CHEM 103 is UMGC's first general chemistry course for science majors, and the first half of the CHEM 103 and CHEM 113 sequence.
UMGC describes it as a study of the chemical nature and composition of matter and its interactions, with topics including elements, inorganic compounds, chemical reactions and chemical calculations. It is a 4-credit course that fulfills the laboratory science requirement, and MATH 107 or a higher mathematics course is the prerequisite.
Online students find the pace demanding. Chemical calculations stack on one another, so a shaky grasp of moles in week two becomes a real problem by the reactions unit.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
| Course code | CHEM 103 |
| Credits | 4; fulfills the laboratory science requirement |
| Audience | Students majoring in a science |
| Prerequisite | MATH 107 or higher |
| Credit overlap | Credit for only one of CHEM 102, 103, 105 or 107 |
What CHEM 103 Covers
| Topic (UMGC) | What it includes in practice |
|---|---|
| Elements | Atomic structure, isotopes and the periodic table |
| Inorganic compounds | Ionic and molecular compounds, formulas and naming |
| Chemical reactions | Balancing equations and classifying reaction types |
| Chemical calculations | Moles, molar mass, stoichiometry and solution concentration |
Your syllabus sets the order and depth of each topic, including any lab activities.
Key Concepts Explained
Naming Inorganic Compounds
Ionic compounds are named cation first, then anion: NaCl is sodium chloride. Metals with more than one charge use Roman numerals, so FeCl3 is iron(III) chloride. Molecular compounds use prefixes: CO2 is carbon dioxide.
Molarity
Molarity (M) is moles of solute per liter of solution. It links lab volumes to amounts in reactions.
Example: Dissolving 5.85 g of NaCl (molar mass 58.5 g/mol) in water to make 0.500 L gives 0.100 mol / 0.500 L = 0.200 M. To get 0.050 mol from this solution, you need 0.050 / 0.200 = 0.25 L, or 250 mL.
Reaction Types
Recognizing precipitation, acid-base, redox and combustion reactions helps you predict products. In a precipitation reaction, solubility rules tell you which product forms a solid.
Example: Mixing silver nitrate and sodium chloride solutions gives a white solid. Solubility rules say most chlorides are soluble but silver chloride is not, so the net ionic equation is Ag+ + Cl- gives AgCl(s).
Typical Assignments and How to Approach Them
| Assignment type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Problem sets | Chemical calculations | Show each conversion with units |
| Lab reports | Method, data and analysis | Present data clearly and explain error sources specifically |
| Quizzes and exams | Concepts and calculations under time | Practice timed problems from every unit |
| Short written explanations | Understanding, not just answers | Explain the chemistry in your own words |
Studying Lab Chemistry Online
Because CHEM 103 is a lab science course at an online-first university, lab work may be completed at home or through virtual activities, depending on the section. Check your syllabus for the format, equipment and safety rules.
Whatever the format, lab reports reward the same habits: record data exactly, show sample calculations and connect results to the concept being tested. A clear, honest discussion of what went wrong often earns more credit than a perfect-looking result.
Stoichiometry Step by Step
Much of CHEM 103's "chemical calculations" topic comes down to one path: grams of A to moles of A, moles of A to moles of B using the balanced equation, then moles of B to grams of B.
Example: How much CO2 forms when 16 g of methane burns? CH4 + 2O2 gives CO2 + 2H2O. 16 g / 16.0 g/mol = 1.0 mol CH4. The ratio is 1:1, so 1.0 mol CO2, which is 1.0 x 44.0 = 44 g.
Write this path out for every problem until it is automatic. Most errors come from skipping the mole step and using grams in the ratio.
Where Students Get Stuck
- Weak algebra. Revisit MATH 107 skills such as rearranging equations.
- Naming errors. Learn common polyatomic ions early.
- Units dropped mid-calculation. Keep them in every line.
- Falling behind. Each unit depends on the last.
Study Tips for CHEM 103
- Make flashcards for polyatomic ions and solubility rules.
- Do a little chemistry every day rather than one long session.
- Rework textbook examples before trying assigned problems.
- Use your instructor's office hours or discussion boards for stuck points.
How We Help with CHEM 103
Send the problem set, lab instructions and data, rubric and feedback. A chemistry tutor can prepare step-by-step solutions, explain concepts or review your lab report. Our lab report writing guide explains report structure.
GradeEssays is independent of the University of Maryland Global Campus. We never take quizzes or exams or log in to your classroom; our work is a study aid, and you submit your own work under UMGC's academic integrity policy.
Build Your CHEM 103 Foundations
Share the assignment and feedback. We prepare clear worked solutions or review your lab report.
Start My CHEM 103 HelpFree revisions · Full refund if late · Written from scratch for your order
Frequently Asked Questions
MATH 107 or a higher mathematics course.
4 credits, and it fulfills UMGC's laboratory science requirement.
UMGC designs it for students majoring in a science. Non-science students may prefer a course such as CHEM 121.
CHEM 113 General Chemistry II, the second course in the sequence.
No. UMGC allows credit for only one of CHEM 102, CHEM 103, CHEM 105 or CHEM 107.
Yes. We review structure, calculations and discussion and explain improvements.