Introductory Chemistry I Laboratory Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Administrative Drop Policy

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Course

CHEM-1105-001 Introductory Chemistry I Laboratory

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: CHEM 1305 or concurrent enrollment

Course Description

Experiments to complement lecture material. Experience in use of standard laboratory equipment and techniques, such as filtration, density measurements, qualitative and quantitative analysis.

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Department Expectations

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Hours

(1 sem hrs; 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Introductory Chemistry Laboratory Manual, by Mary E. Graff

Supplies

\ All students are required to purchase safety goggles, NOT glasses, and a plastic apron. A non graphing calculator is also needed. You will need a pencil and a blue or black pen.

Student Performance

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\ Objectives and Goals of Course

\ 1. To develop fundamental laboratory skills.

\ 2. To study laboratory reactions and their relation to lecture materials.

\ 3. To develop problem solving skills.

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\ Performance/Learning Objectives

\ 1. Make and perform basic calculations using the metric system of measurements.

\ 2. Demonstrate good laboratory practices.

\ 3. Perform laboratory operations using safe procedures.

\ 4. Explain basic reactions from an experimental basis.

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Students Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

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

Please set cell phones to silent mode during lab.  If it is a necessity to have a phone on, please notify the instructor during the first week of class, and go outside the lab to take or make any calls.  Listen quietly while prelab instructions are being given - pay attention!  This is not only important for lab safety, but will help you with your lab quiz.  Do not start your experiment before the instructor tells you that you can start.  Do not reach into your drawer for glassware, etc., during the prelab instructions - this makes it impossible for you and your classmates to hear important information.

All students are required to wear goggles at all times in the laboratory. There are absolutely NO EXCEPTIONS!!     Plastic aprons are also required to be worn in the laboratory. No shorts, no sandals or other open type shoes. Pants or skirts must cover the knees. Your feet must be covered at all times with closed shoes. Shirts that do not completely cover the back and torso are strongly discouraged. Hats, including baseball caps, are not allowed in the laboratory. No food, beverages, tobacco, or gum are allowed in the laboratory at any time. These rules are for your safety as you learn to work in the laboratory. Failure to comply with safety regulations will result in dismissal from class.

Grading Criteria

The safety quiz will be taken during the first lab period. A grade of 80% or higher must be obtained in order to attend the rest of the laboratories. Failure to take the safety quiz and pass it stops you from completing lab. There will be a comprehensive written final exam. There will be short prelab quizzes over most experiments, and a mid-term exercise. The final grade will be determined by the grades on your laboratory reports, your quizzes and mid-term exercise, post-labs, and the final exam. Prelabs must be turned in at the very beginning of the lab period to receive credit; a zero will be recorded for any missing or late prelabs.  Any lab reports or postlabs turned in past the announced due date will have ten points deducted, and will not receive any credit if they are more than one day late.  Students arriving late to lab after the prelab quiz has been given out will not be allowed to take the quiz.  In the case of prelabs, postlabs, and quizzes, the lowest grade will be dropped in each category.  The midterm and final cannot be dropped.

Attendance

\ It is important that you do not miss a lab.  There are no make-up labs.  Your lowest lab report grade will be dropped when calculating the final grades.  If you miss a lab, that will count as your drop grade.  (Do not miss the lab midterm - this counts separately and cannot be dropped.)  Please arrive on time in order to receive laboratory instructions; students arriving after the others have started their experiment will be asked to leave.  In order to receive credit for an experiment, the student must be present when the experiment is being done.  If you miss part of a lab, you will not get credit for that portion of the lab report.

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Calendar

Additional Information

August 4 is the last day to withdraw from this course and obtain a "W". Contact the instructor if you need to initiate the drop process.  Your lab drawer key will need to be returned to the department.

TEACHING METHODS:

In the lab environment, I will often not answer your questions directly. It may be frustrating to you, but the process of my asking questions back to you will help you develop the critical thinking skills that are important in all aspects of our lives. This is called the Socratic Method of instruction. Often, in the lab, the first thing I will ask you, is whether you have read the experimental procedure carefully. I may direct you to a portion of the lab manual first, and then have to come back to me if your questions aren’t answered. We will be doing some group work in the lab, and I may have you discuss a question with your group before guiding you toward an answer. Please don’t be frustrated, because I won’t let you flounder. Please ask questions if you don’t understand something – AND – remember, if you think something might be a safety issue, then it probably is. The lab should be an enjoyable experience and should enhance the topics we study in the lecture.