product applied to predicting scaling and precipitates in engineering systems.
Topics:
Core
- The solubility product \(K_{sp}\) and predicting precipitation
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Predict the formation of precipitates or scale in engineering water systems [Usage]
4.14.11. GCH/Electrochemistry and Electrolysis (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Redox reactions and electrochemistry applied to the corrosion of metals and reinforced concrete.
Topics:
Core
- Redox reactions, galvanic cells, and electrode potentials
- Electrochemical corrosion of metals and of reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete, and protection methods
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Calculate the potential of a galvanic cell and predict the spontaneity of a redox reaction [Usage]
- Analyze corrosion conditions in engineering structures and propose protection methods [Assessment]
4.14.12. GCH/Cement Chemistry (Core Tier1: 1 hr, Core Tier2: 1 hr) ↑ Back to top
Composition of Portland cement and its hydration reactions, the chemical basis of concrete design.
Topics:
Core
- Chemical composition of Portland cement and its main compounds
- Cement hydration reactions and their relation to concrete strength development
Learning Outcomes:
Core:
- Describe the chemical composition of Portland cement [Familiarity]
- Explain the relationship between cement hydration and concrete strength development [Usage]