EPOKA UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
COURSE SYLLABUS
2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
COURSE INFORMATIONCourse Title: GENERAL CHEMISTRY |
| Code | Course Type | Regular Semester | Theory | Practice | Lab | Credits | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHM 103 | A | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
| Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) | Assoc.Prof.Dr. Mirjam Ndini mndini@epoka.edu.al |
| Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | M.Sc. Bredli Plaku bplaku@epoka.edu.al , By appointment. |
| Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Language: | English |
| Compulsory/Elective: | Compulsory |
| Study program: (the study for which this course is offered) | Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years) |
| Classroom and Meeting Time: | |
| Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours: | NA |
| Code of Ethics: |
Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline" |
| Attendance Requirement: | 60% |
| Course Description: | Structure of the atom and the periodic law. Chemical bonding. Molecular orbitals. Chemical reactions. Applications of chemical stoichiometry. Solutions, colloids. Chemical kinetics. Chemical equilibrium. Chemical thermodynamics. Electrochemistry and oxidation-reduction. Organic chemistry. |
| Course Objectives: | The primary objective of this General Chemistry course for Civil Engineering students is to provide a fundamental understanding of chemistry concepts and principles as they relate to civil engineering practices. Through this course, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to apply chemistry in the context of civil engineering, and to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for their field. |
|
BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE
|
| 1 | Matter: Anything that has mass and occupies space, existing in solid, liquid, or gaseous states. |
| 2 | Atom: The smallest unit of an element, made of protons, neutrons, and electrons, that retains the chemical properties of that element. |
| 3 | Periodic Law: The recurring pattern of chemical and physical properties of elements when arranged by increasing atomic number. |
| 4 | Chemical Bond: The attractive force that holds atoms together, including ionic and covalent interactions. |
| 5 | Mole: A standard unit of measurement in chemistry representing 6.02214076×10²³ particles of a substance. |
| 6 | Stoichiometry: The quantitative relationship between reactants and products in a chemical reaction. |
| 7 | Thermochemistry: The study of heat and energy changes that accompany chemical reactions and physical processes. |
| 8 | States of Matter: The distinct forms of matter—solid, liquid, and gas—characterised by different particle arrangements and properties. |
| 9 | Solution: A homogeneous mixture where one substance (solute) is dissolved in another (solvent). |
| 10 | Organic Compound: A carbon-based molecule, such as hydrocarbons and functional groups, that forms the basis of many natural and synthetic materials. |
|
COURSE OUTLINE
|
| Week | Topics |
| 1 | Introduction to chemistry. Essential ideas of matter, phases, physical and chemical properties, and fundamentals of measurement including accuracy and precision. Literature: Flowers P, et al. Chemistry 2e. OpenStax; 2019. Ch. 1, pp. 9–49. |
| 2 | Atoms and the periodic law. Development of atomic theory, atomic structure, and organisation of the periodic table. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 2.1–2.5, pp. 61–88. |
| 3 | Molecules and compounds. Ionic and molecular compounds, chemical formulas, and rules of chemical nomenclature. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 2.6–2.7, pp. 89–104. |
| 4 | Composition of substances and solutions. Formula mass, the mole concept, molarity, and other concentration units. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 3, pp. 117–150. |
| 5 | Stoichiometry of chemical reactions. Balancing equations, types of chemical reactions, stoichiometric calculations, and yields. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 4, pp. 159–198. |
| 6 | Thermochemistry. Energy basics, calorimetry, enthalpy, and energy changes in chemical processes. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 5, pp. 211–247. |
| 7 | Midterm examination covering Weeks 1–6. |
| 8 | Electronic structure of atoms. Electromagnetic energy, electron configurations, and periodic properties. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 6, pp. 257–304. |
| 9 | Chemical bonding and molecular geometry. Ionic and covalent bonding, Lewis structures, and molecular polarity. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 7, pp. 313–358. |
| 10 | Gases. Gas pressure, ideal gas law, gas stoichiometry, and kinetic molecular theory. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 9, pp. 415–462. |
| 11 | Liquids and solids. Intermolecular forces, properties of liquids, phase changes, and crystalline solids. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 10, pp. 475–534. |
| 12 | Introduction to organic chemistry. Hydrocarbons and their role in fuels, polymers, and engineering materials. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 20.1, pp. 977–994. |
| 13 | Introduction to organic chemistry. Functional groups: alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters; relevance to civil engineering materials. Literature: Chemistry 2e. Ch. 20.2–20.4, pp. 995–1014. |
| 14 | Term project presentations. Students present projects linking chemistry concepts to practical applications in civil engineering. |
| Prerequisite(s): | |
| Textbook(s): | Flowers P, Theopold K, Langley R, Robinson WR, Frantz D, Hooker P, et al. Chemistry 2e. Houston (TX): OpenStax; 2019. 1274 p. ISBN: 978-1-947172-61-6. |
| Additional Literature: | Silberberg M. Principles of General Chemistry. 3rd ed. New York (NY): McGraw Hill; 2012. 912 p. ISBN: 978-0073402697. |
| Laboratory Work: | |
| Computer Usage: | |
| Others: | No |
|
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
|
| 1 | Define and explain the essential ideas of matter, measurement, and chemical classification. |
| 2 | Describe atomic structure and the periodic law, and relate periodic trends to element properties. |
| 3 | Apply chemical nomenclature and formula writing to represent ionic and molecular compounds. |
| 4 | Perform stoichiometric calculations involving balanced chemical equations, yields, and concentrations. |
| 5 | Interpret and apply the mole concept, molarity, and solution composition. |
| 6 | Explain the principles of thermochemistry, including enthalpy changes and calorimetry. |
| 7 | Analyse electronic structure and periodic variations to predict chemical behaviour. |
| 8 | Describe and apply models of chemical bonding and molecular geometry. |
| 9 | Identify and classify the fundamental properties of gases, liquids, and solids. |
| 10 | Recognise the importance of chemistry in civil engineering through applications to materials (cement, polymers, corrosion) and environmental contexts (water and air quality). |
|
COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES
(Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution) |
| No | Program Competencies | Cont. |
| Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years) Program | ||
| 1 | an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering | 3 |
| 2 | an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs | 5 |
| 3 | an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams | 4 |
| 4 | an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems | 5 |
| 5 | an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility | 5 |
| 6 | an ability to communicate effectively | 4 |
| 7 | the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context | 5 |
| 8 | a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life long learning | 3 |
| 9 | a knowledge of contemporary issues | 4 |
| 10 | an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice | 5 |
| 11 | skills in project management and recognition of international standards and methodologies | 3 |
|
COURSE EVALUATION METHOD
|
| Method | Quantity | Percentage |
| Midterm Exam(s) |
1
|
35
|
| Presentation |
1
|
4
|
| Quiz |
2
|
10
|
| Case Study |
1
|
6
|
| Final Exam |
1
|
35
|
| Total Percent: | 100% |
|
ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)
|
| Activities | Quantity | Duration(Hours) | Total Workload(Hours) |
| Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours) | 16 | 3 | 48 |
| Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice) | 12 | 1 | 12 |
| Mid-terms | 1 | 15 | 15 |
| Assignments | 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Final examination | 1 | 15 | 15 |
| Other | 2 | 3 | 6 |
|
Total Work Load:
|
100 | ||
|
Total Work Load/25(h):
|
4 | ||
|
ECTS Credit of the Course:
|
4 | ||
|
CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER
|
|
The course has been designed to strengthen students’ understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry and their relevance to engineering. Students are encouraged to develop consistent study habits and to engage actively in exercises and problem-solving activities, as progress in the subject requires continuous practice. The lecturer remains committed to fairness and professionalism in the delivery and assessment of the course. In line with the University’s Code of Ethics, students are reminded of the importance of integrity, respect, and responsibility in both academic and classroom conduct. |