CHEM 1411 0501 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

Introduction

Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

 

Course Title:

CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I

Course Prefix & Number: 

Chem 1411

Section Number: 

501

Semester/Year:

FALL 2020

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.  This course is a hybrid course; the lecture portion will be completed online and the lab portion will be completed on campus.

 

                                                              

Course Prerequisite(s): Math 1314 (College Algebra)

Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Chemistry, A Molecular Approach, by Nivaldo J. Tro, 5th edition, Pearson Education, Inc. (either hard copy or e-book:  ISBN: 9780135419441); MasteringChemistry online access code; carbonless copy lab notebook.

Required supplies:  Notebook paper, pens, #2 pencils and eraser, and a scientific calculator.  (TI 30X IIS recommended; TI 84 Plus is great, but a graphing calculator is not necessary.)

 
             

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

R. Jill Willi

Campus/Office Location:

Flower Mound - MSU 222

Telephone Number:

972-899-8353  (I am on campus teaching labs on Mondays/Wednesdays; please email me for fastest response)

E-mail Address:

jwilli@nctc.edu

 

 

 

OFFICE HOURS (virtual; by appointment)

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

10:30am-12:00pm

8:00am-11:00am

 

8:00am-11:30am

 

 

2:00pm-4:00pm

 

 

 

                                     

 

 

 

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

~15

Homework/Quizzes

20%

4

Graded Exams

40%

1

Final Exam

10%

~14

Lab Grades

30%

 

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

by week
    1. Matter, Measurement, and Problem Solving
    2. Atoms and Elements
    3. Molecules and Compounds
    4. Molecules and Compounds
    5. Exam I, Ch 1,2,3
    6. Chemical Reactions and Chemical Quantities
    7. Chemical Equations, Reactions
    8. Introduction to Solutions and Aqueous Reactions
    9. Exam 2, Ch 4,5
    10. Gases
    11. Thermochemistry
    12. Exam 3; Ch 6, 7
    13. Quantum Theory, Periodic Properties
    14. Electron Configuration, Bonding, Geometry
    15. Exam 4, Ch 8,9,10,11

                    16           Final exams, Dec 7-12

 

 

 

 

 

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:  Since all lectures are delivered online, attendance will be taken during lab each week.  Be sure to sign in to be counted present.  However, in order to be successful in this course, you will need to spend time daily watching recorded lectures and working practice examples ON PAPER.  SPENDING TIME EVERY DAY IS MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE THAN CRAMMING RIGHT BEFORE AN EXAM.
  •  Students who do not spend time every day studying chemistry usually find it very difficult to keep up.  All material in this course builds upon previously learned material.  Do not fall behind. 
  • Excessive absences (failure to log in and/or attend lab) may result in a student being dropped from the course with no credit awarded. 
  • 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 2, 2020___.

 

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.

 

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.

 

CLASSROOM POLICIES

 

  • Exam Administration:    Scheduled exams will begin promptly at your regularly scheduled lab 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 or electronic devices are allowed during exams.  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 Flower Mound campus right away to take a makeup exam (1 per semester only).  (They require 24 hours advance notice, and space is VERY limited due to social distancing requirements.)  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 lab 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 grade cannot be replaced; it counts for 10% of your final grade.  TESTING CENTER CAPABILITY THIS SEMESTER IS VERY LIMITED DUE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS.  If you are not able to make an appointment, you must take a zero for a missed exam. 
  • The final exam will be COMPREHENSIVE, covering all material in this course.

GRADING SCALE:

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

  • The course grade for 4 credit hours will consist of:

80% Lecture Grade and 30% Lab Grade. 

The lecture grade (70%) will consist of:

Four exams = 40%

Final exam = 10 %

Classwork, Homework and Quizzes = 20%. 

 

  • Online Homework:  Homework will be completed online via MasteringChemistry through CANVAS.  You will need to purchase an access code to complete the online homework.  You will also need a copy of the textbook; either a hard copy or e-text, to complete the reading assignments for each chapter.  Make sure you have reviewed all lectures before attempting the homework problems.

You are expected to complete the reading and homework assignments in a timely manner.  Working problems is the best way to learn to apply the material in this course.  Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the assignments.  Be aware that during peak times, the Mastering Chemistry website may run slowly.  Do not wait until the last minute.  Working problems and practicing is the best way to learn to apply the material in this course.  Set aside some time every day to apply the principles learned in class.  Do not wait until exam time to try to learn new concepts.

 

  • Quizzes will be given online via Canvas and will appear in your weekly module.  Online Quizzes not completed by the due date/time will receive a grade of zero.  One (1) classwork/quiz grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
  • 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 to check your grades.
  • The averages calculated on Canvas may or may not reflect your actual grade.  Until an actual grade is recorded for each category of assignment, the average calculated will be incorrect.  Refer to the syllabus for the percentages for calculating your overall grade.
  • Cell phones and electronic devices have no place in the LAB.  If you must take a call during lab for emergency reasons, excuse yourself from lab to take the call.  Use of iphones, ipads, laptop computers or any other means of accessing the internet during lab is not allowed; plan accordingly. 
  •  THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADD, DELETE, OR MODIFY ANY PART OF THIS DOCUMENT WITH PRIOR NOTICE TO THE STUDENT.  IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ANY POTENTIAL CHANGES, REFER TO ANNOUNCEMENTS ON CANVAS.

 

 

 

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