General Chemistry

General Chemistry is a foundational first-year course designed to provide engineering students with a broad understanding of chemical principles and their relevance to engineering applications. The course introduces the structure and behavior of matter, emphasizing the atomic and molecular basis of chemical phenomena. Key topics include atomic structure, periodic trends, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions and their properties, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry. Students also explore electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and the role of chemistry in environmental and materials engineering. The course combines theoretical lectures with laboratory experiments to develop practical skills in chemical measurement, data analysis, and safe laboratory practices. Experiments reinforce concepts such as reaction rates, titration, solution preparation, and energy changes in reactions. By linking chemistry to engineering contexts—such as corrosion prevention, materials selection, energy production, and environmental protection—students gain an appreciation of how chemical principles underpin modern engineering solutions. This course lays the groundwork for more specialized subjects, including materials science, environmental engineering, and process engineering. It also fosters problem-solving skills, quantitative reasoning, and the ability to analyze and interpret experimental data—essential competencies for all engineering disciplines.