Introductory Chemistry I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

CHEM-1305-001 Introductory Chemistry I

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: MATH 0303-minimum grade of C, Accuplacer score of 75, THEA score of 270 or an equivalent score on a state-approved test; RDNG 0331-minimum grade of C or a score on a state-approved test indicating college-level reading skills
Corequ

Course Description

Survey of introductory chemistry principles including measurement, quantitative problem solving, energy, atoms, elements and atomic structure, reactions and equations. This course is a preparatory course for CHEM 1311.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Introductory Chemistry, Nivaldo Tro, 4^th Edition.

Supplies

Pen, Pencil, Scratch Paper, Notebook, Homework folder, Scientific Calculator

Student Performance

Objectives and Goals of Course

The primary objectives of this class are:

1. To gain a basic understanding of general inorganic chemistry and its application.

2. To learn fundamental theories, concepts, terms and skills to master basic inorganic chemistry.

3. To develop an understanding of basic applications of chemistry in everyday living.

4. To develop a healthy understanding and respect for general chemistry.

5. To provide a physical science elective for students not majoring in science, engineering, or related fields that would require CHEM 1311.

Performance/Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to do the following:

1. Have a basic understanding of chemistry and its everyday applications.

2. Explain the relation between atoms and molecules.

3. Gain fundamental knowledge of chemical nomenclature.

4. Understand simple atomic structure and the periodic table.

5. Have a basic understanding of the different types of chemical reactions.

6. Perform simple calculations related to the topics covered in the class, such as density, heat, stoichiometry, solutions, and gases.

7. Write and balance chemical equations and use the equations for basic calculations of chemical quantities. 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Class Conduct:  Please be respectful of the other students in class.  Set cell phones to silent mode and do not send text messages during lecture.  If you need to be "on call" for family or other reasons, please notify the instructor; in that case, set phone to vibrate and quietly step outside if you need to take a call.  Pay attention in class.  Do not be disruptive.  If you are causing a disruption in class, you may be asked to leave.

If there is any evidence of cheating on any homework, quiz, test, or final, you will receive a zero for that item and cannot make it up or replace it and it cannot be dropped.

Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further information.

Grading Criteria

REQUIRED EXAMS/GRADING CRITERIA: There will be four regular exams; tentative test dates are given on the student course calendar.  Any changes to this schedule will be announced in advance in class. Work must be legible and the final answer must be clearly indicated to receive credit; students may be required to show all work on problem solving questions to obtain full credit.  If special accommodations become necessary, arrangements must be made BEFORE (at least 24 hours prior) the exam date.  You may not leave the room during a test. Students may be assigned to different seats for exams.  During tests, there are no cell phones, pagers, or graphing calculators allowed.  You must use the periodic tables, scratch paper, and calculators supplied by the department. There will be a comprehensive final exam.  The homework assignments and daily (POP) quizzes will also be part of your grade.  The lowest exam score will be dropped when the test average is calculated.  The lowest quiz score will also be dropped. If a test is missed, that test is the drop grade.  There are no make-up tests.  The final grade in this class will be determined from the average of test grades (70%), daily quizzes (5%), homework (5%), and final exam (20%). The final grades are based on 90.00 = A, 80.00 = B, 70.00 = C, 60.00 = D, and less than 60.00 is failing.

All tests will be comprehensive and may contain true/false, multiple choice, matching, completion, and short answer questions, as well as problem solving when applicable.  No graphing calculators or cell phones will be allowed on exams.  The department will provide basic scientific calculators if you need one for the test.  Class time will be used to be sure everyone knows how to use this calculator.  There will be no mid-term exam.  The final exam is comprehensive, and there are no exemptions from taking the final.  The final exam will be given on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.  There will be both announced and unannounced quizzes.  Homework assignments will be due as assigned.

HOMEWORK GUIDELINES: The due date for each assignment will be determined by the instructor according to when we finish the necessary topics. Homework will be due at the beginning of class on the due date. Homework must be neat and legible.  It may be done by hand or on computer.  If I can’t read it, no credit is given!  If you are doing your homework by hand, it will have the problem written out, followed with the answer showing all set ups and calculations.  All work must be shown to receive full credit. Answers should be circled or otherwise clearly indicated.  I try to return all papers within a week.  Work may be done in either pen or pencil.  PLEASE DO NOT USE RED INK. Failure to comply by these rules, as well as any work turned in late, will receive a deduction in points. Selected problems from each homework assignment will be graded, and account for 50 percent of the assignment. The other 50 percent is based on participation and completion. For all questions, simply giving the answer will not earn credit, all work must be shown to recieve credit.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY: All students are expected to attend class regularly.  Lack of attendance will affect your grade because of missed lecture material and missed quizzes.  Quizzes will be given at the beginning of the class; if you are not there when the quiz starts you will not be allowed to take the quiz. A missed quiz is recorded as a zero and may NOT be made up.  It has been shown that students who attend class regularly have a higher success rate (read that as PASSING) than those who chose not to attend class.  Homework not turned in at the beginning of class will be counted late and have points deducted unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor. If a student finds it necessary to drop this class, it is his/her responsibility to complete and submit the necessary paperwork. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE INSTRUCTOR BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DROPPING A STUDENT FROM THE CLASS!  The last day to drop this class is November 16, 2011.

Calendar

Additional Information

OTHER INFORMATION (GENERAL NOTES): Assignments will be given for reading material in preparation for lecture and for homework assignments.  It is vital that you read the text BEFORE the lecture on that chapter.  This will greatly improve your understanding of the topic and therefore your grade.  You are responsible for the information presented in the text even if it is not covered in lecture.

GRADE DISPUTES:  While I encourage you to come to me with questions about answers on assignments anytime, if you wish to dispute a grade or have a grade changed, you must contact me about it within a week of having the paper returned or there will be no change to the grade.

EMAIL:  Every student has an account in AC Online.  You need to check this several times a week. Announcements, course notes, and grades will be posted this way. 

INFORMATION SHEET/SIGNATURE:  You must fill out and return the information sheet that will be passed out on the first day of class.  You must also sign it to signify that you have read and understand the syllabus.  No graded assignments will be returned to you and you will not be shown your overall grades until the signed information sheet is turned in.

***This syllabus is subject to change. You will be informed of any changes to the syllabus in class or AC Online***