Sep 19, 2025  
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year) 
    
GRCC Curriculum Database (2025-2026 Academic Year)
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CHM 280 - Quantitative Chemical Analysis


Description
This course is designed to provide rigorous theoretical training in quantitative methods of chemical analysis and the statistical analysis of data.  Classical wet chemistry techniques such as volumetric and gravimetric methods of analysis are explored via lecture and laboratory experiences. Electrochemistry, absorption spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy are also introduced.  This course is designed for students intending to major or minor in chemistry, chemical engineering, or other science majors requiring an advanced quantitative analysis course.
Credit Hours: 4
Contact Hours: 7
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: CHM 120  (C or Higher) or [CHM 140  (C- or Higher) and CHM 141  (C- or Higher)]

C- or Higher in one of the following courses: MA 110 MA 127 MA 129 MA 131 MA 133 MA 134 MA 245 MA 255 MA 257 , or ALEKS score of 60 or Higher
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Course Fees: $75.00
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Course is a Requirement:
Pre-Biochemistry, A.A. (General Transfer), Pre-Chemistry, A.A. (General Transfer)


Other Courses Where This Course is a Prerequisite: None
Other Courses Where this Course is a Corequisite: None
Other Courses Where This course is included in within the Description: None
General Education Requirement:
None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA
Course Learning Outcomes:
  1. Apply statistics to analyze a single data set, to compare multiple data sets, and to analyze sampling methods and calculate sampling error.
  2. Identify, select, calibrate, and demonstrate the proper use of volumetric glassware to prepare solutions of specified concentration starting with pure substances or solutions. 
  3. Describe gravimetric methods of chemical analysis.
  4. Calculate the theoretical pH of solutions (without and with activity considerations) and measure the actual pH of solutions using chemical indicators and pH meters.
  5. Describe and conduct the standard titration procedures that are used for acid/base, precipitation, complexometric and redox reactions.
  6. Describe and conduct standard spectrophotometric procedures, such as constructing a calibration curve and applying the Beer-Lambert equation to analyze data.
  7. Describe standard chromatographic procedures and analyze a solution using  gas chromatography and liquid chromatography.
  8. Demonstrate skill at using a computer spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) to organize and present data.
  9. Practice GRCC chemistry lab safety rules.
  10. Create and/or organize data and information into meaningful patterns in order to interpret and draw inferences from them. 
  11. Evaluate information to identify limitations and biases.

Course Outline:
I. Errors in Chemical Analysis

   A. Systematic Errors

   B. Random Errors

       1. Statistical Data Treatment

       2. Methods of Reporting Data and Error

II.  Analytical Solutions

    A. Activity Coefficients

    B. Concentration Units

        1. Molarity

        2. Normality

        3. PPM and PPB

        4. Molality

    C. Solution Preparation

        1. Volumetric Glassware

        2. Sandardization

           a. Primary Standards

           b. Secondary Standards

        3. Dilution

III. Sample Isolation and Preparation

IV. Gravimetric Methods of Analysis

    A. Gravimetric Calculations

    B. Properties of Precipitates and Precipitating Agents

    C. Drying and Ignition

V. Measuring pH

    A. Calculations

    B. Instrumentation

    C. Buffer Systems

VI. Titrimetric Methods of Analysis    

    A. Calculations and Titration Curves

    B.  Methods

        1. Acid-base

           a. Simple

           b. Complex

       2. Complexometric

       3. Precipitation

VIII. Electrochemical Methods

     A. Electrochemical Cells and Electrode Potentials

     B. Applications of Standard Electrode Potentials

     C. Oxidation-reduction Titrations

IX. Spectrochemical Methods

     A. Calculations

         1. Beer-Lambert Law

        2. Absorbance-transmittance

     B. Applications

X. Gas and Liquid Chromatography Techniques


Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:
Lecture: 45-55% 

Classroom discussion and problem solving: 5-10% 

Laboratory: 40-50%
Mandatory Course Components:
Use the labs in the official course lab manual

Conduct demonstrations

Provide individualized instruction

Facilitate discussions

Demonstrate instrumentation and equipment
Accepted GRCC Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course prepares students to seek the following external certification:
No
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: N/A


Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
None
Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
Total Lab Hours Per Week: 4
People Soft Course ID Number: 102699
Course CIP Code: 40.05
Maximum Course Enrollment: 16
High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
Identify the Non Credit Programs this Course is Accepted: NA


School: School of STEM
Department: Physical Sciences
Discipline: CHM
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
The instructor should have at least 18 graduate credit hours in Chemistry.
Major Course Revisions: N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20250225T14:27:46
Course Review & Revision Year: 2029-2030
Essential Abilities/Technical Standards:
The Grand Rapids Community College Chemistry faculty has specified essential abilities and technical standards critical to the success of students in any GRCC chemistry course. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in these courses. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities and technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

 

  1. Essential judgment skills include the ability to identify, assess, and comprehend situations for the purpose of problem solving and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.  Specifically, students must be able to:

 

  • Apply mathematical concepts to solve problems
  • Discern relevant and irrelevant information when solving problems
  • Express knowledge of the appropriate level of chemistry in written and/or  verbal formats
  • Draw conclusions based on knowledge and experimental results
  • Recognize unsafe situations  in a laboratory environment 

 

  1. Essential physical/neurological functions include the ability to use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Students must meet expectations necessary to safely perform tasks required to study chemistry, which include the need for manual dexterity and the ability to use sight and hearing. Specifically, students must be able to:
  • Manipulate equipment and glassware to prepare for and conduct laboratory procedures
  • Write in a laboratory notebook during the course of a laboratory experiment
  • Observe and note changes (in color, sound, etc.) as experimental conditions progress or change
  • Operate a computer for the purposes of inputting or graphing data and writing laboratory reports
  • Operate analytical instrumentation for the purpose of collecting and analyzing data in the course of scientific study and experimentation
  • Read and /or hear laboratory directions that involve either experimental procedures or safety concerns
  • Inform the course instructor of any allergies (chemical, latex etc.) that may lead to an allergic reaction

 

  1. Essential communication skills include the ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty, and all members of the Physical Sciences department. Specifically, students must be able to:

 

  • Understand written and verbal direction when completing tasks and assignments associated with the lecture portion of science courses
  • Understand written and verbal directions when completing laboratory tasks and assignments
  • Understand written and verbal directions when following all Departmental safety rules and procedures
  • Communicate any issues that involve health or safety in a laboratory environment
  • Use information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

 

  1. Essential emotional coping skills include the ability to demonstrate the mental health necessary to safely engage in the practice of scientific discovery.  Specifically, students must be able to:

 

  • Engage in multitasking without becoming overly stressed
  • Practice safe laboratory procedures and be mindful of the safety of others
  • Realize that exposure to chemicals can have consequences if the correct safety procedures are not followed
  • Collaborate with lab partners to complete a task in the classroom or laboratory
  • Cooperate with others and work in groups or alone as indicated by a particular course

 

  1. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills include the ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of Chemistry. Specifically, students must be able to:

 

  • Select appropriate methods to solve mathematical problems
  • Use a calculator to complete calculations
  • Use a computer to generate graphs and reports
  • Use equipment and instrumentation to make measurements  
  • Analyze complex graphical data and/ or concepts
  • Express an understanding of the concepts learned in chemistry in written form or verbally

 

  1. Other essential behavioral attributes include the ability to engage in activities consistent with safe practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Physical Sciences Department and as a developing professional in the field of chemistry consistent with accepted standards of practice.

 

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:

  1. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Physical Sciences.
     
  2. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of (field of study) and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the (field of study) office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.





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