NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE AND INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Course title: Introductory Chemistry I

Course prefix, number, and section number: CHEM 1406.0340

Semester/Year of course: Fall 2026

Semester start and end dates: 8/24/2026 - 12/14/2026

Modality (Face to face/Synchronous or Asynchronous online/Hybrid): Asynchronous online

Class meeting location, days, and times: online through Canvas and WebEx

Lab meeting location, days, and times: online

Semester credit hours: 4 (48 hrs. lecture, 48 hrs. lab)

Course description: Survey course introducing chemistry. Topics may include inorganic, organic biochemistry, food/physiological chemistry, and environmental/consumer chemistry. Designed for allied health students and for students who are not science majors.

Course prerequisites: none

Course materials: NCTC partners with Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to make purchasing course materials easy and affordable.  When students register for classes, they are automatically opted in to the Lion Book Bundle which will provide students first day access to course materials.  In this program students are charged $24 per credit hour ($96 for a 4-hour class) as a fee on their NCTC student account. (This is labeled as “Book Fee” on NCTC invoices). Students may choose to opt out of this program, but would then be required to purchase needed class materials on their own. If opting out, students would receive a refund on their NCTC student account. Students may choose to opt out starting one month prior to classes beginning through the first week of class. Students might benefit from opting out if they are enrolled in classes that use OER (free course materials). 

Note: The Lion Book Bundle applies to all classes a student is registered for in a given semester (both 16-week and 8-week). A student must either opt in or out for ALL classes—not each class individually.  If you want to take advantage of the Lion Book Bundle, no action is needed as students are automatically opted in.  If you would like to opt out of the program, you must go to the Opt-out page.

Click here for more information: Lion Book Bundle information

REQUIRED Course Materials:

Are mostly INCLUDED in the Lion Book Bundle (unless you opt-out). Materials include eBook and Assignments access - Introduction To Chemistry, 6th Ed. (McGraw Hill Education) by Richard C. Bauer, James P. Birk and Pamela S. Marks and ALEKS 360 for online Homework and assignments portal

• Accessing Homework: Always log in through the ‘BNC Course Materials’ or ‘ALEKS’ tab in Canvas (do not access directly from Aleks website, as this will not sync with our course and homework credit may not be recorded).
  
  
• Setup: When prompted, sign in with your existing Aleks account or create a new one.
• Have this set up by the end of Week 1.
  
  

Some materials NOT INCLUDED in the Lion Book Bundle, but required are:

1. Scientific calculator (You do NOT need a graphing calculator.). A scientific calculator is required for weekly assignments; however, physical calculators are not permitted during Respondus-proctored exams. An on-screen calculator will be provided when needed.
2. Reliable internet and a desktop or laptop with webcam and microphone to support Respondus LockDown Browser application for exams. A cell phone or tablet only, will not allow you to meet the requirements of this course. 
3. Access to printer for occasional printing of course materials (when applicable)

Students must purchase/arrange these materials on their own or through the bookstore, if available, during the first week of the semester.

Name of instructor: Dr. Pooja Ahuja

Office location: COR 333

Telephone number: 940-668-6232

E-mail address: pahuja@nctc.edu

Office hours for students:

Monday 12:20 – 3:20 pm (on campus, COR Rm 333)

Tuesday 11:30 – 1:30 pm (virtual through Webex, appointment required)

Thursday 11:30 – 1:30 pm (virtual through Webex, appointment required)

SYLLABUS CHANGE DISCLAIMER

The faculty member reserves the right to make changes to this published syllabus if it is in the best interest of the educational development of this class. Any such changes will be announced as soon as possible in person and/or writing.

SUMMARY OF COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

List of graded assignments:   4 Major Exams                   40%

                                                Lab Reports                           30%

                                                Homework and Quizzes       20%

                                                Final Exam                              10%

Final grade scale:  A = 90-100%     B = 80-89%    C = 70-79%    D = 60–69%   F = <60%

SEE CANVAS FOR THE COMPLETE COURSE CALENDAR, OUTLINE, DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION OF GRADED WORK, AND OTHER RELATED MATERIAL.

COURSE POLICIES

Late work and make-up Policy:  Graded assignments (labs, quizzes, homework, and exams) must be submitted by the due dates listed in Canvas or provided in class. It is your responsibility to keep track of all deadlines. Most assignments are available for several days to provide flexibility in when you complete them.

• Late work: Only homework may be submitted late, for up to one week, with a 10% point penalty for each day late. Late labs, quizzes, and exams will not be accepted, and extensions will not be granted beyond the due date.
• Dropped grades: To account for an occasional missed assignment or unforeseen situation, your one lowest grade in each category—lab, homework, quiz, and lecture exam—will be dropped at the end of the semester.
• Exams: Exams are generally available for a 48-hour period (unless otherwise indicated) and must be completed within the stated availability window. Under normal circumstances, make-up exams are not offered.
• Extenuating circumstances: If an extreme situation prevents you from taking an exam during the scheduled window, you must notify the instructor before the exam begins and provide supporting documentation. Emergency hospitalization is an example of a qualifying circumstance; car trouble, traffic delays, routine appointments, and travel do not qualify.
• Make-up exams: If approved, the make-up exam must be completed at the time specified by the instructor and within two days of the original exam date. The format may differ from the original exam. Only one make-up exam is permitted per course. Failure to complete an approved make-up as scheduled will result in a zero for that exam.

Test taking Policy:

• LockDown Browser & Respondus Monitor: Exams and quizzes are administered using LockDown Browser. A webcam and microphone are required for exams. Install LockDown Browser and complete the practice quiz at least one week before EVERY exam to make sure everything is working properly. Any technical issues must be resolved before exam day through NCTC IT Support.
• Room/Environment Scan: Before each exam, you must complete the required room and surroundings scan, including your workspace, around your desk, surrounding room, and nearby devices. An incomplete or skipped scan may result in the exam being flagged for review and could result in a zero and/or required in-person testing for future exams.
• Testing Environment: You must test alone in a private, well-lit room and remain seated and visible on camera throughout the exam. Your testing area must be cleared of unauthorized materials.
• No Unauthorized Resources or Assistance: Phones, notes, books, additional devices/screens, internet resources, AI tools, communication with another person, or any other unauthorized assistance are prohibited. Violations may result in loss of points, a zero on the exam, all future exams to be taken in-person and/or an academic integrity violation report.
• Academic Integrity Concerns: A student who is found or suspected to be engaging in academic dishonesty may be required to take future exams on campus under proctored conditions.
• Alternative testing Option: Instead of remote testing with Respondus Monitor, you may choose to take an exam at any NCTC Testing Center, where a room scan and webcam are not required. This option must be discussed with the instructor at least one week before the exam.
• Exam Grades: Your one lowest exam grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. The Final Exam is comprehensive and cannot be dropped or replaced.
• Extra Credit: Extra credit is not offered and should not be expected in this course.

IMPORTANT: These are only the main requirements. You are responsible for reading and following the complete Respondus Monitor Startup Sequence Instructions & Policies  before taking an exam.

Grades Policy: It is your responsibility to check your grades in Canvas weekly to ensure they are posted correctly. Any discrepancies should be reported immediately —do not wait until the end of the semester, so they can be addressed promptly. Late grade discrepancies or disputes will not be entertained, so it is crucial that you check your grades regularly and report any issue/concerns as soon as they arise.

The averages calculated on Canvas may or may not reflect your actual grade, so when in doubt, reach out to me.

Until an actual grade is recorded for each type of assignment, the average calculated will be incorrect. Refer to the syllabus above for the percentages for calculating your grade.

Class Attendance: Attendance in this online course is tracked through the timely completion of assignments. Simply logging in does not constitute attendance; a student’s last date of attendance is determined by their last documented academic activity.

You are responsible for keeping up with the due dates (given in canvas) and required to complete assignments timely.

While attendance is not graded, it directly impacts your success. If you're not doing well or want to improve your grades, the first step is to consistently complete assignments on time, watch the videos, and seek tutoring if needed. I use these activities to assess your commitment to the course.

Excessive absences may result in a student being dropped from the course with no credit awarded. Excessive absences will be defined as more than 2 weeks’ worth of assignments and work. A student who enrolls in this course and fails to attend must drop the course to avoid receiving an “F”.  Students may or may not be dropped automatically.

A student must pass the lab component of the course to receive a passing grade (D or higher) in the overall course.

Academic Integrity Policy: Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty. 

Honesty in completing assignments is essential.  Cheating, plagiarism, or any other kind of academic dishonesty on any assignment will not be tolerated and will result in appropriate sanctions that may include failing an assignment or exam, failing the class, or suspension or expulsion.  A report WILL be filed with the college. Consequences for academic dishonesty include that a grade of zero (“0”) on any assignment that might otherwise be eligible to be dropped (lowest lab or homework grade, etc.) shall forfeit the right to said privilege. The zero shall stand and will count as part of the grade calculation. This includes an exam grade or final exam grade as well.

If cheating or collusion is suspected, a conference between the suspected parties, the instructor, and the appropriate dean will be scheduled and notation made in the student’s file.

Artificial Intelligence Policy: This course assumes that all work submitted by students will be generated by the students themselves, working individually or in groups. Students should not have another person/entity do the writing of any substantive portion of an assignment for them, which includes hiring a person or a company to write assignments and using artificial intelligence tools.

AI Writing and Acceptable Use: Submitting work generated by ChatGPT or any other AI language tool on assignments is considered academic dishonesty, even if cited as a source.  Instructors use AI detectors to enforce this policy.  The writing assignments in this course require generating new knowledge, rather than just recombining existing information.  AI does not generate original research, and the information may contain factual errors. 

AI may be used in brainstorming, or developing a research question.  Generally speaking, students are not authorized to use artificial intelligence and related products like large language model applications to produce work for this class EXCEPT on assignments that the instructor has identified and for which the student will have received significant guidance on the appropriate use of such technologies.  Students should not, however, construe this limited use as permission to use these technologies in any other facet of their coursework. Students who submit AI generated content as original work will be subject to the same disciplinary actions listed above in the college's academic integrity policy.

Attendance Policy: Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives. Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College.

The instructor also retains the right to dismiss any student who exhibits verbal or nonverbal behavior that is distracting or disruptive to the learning environment.

Withdrawal Policy

A student may withdraw from a course on or after the official date of record. It is the student’s responsibility to initiate and complete a Withdrawal Request Form.
Last day to drop without grade of “W”: Sep 8, 2026

Last day to withdraw from the course with a “W”: Nov 2, 2026

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the basic concepts of matter and energy including properties and changes.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of units and use measurements in problem solving.
3. Use the periodic table to explain atomic structure.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of covalent and ionic compounds and their nomenclature.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of chemical bonding and molecular structure.
6. Understand, write, and balance chemical equations.
7. Use the mole concept to determine the number of atoms, moles, grams, and solve elementary stoichiometry-based calculations.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of gas laws to predict the behavior of gases.
9. Understand the principles of solutions and solve associated problems.
10. Understand and apply the principles of acids and bases
11. Understand and apply the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry
12. Relate the concepts covered to everyday life including human physiological processes.

Core Objectives:

Critical Thinking

Communication

Teamwork

Empirical and Quantitative Analysis

COLLEGE POLICIES

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the Student Handbook.

ADA STATEMENT

NCTC will adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the Office for Students with Disabilities to arrange appropriate accommodations.  See the OSD Syllabus Addendum.

AI STATEMENT

Absent a clear statement from a course instructor, use of or consultation with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or other similar technologies shall be treated analogously to assistance from another person, agency, or entity. In particular, using generative AI tools to substantially complete an assignment or exam is not permitted. Students should acknowledge the use of generative AI (other than incidental use) and default to disclosing such assistance when in doubt.

When students use generative AI to replace the rigorous demands of personal engagement with their coursework, it runs counter to the educational mission of the college and undermines the heart of education itself. Artificial Intelligence, large language models, and technologies hold promise for deploying knowledge in service to others and accelerating the discovery of new knowledge. However, such technology poses new challenges to pedagogy and to integrity. Within the context of the teaching mission of the college and consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, the authority to define the appropriate use, study, and deployment of these technologies rests with the faculty.

Individual course instructors, in coordination with their divisions, set policies regulating the use of generative AI tools in their courses, including allowing or disallowing some or all uses of such tools. Course instructors will set such policies in their course syllabi and clearly communicate such policies to students. Students who are unsure of policies regarding generative AI tools are encouraged to ask their instructors for clarification.

STUDENT SERVICES

NCTC provides a multitude of services and resources to support students.  See the Student Services Syllabus Addendum for a listing of those departments and links to their sites.

Pregnant and Parenting Students:  Any student who, because of their pregnancy or parenting status, may require special accommodations to meet course requirements should contact the Student Parent Liaison (studentparents@nctc.edu). Students may also self-report by visiting www.nctc.edu/cares and submitting a report for Pregnant & Parenting Students.

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS