General Chemistry III | CHEM.X001_C

This course covers thermodynamics, redox reactions, electrochemistry, phase changes, and solution properties. Students will explore energy flow, reaction spontaneity, and phase behavior, building a strong foundation for advanced chemistry studies. 

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of the course, you should be able to

• Students will understand and apply the principles of redox reactions and electrochemistry, including balancing redox equations and analyzing electrochemical cells.
• Students will explore the factors that influence reaction rates and mechanisms, developing the ability to interpret and predict chemical kinetics in various systems.
• Students will analyze phase changes and solution behavior, including the energetics and colligative properties of solutions.
• Students will gain foundational knowledge of carbon chemistry, organic compounds, and isotopes, and apply this to understanding chemical structure and reactivity.
• Students will integrate and apply chemical concepts to solve problems involving reaction energetics, mechanisms, and solution properties.

Topics Include

• Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry The course begins with a review of redox reactions and advances into electrochemical principles, focusing on electron transfer, voltaic and electrolytic cells, and the relationship between redox processes and energy.
• Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Mechanisms Students explore the factors that influence reaction rates, including concentration, temperature, and catalysts, and analyze stepwise reaction mechanisms to understand how molecular events govern chemical change.
• Organic Chemistry Foundations An introduction to carbon-based compounds and isotopes provides students with foundational insight into organic structures, bonding, and reactivity relevant to broader chemical and biological systems.
• Phase Changes and Solution Behavior The course covers the energetics of phase transitions and solution formation, including colligative properties such as boiling point elevation and freezing point depression, highlighting the physical behavior of substances in different states.

Expected Effort

At UC schools, 1 credit hour typically requires about 3 hours of student work per week. Actual class meeting times may vary by course.

Course Eligibility and Prerequisites

Prerequisites: CHEM.X001_B (General Chemistry II) with a grade of C or better or equivalent non-UCSC course.

This course is intended for postbaccalaureate students. UCSC undergraduates should follow their major's course requirements.