General Chemistry I opens the two-course CHEM 103–113 sequence — elements, inorganic compounds, chemical reactions, and chemical calculations.
What CHEM 103 covers
(For students majoring in a science. The first course in the two-course sequence CHEM 103–CHEM 113. Fulfills the laboratory science requirement.) Prerequisite: MATH 107 or a more advanced mathematics course. A study of the chemical nature and composition of matter and its interactions.
Topics include elements, inorganic compounds, chemical reactions, and chemical calculations.
Typical CHEM 103 assignments
Expect a problem set requiring you to perform chemical calculations (such as stoichiometry) and explain the underlying chemical reaction or interaction.
Key topics in CHEM 103
- Elements and inorganic compounds
- Chemical reactions
- Chemical calculations
- Composition and interaction of matter
Writing tips for CHEM 103
Follow the assignment instructions and rubric line by line
UMGC assignments for CHEM 103 are graded against a specific rubric or grading criteria your instructor provides — every requirement has to be visibly addressed. Skipping a requirement because it seems minor is one of the most common reasons a strong submission loses points.
Show your quantitative work, not just the final answer
CHEM 103 is graded on the method, not just the final numeric answer — skipping intermediate calculations or the underlying physical/chemical reasoning is one of the fastest ways to lose points, even when the final answer is correct.
Connect the physical principle to a real-world application
UMGC's lab science courses consistently grade whether you can connect the underlying physical or chemical principle to a real-world application or scenario — a correct calculation that stays purely abstract is missing a piece the rubric typically wants.
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Why students seek help with CHEM 103
Students sometimes compute a chemical calculation correctly without explaining the underlying reaction it represents, which CHEM 103 requires — the rubric typically wants that reaction-level explanation shown, not the calculation alone.
How GradeEssays helps with CHEM 103
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Place Your Order View All ServicesPrerequisites and course context
CHEM 103 requires MATH 107 (College Algebra) or a more advanced mathematics course, fulfills the laboratory science requirement, and is itself the required prerequisite for CHEM 113. Note: students may receive credit for only one of CHEM 102, CHEM 103, CHEM 105, or CHEM 107.
Related courses
Frequently asked questions
CHEM 103 requires MATH 107 (College Algebra) or a more advanced mathematics course, and is itself the required prerequisite for CHEM 113 (General Chemistry II).
Students may receive credit for only one of CHEM 102, CHEM 103, CHEM 105, or CHEM 107, since they cover the same content.