CH 104: Lesson 1a

Preliminary Information

 Topic:  Introduction and Math Fundamentals

Purpose: To provide you with an awareness of the mathematical expectations in this course.

Assumptions: It is assumed that you can already do the following:

1.    Demonstrate familiarity with the metric system units (g, L, m) and prefixes (k-,c-, m-).

2.    State what properties are measured by the units of meters, liters and grams and their derived units.

3.    Define the prefixes milli-, centi-, and kilo-.

4.    Estimate the sizes of a meter, centimeter, millimeter, liter, milliliter and a gram.

5.    Express very large or very small numbers in scientific notation.

6.    Carry out calculations using numbers in scientific notation.

7.    Use a calculator to carry out calculations (+, -, x, ÷) using numbers in both decimal and scientific notation formats.

Objectives: You have completed this lesson when you can:

1.    Distinguish between accuracy and precision. 

2.    Distinguish between significant digits and placeholders. Identify significant digits in numbers.

3.    Keep track of significant digits and units in calculations. Round off the results of calculations to the appropriate place without being told to do so.

 

Assignments:

Reading -

Determine which portions of your text deal with measurements and calculations and read them.

Specifically, in "Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry" 7th Edition by Hein, Best, Pattison and Arena (referred to in later lessons as HBPA-7):

Chapter 1, Appendix I and II

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