Introductory Chemistry I Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Course

CHEM-1305-004 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^rth Edition.

Supplies

\ Pen, Pencil, Scratch Paper, Notebook, Homework folder

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 with a competency level of at least 70%.

1. Have a basic understanding of chemistry and its everyday applications.
2. Explain the relation between atoms and molecules.
3. Understand simple atomic structure and the periodic table.
4. Have a basic understanding of the different types of chemical reactions.
5. Perform simple calculations related to the topics covered in the class, such as density, heat, stoichiometry, solutions, and gases.
6. 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.  Turn off cell phones/pagers.  Pay attention in class.  Do not be disruptive.  If you arrive late, do not try to go to your accustomed seat, but quietly take a chair close to the door.  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 turn off your cell phones and pagers during class.  It is disruptive and disrespectful to your classmates to have a phone ringing during class.  If it is a necessity to have a phone or pager on, please see me about it during the first week of class.

Please see Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook for further information.

Grading Criteria

REQUIRED EXAMS/GRADING CRITERIA: There will be an exam at the completion of each unit of study (i.e. 4-5 tests). The test date will be announced at least a week in advance. Work must be legible and the final answer must be clearly indicated to receive 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. 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. Grades will not be rounded. An 89.99 is considered a B , an 79.99 is considered a C, an 69.99 is considered a D, and a 59.99 is considered a F.

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 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 WEDNESDAY, May 7, 2010, from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.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, and will not be accepted once class begins. 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 written in a different color from the problem, highlighted, or otherwise indicated as the answer.  Short answer questions will be written in complete sentences. If you use a spiral notebook for your homework, please do not rip out the pages.  The entire notebook may be turned in and it will be returned as soon as possible. I try to return all papers within two class periods.  Otherwise your assignments should be placed into a folder with your name on the outside.  The problem number should be clearly separated from the problem itself and there will be a space between problems.  Work may be done in either pen or pencil.  PLEASE DO NOT USE RED INK OR METALLIC PENS. Failure to comply by these rules will result in a zero grade for that assignment. To receive any credit all questions must be completed. For all questions (especially odd numbered 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 present 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.  There will be no make-ups for missed homework, quizzes, or test unless prior arrangements have been made. 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 Nov. 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 two weeks of the assignment due date 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, extra credit assignments, grades, and contact will all be made through email on AC Online.

\ INFORMATION SHEET/SIGNATURE:  You must fill out and return the attached information sheet.  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***