NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Title:	CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I
Course Prefix & Number:		CHEM 1411	Section Number:	406	Semester/Year:	FA 2017
Semester Credit Hours:		4	Lecture Hours:	48	Lab Hours:	48
Course Description (NCTC Catalog): Fundamental principles of chemistry for majors in the sciences, health sciences, and engineering; topics include measurements, fundamental properties of matter, states of matter, chemical reactions, chemical stoichiometry, periodicity of elemental properties, atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, solutions, properties of gases, and an introduction to thermodynamics and descriptive chemistry.
Course Prerequisite(s): Math 1314 (College Algebra)
Required or Recommended Course Materials: Chemistry, A Molecular Approach, Nivaldo Tro, 4th edition, Pearson. ISBN 978-0-13-411283-1 Carbon copy lab notebook Scientific calculator (graphing calculator not necessary)

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:	Amy Whiting
Campus/Office Location:	Corinth 334
Telephone Number:	940-498-6213
E-mail Address:	awhiting@nctc.edu

 

OFFICE HOURS

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
9:00 – 9:30 AM	9:00 – 11:00 AM	9:00 – 9:30 AM	9:00 – 11:00 AM
11:00– 12:30PM		11:00– 12:30 PM
	2:00 – 3:30 PM		2:00 – 3:30 PM

 

 

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

At the successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

Lecture Learning Outcomes 1.      Define the fundamental properties of matter. 2.      Classify matter, compounds, and chemical reactions. 3.      Determine the basic nuclear and electronic structure of atoms. 4.      Identify trends in chemical and physical properties of the elements using the Periodic Table. 5.      Describe the bonding in and the shape of simple molecules and ions. 6.      Solve stoichiometric problems. 7.      Write chemical formulas. 8.      Write and balance equations. 9.      Use the rules of nomenclature to name chemical compounds. 10. Define the types and characteristics of chemical reactions. 11. Use the gas laws and basics of the Kinetic Molecular Theory to solve gas problems. 12. Determine the role of energy in physical changes and chemical reactions. 13. Convert units of measure and demonstrate dimensional analysis skills.   Lab Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will: 1)     Use basic apparatus and apply experimental methodologies used in the chemistry laboratory. 2)     Demonstrate safe and proper handling of laboratory equipment and chemicals. 3)     Conduct basic laboratory experiments with proper laboratory techniques. 4)     Make careful and accurate experimental observations. 5)     Relate physical observations and measurements to theoretical principles. 6)     Interpret laboratory results and experimental data, and reach logical conclusions. 7)     Record experimental work completely and accurately in laboratory notebooks and communicate experimental results clearly in written reports. 8)     Design fundamental experiments involving principles of chemistry. 9)      Identify appropriate sources of information for conducting laboratory experiments involving principles of chemistry.

 

GRADING CRITERIA

# of Graded Course Elements	Graded Course Elements	Percentage or Point Values
4	Major Exams	40 %
1	Final Exam	25 %
12-15	Lab Reports	20 %
Weekly	Quizzes and Homework	10 %
Every Class	Attendance	5 %

 

GRADING SCALE:        A = 90-100%      B = 80-89%     C = 70-79%      D = 60 –69%    F = <60%

 

Quizzes may be given at any time, either online via Canvas or in class.  No advance notice of in-class quizzes is given; if you do not attend class and a quiz is given, no makeup is allowed.  Online Quizzes not completed by the due date/time will receive a grade of zero. 

Homework:  Homework will be suggested for each chapter, but not required or graded.  You are expected to complete the homework assignments in a timely manner.  (Answers are in the back of the book.)  Working problems is the best way to learn to apply the material in this course.  Do not wait until exam time to start working on the homework.  Set aside time every day to apply the principles learned in class.

One (1) lowest homework OR quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.

 

Exam Administration:    Scheduled exams will begin promptly at your regularly scheduled class time.  While there may be instances when being late is unavoidable, no over-time can or will be permitted for test-taking.  All exam papers must be handed in at the end of the scheduled exam time. You will not be allowed to leave the room during an exam.  No exams will be distributed to latecomers after the first person that finishes an exam leaves the room.  No cell phones are allowed during exams or quizzes.  If yours rings or vibrates, etc., during an exam, your paper will be taken up immediately and your grade will suffer accordingly.

 

MISSED EXAMS:  If you miss an exam, you must make an appointment with the testing center on the Corinth campus to take a makeup exam (1 per semester only).  YOU MUST NOTIFY ME BY EMAIL of your intent to make up the exam, and let me know your appointment day/time so I can have the exam available for you.  The exam MUST be made up within two days or BEFORE the next class period, whichever is first.  If you do poorly on an exam or miss an exam, your final exam grade can be used to replace your lowest exam grade (for 1 exam only) at the end of the semester. 

 

The final exam will be COMPREHENSIVE, covering all material in this course. The final exam grade cannot be replaced and is NOT optional. 

 

Grades will be posted on Canvas.  You are responsible for checking to see that your grades are posted correctly.  If there is a discrepancy, please bring it to my attention right away.  Do not wait until the end of the semester. The averages calculated on Canvas may or may not reflect your actual grade.  Refer to the syllabus for the percentages for calculating your grade.

 

COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

             

Week                    Tentative Calendar of Assignments

• Matter, Mixtures
• Measurement, Sig Figs, Density
• Atoms and Elements, Structure
• Exam I
• Compounds, Nomenclature

• Chemical Quantities, Stoichiometry
• Chemical Equations, Reactions
• Exam II

• Thermochemistry
• Gas Laws
• Gas Law Stoichiometry
• Exam III
• Quantum Mechanics, Electron Configuration
• Bonding, Lewis Structures,
• Molecular Geometry, VSEPR Theory, Exam IV
• Final exams, Dec 9-14

 

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 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. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

• Class Attendance:  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class.  Be sure to sign in.  You are expected to attend class regularly and punctually.  Students who are tardy or absent in chemistry class usually find it very difficult to keep up.  Do not fall behind.   If you miss class, it is your responsibility to catch up.

• Excessive absences may result in a student being dropped from the course with no credit awarded. Excessive absences will be defined as more than 4 consecutive MW/TR classes or 2 consecutive classes for a weekly class.
• 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.

 

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is __November 9, 2017___.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-3300.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 111 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________     

 

          Communication

          Mathematics              

X          Life and Physical Science

          Language, Philosophy & Culture

          Creative Arts

          American History

 

          Government/Political Science

          Social and Behavioral Sciences

          Component Area Option

 

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

 

X             Critical Thinking

X             Communication

X             Empirical and Quantitative

 

X             Teamwork

             Personal Responsibility

             Social Responsibility

 

COURSE TYPE

             Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X          Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

          WECM Course

 

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

 

Cell phones and technology: These devices must be turned off or on silent during class. If you must take a call during class for emergency reasons, excuse yourself and step out of the classroom before taking the call. Use of any electronic device to access the internet during class is not recommended. Use of electronic devices are permitted for the purposes of taking notes and completing assignments only. If any distracting or disrespectful use by these devices or the student is suspected, you may be asked to leave for the remainder of the class session. 

 

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

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.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”. 

 

Honesty in completing assignments is essential.  Cheating, plagiarism, or any other kind of academic dishonesty 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.

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.

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:	Dr. Lisa Bellows
Office Location:	Gainesville Science Building Office 408
Telephone Number:	940-668-4252
E-mail Address:	lbellows@nctc.edu