Program Overview

---

Course Overview

The course KJ1004, General Chemistry, is a foundation course that introduces students to the fundamental concepts, models, and calculations in the field of chemistry. It covers various areas of chemistry, including atoms, molecules, and structure, the language of chemistry, states and properties of matter, and chemical reactions and changes.

Course Details

• Course Code: KJ1004
• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Foundation courses, level I
• Course Start: Autumn 2025
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination Arrangement: Written examination

Course Content

The course content includes:

• Atoms, molecules, and structure: atoms and molecules, elements, atomic and electronic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, molecular structure, and properties of molecules.
• The language of chemistry: nomenclature, chemical formulas, reaction equations, and stoichiometry.
• States and properties of matter: intra- and intermolecular forces, properties of gases, liquids, solutions, and solids, gas laws, solubility, and concentration.
• Chemical reactions and changes: chemical equilibrium, acids, bases, and buffer properties, redox reactions, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, spontaneity, and kinetics.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

After completing the course, the student can:

• Identify different chemical reactions and name common chemical compounds.
• Describe atomic, molecular, and electronic structure and how this forms the basis for the periodic table.
• Describe different types of inter- and intramolecular chemical bonds and how these affect the properties of substances.
• Describe chemical equilibrium and how it is affected by changes in concentration, pressure, and temperature.
• Describe how a dissolved substance changes the vapor pressure, freezing point, boiling point, and osmotic pressure of the solvent.
• Define reaction rate and describe factors that affect reaction rate.
• State the laws of thermodynamics and describe how these are used to study energy changes in chemical reactions and physical processes.
• Describe the principles of galvanic cells/batteries and electrolysis.

Skills

After completing the course, the student can:

• Perform stoichiometric calculations and balance different chemical equations, including redox reactions.
• Perform calculations for equilibria in gas mixtures and in aqueous solutions.
• Predict molecular geometry using the VSEPR method and recognize polar and nonpolar compounds.
• Derive the rate law from experimental data.
• Calculate entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs energy changes for reactions and relate this to equilibrium and spontaneity.
• Draw cell diagrams, calculate voltage for galvanic cells using standard reduction potentials and the Nernst equation, and relate this to equilibrium and spontaneity.
• Conduct simple chemical experiments according to given experimental procedures safely and responsibly.

General Knowledge

After completing the course, the student can:

• Explain how chemical principles and processes are relevant to problems within their field of study.
• Explain results from simple chemistry experiments using chemical concepts and principles.
• Follow applicable HSE routines for safety in the laboratory.
• Give examples of sustainability challenges in chemistry and possible solutions considering the principles of green chemistry.

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes lectures, exercises, laboratory exercises, and self-study. The course workload is estimated at 210 hours per semester.

Compulsory Assignments

• Approved laboratory course
• Approved exercises

Admission Requirements

Admission to a programme of study is required, including:

• Biology (BBI)
• Biology and Chemistry (ĹBIKJ)
• Biotechnology (MBIOT5)
• Geology (BGEOL)

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Chemistry and mathematics from high school/upper secondary school. Students without Chemistry 1 or 2 should consider taking a preparatory chemistry course.

Course Materials

• Raymond Chang, Kenneth E. Goldsby, General Chemistry: The Essential Concepts, 7th edn, McGrawHill.

Credit Reductions

The course has academic overlap with several other courses. If a student takes overlapping courses, they will receive a credit reduction in the course where they have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject Areas

• Chemistry

Examination

The examination arrangement is a written examination, with a weighting of 100/100. The exam is 4 hours long and uses the Inspera Assessment exam system.