C617 Chemistry: Content Knowledge is the Western Governors University course that provides advanced instruction across the main areas of chemistry expected of secondary chemistry teachers.
WGU's M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) program guide lists the topics as matter and energy, thermochemistry, structure, bonding, reactivity, biochemistry and organic chemistry, solutions, the nature of science and technology, mathematics and laboratory procedures.
Graduates synthesize concepts from across chemistry and verify their knowledge by passing the chemistry content knowledge test.
C617 rewards students who can move quickly between calculation and concept. Stoichiometry, bonding theory and lab procedures all appear in the same review.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | C617 |
| Program | M.A. Science Education (Secondary Chemistry) |
| Level | Graduate, competency-based |
| Linked requirement | Passing the chemistry content knowledge test (per program guide) |
| Typical work | Problem solving and content review across chemistry |
What C617 Covers
| Area | Key ideas |
|---|---|
| Matter and energy | States of matter, the mole, conservation of mass |
| Thermochemistry | Enthalpy, endothermic and exothermic reactions |
| Structure and bonding | Atomic structure, ionic and covalent bonds, shapes |
| Reactivity | Reaction types, rates, equilibrium, acids and bases |
| Biochemistry and organic chemistry | Functional groups and biological molecules |
| Solutions | Concentration, solubility, dilution |
| Nature of science, mathematics and lab procedures | Measurement, significant figures and safe practice |
Key Concepts with Worked Examples
Stoichiometry
Balanced equations give mole ratios, which convert between amounts of reactants and products.
Example: How much water forms when 4.0 g of hydrogen burns completely? 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O. 4.0 g H₂ is 2.0 mol, which gives 2.0 mol H₂O, or 2.0 × 18.0 = 36 g of water.
Molarity and Dilution
Molarity is moles of solute per liter of solution. Dilution keeps moles constant, so M₁V₁ = M₂V₂.
Example: To make 500 mL of 0.20 M solution from a 1.0 M stock: V₁ = (0.20 × 500) / 1.0 = 100 mL of stock, made up to 500 mL with water.
Bond Polarity and Shape
Electronegativity differences determine bond polarity; molecular shape, predicted by VSEPR, determines whether polar bonds produce a polar molecule. Water is bent and polar; carbon dioxide is linear and non-polar.
Typical Assessment Work and How to Prepare
WGU assesses competency through performance assessments or objective assessments. Check your course page for the current format. Chemistry review typically involves:
| Activity | What it tests | How to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Calculations | Moles, concentration, gas laws | Practice with units written at every step |
| Conceptual questions | Bonding, periodic trends, reactivity | Explain the why, not just the what |
| Lab procedure items | Safety and technique | Review equipment, hazards and disposal |
| Organic and biochemistry | Functional groups and molecules | Learn structures with one example each |
Laboratory Procedures and Safety
Laboratory procedures are part of the official topic list, and a chemistry teacher is responsible for student safety. Review these areas carefully:
- Safety data sheets and hazard labeling.
- Personal protective equipment and when each item is required.
- Chemical storage and separating incompatible substances.
- Waste disposal that follows regulations and school policy.
- Measurement technique, precision, accuracy and significant figures.
The Mathematics of Chemistry
Mathematics is listed among C617's topics, and weak maths is behind many lost marks. Make sure these skills are automatic:
- Scientific notation for very large and small quantities, such as Avogadro's number.
- Significant figures in measured data and calculated results.
- Logarithms for pH and pOH.
- Rearranging equations such as PV = nRT and q = mcΔT.
- Dimensional analysis for multi-step conversions.
Example: How much heat raises 200 g of water by 15 °C? Using q = mcΔT with c = 4.18 J/g°C: q = 200 × 4.18 × 15 = 12,540 J, or about 12.5 kJ. Keeping units throughout confirms the answer is in joules.
Thermochemistry, gas laws, solutions and equilibrium all rely on these skills, so time spent here pays off across the whole review.
Organic and Biochemistry Review
Biochemistry and organic chemistry are on the topic list, and they are often the least revised. Focus on recognizing the main functional groups (alcohol, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, amine, ester), naming simple alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, and recognizing isomers.
For biochemistry, know the monomers and linking bonds of the four biological polymers: glucose and glycosidic bonds, amino acids and peptide bonds, nucleotides and phosphodiester bonds, and glycerol and fatty acids in lipids. Short summary cards for each group make quick review easier.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Unbalanced equations. Always balance before using mole ratios.
- Losing units. Writing units at every step catches most errors.
- Organic chemistry gaps. Functional groups are often underprepared.
- Equilibrium and acid-base confusion. Practice Le Chatelier's principle and pH calculations together.
Study Tips for C617
- Build a formula and constants sheet as you review, noting units.
- Work problems by topic first, then in mixed sets.
- Explain periodic trends from atomic structure rather than memorizing them.
- Check your program guide for the current content test requirement.
How We Help with C617
Tell us the topics you find hardest and share any practice results. A chemistry tutor prepares worked solutions, concept summaries and practice problems, and can explain how to teach difficult ideas such as the mole.
GradeEssays is independent of Western Governors University. We provide tutoring and study material only: we never take exams or tests for students and never log in to student portals. Revisions are free within the original scope.
Strengthen Every Area of Your Chemistry
Share your weak topics and practice results. A chemistry tutor prepares worked solutions to support your review.
Start My C617 ReviewFree revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order
Frequently Asked Questions
Matter and energy, thermochemistry, structure, bonding, reactivity, biochemistry and organic chemistry, solutions, the nature of science, mathematics and laboratory procedures.
WGU's program guide states graduates verify their chemistry knowledge by passing the chemistry content knowledge test. Check your guide.
General Chemistry I and II with Lab and Biochemistry cover much of the foundation.
Algebra, scientific notation, logarithms for pH and significant figures.
No. We offer tutoring and study materials only.
No. We are an independent service with no connection to Western Governors University.