Chem 1420/1620 focuses on three major areas of chemical principles: thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibria. These three topics are closely interrelated and govern the behavior and reactivity of chemical systems, including systems important to industrial processes and complex systems found in nature (both environmental and biological). 

Topics include collision theory, rate laws, catalysis, enthalpy and entropy, free energy, reaction equilibrium, acid-base reactions, reduction and oxidation reactions, electrochemistry and electrochemical cells, and nuclear chemistry.