Syllabus

NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE

COURSE SYLLABUS

                                                         CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I

 

 

Course Title:

CHEM 1411 General Chemistry I

Course Prefix & Number: 

CHEM 1411

Section Number: 

102

Semester/Year:

Fall 2021

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): College Algebra (Math 1314)

 

Required course materials

Text: Chemistry A Molecular Approach, 5th ed. By Tro

Pearson. ISBN 978-0-13-487437-1

- new, used, rented or ebook.

 Laboratory Assignments are posted on Canvas course modules.

Mastering chemistry access code Chemistry A Molecular Approach, 5th ed. By Tro

Scientific calculator (graphing calculator not necessary)

 

Computer access with microphone and capability that can support Respondus Lockdown Browser, Java and Adobe Flash player

 

 

             

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Name of Instructor:

Evgenia Manolova

Campus/Office Location:

C333

Telephone Number:

Office: 940 498 6232

E-mail Address:

emanolova@nctc.edu

 

 

OFFICE HOURS

Virtually through WebEx meetings and in the office - by appointment

 

 

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

12.30PM-2.30PM - office

2PM – 3PM(virtual)

3PM – 4PM- office

10AM – 11AM(virtual)

 

 

 

 

 

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 Points Values

4

Major Exams 

40%

1

Final Exam 

10%

15

Quizzes total

15%

12

Lab 20 points each

25%

1

Homework

10%

 

 

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

 

 

week

assignment

 

1

Matter,Measurements

 

2

Matter,Measurements

 

3

Atoms and molecules

 

4

Atoms and molecules

 

5

Exam # 1

 

6

Chemical reactions, Chemical equations, Stoichiometry

 

7

Solutions

 

8

Gases

 

9

Exam # 2

 

10

Thermochemistry

 

11

Quantum theory, Electron configurations

 

12

Exam # 3

 

13

Bonding

 

14

Molecular geometry

 

15

Exam # 4

 

16

Final exam

 

 

 

GRADING SCALE:

A = 89.5-100      B <  89.5-79.5    C <79.5-69.5 

D < 69.5 –59.5    F  <59.5

 

GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS FOR AN ONLINE COURSE

 

The work in this course is organized in weekly modules posted in Canvas.  Each module gives the organization of the work for one week. 

In each module are published a video lecture, power point lecture, laboratory work assignments as well as practice problems and the topic of homework for the week.

 

LECTURES for each chapter will be recorded and posted in CANVAS modules for each week. There will also be worked examples, handouts and practice problems for each chapter posted. You will need to plan to spend at least 10-12 hours each week (the same amount of time we would spend in a face-to-face lecture each week in the regular semester) going through the videos, working the examples ON PAPER, and reading the textbook for further explanation on things you don’t understand.

 

EXAMS: Exams will be given in Canvas through the Quizzes section. They will be clearly labeled with specific directions for each one. They will be timed and will require the use of LOCKDOWN BROWSER. If you do not already have this installed on your device, you will need to make sure this is done before the next exam. You will have 48 hours to complete the exam on the posted day.

 Make sure to give yourself enough time when you start to finish before the deadline. While there may be instances when being late is unavoidable, exceptions will be severely limited. All exams must be completed online. You are expected to only use the allowed materials while taking the exam. No other resources should be used, as this constitutes cheating. Plan to study as you would for an in-class exam and make sure you have dedicated time and space to allow for such a simulated exam experience. Once you start an exam, you may not stop and finish it later. Do not expect to get a “do-over” without a VERY good reason

 

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

 

MISSED EXAMS: If you miss an exam (1 per semester only), you must notify me by email with your excuse within 24 hours, otherwise your right to take the exam is forfeited. 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.

 

QUIZZES will be given online via Canvas quizzes. Online Quizzes not completed by the due date/time will receive a grade of zero. The due dates for each quiz are posted next to the topic of the quiz.

The lowest quiz grade will be dropped in the end of the semester.

 

HOMEWORK is on Mastering Chemistry. There is an instruction posted on Home page for using mastering chemistry and registration procedure. . Click on the MyLab and Mastering tab (left) on the Canvas course to access online homework.

 

 

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.

 

Grading Disputes: A student that wishes to dispute a grade must inform the instructor as soon as possible. Discussions about grades are private and must be held in the instructor’s office (or during scheduled online office hours). Please be aware that I cannot discuss grades in detail via email. Disputes regarding all other assignments must be brought to the attention of the instructor no more than 3 days after the grade has been posted in Canvas.

 

DISCUSSION BOARDS will be set up for you to ask questions rather than emailing me individually. Most of the time, if one student has a question, several other students are wondering the same thing. The discussion board will allow ANYONE to answer the questions; not just the instructor. Remember, BE NICE. Please participate when you can; do not assume everyone else is supposed to help YOU; be willing to also help others. We CAN get through this if we work together.

 

 

LAB ASSIGNMENTS: and reports are organized on a weekly basis. Each week (Monday through Sunday) you have a topic of Lab assignment to complete. You can complete the Lab work at any time during that week but you must complete the experiments and the reports by the Sunday of that week. Late reports will not be accepted. You can also complete experiments and reports early, but you cannot complete them late.

The lowest Lab grade will be dropped in the end of the semester.

 

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 by checking your progress on Canvas. You are required to complete assignments multiple times a week. You are responsible for keeping up with the due dates as outlined in the Online Chem 1411 Study Guide document posted on Canvas Home page and attached to the end of this syllabus. Excessive missing coursework may result in a student being dropped from the course with no credit awarded. Excessive coursework will be defined as more than 3 consecutive assignments or two major exams for a semester .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  01 2021 

 

 

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

x          Personal Responsibility

x    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.

Consequences for academic dishonesty may include:

  1.  Students cheating on a test will have a grade of zero.
  2. Students constantly engaged in academic dishonesty will be reported to the dean.

 

 

 

QUESTIONS, CONCERNS, or COMPLAINTS

Name of Chair/Coordinator:

Jaime Noles

Office Location:

Gainesville Science Building

Telephone Number:

940-668-7731 ext.4930

E-mail Address:

jnoles@nctc.edu

 

Name of Dean of instruction

Sara Flusche

Office Location:

Gainesville

Telephone Number:

940-668-3321

E-mail Address:

sflusche@nctc.edu

 

Early Alert/CARES

The NCTC Early Alert program has been established to assist students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Your instructor may refer you to this program if you are missing assignments, failing tests, excessively absent, or have personal circumstances impacting your academic performance. If submitted as an Early Alert you will be notified via your NCTC e-mail address and then contacted by a Counseling and Testing advisor or counselor to discuss possible strategies for completing your course successfully.

 The NCTC CARES (Campus Assessment Response Evaluation Services) Team addresses behavior which may be disruptive, harmful or pose a threat to to the health and safety of the NCTC community-such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student. Just click the NCTC CARES Team logo posted on MyNCTC, or send an e-mail to CARESTeam@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediate

 

COVID-19 Specific Syllabi Statements Fall 2021

 

Syllabi statement regarding potential Conversion of Onsite Classes to Online/Remote Format: North Central Texas College students should be aware that in the event of a college closure due to COVID-19 or other health related crisis, onsite classes will be converted to an online/remote format. Students should plan ahead to ensure they have access to the computer equipment (either PC, MAC, or tablet), webcam, and internet connectivity to continue their classes in an online/remote format. Please read all your official North Central Texas College student emails as the transition from onsite to online/remote might require a reorganization in your personal situation. Students will be granted a 72-hour transition and grace period. Online classes will continue as scheduled without disruption. Contact your Instructor as the situation arises. These policies and procedures were updated on July 27, 2021 and are subject to change as conditions change.

 

Syllabi Statement Regarding Face Coverings: Per the North Central Texas College guidance on face coverings on campus, in the instructional setting, faculty and students are not required to wear face coverings, such as masks or face shields. In May, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott released an Executive Order prohibiting Government entities from mandating the use of masks. As a political subdivision of the State of Texas, NCTC will follow the Governor’s Executive Order for Government entities and effective immediately NCTC is no longer mandating the use of masks while on campus. This order does not mean that you cannot choose to wear a mask, rather it is no longer allowed to be mandated. These policies and procedures were updated on May 19, 2021 and are subject to change.

 

Return to Standard Attendance Protocol for Face-to-Face Meetings: In spring 2020, we faced an unprecedented situation in which all of us had to be flexible and make prudent decisions in the best interest of our families, our campus, and our community. In light of this, North Central Texas College is temporarily establishing the requirement that faculty keep records of student attendance for face-to-face course meetings as well as a documented seating chart. In addition, students who are sick or need to quarantine should not attend classes. Students will not be required to provide formal documentation from a health care provider and will not be penalized for COVID-19 related absences when proper notification to campus health officials is made in accordance with the guidelines stated below.

 

Faculty will:

 

  • Notify students about important course information and delivery changes through Canvas and campus email.

 

Students should:

  • Provide notification to campus officials if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have to quarantine so we can confirm reported absence with instructors, monitor, and assist the campus community.
  • Notify instructors in advance of the absence.
  • Connect with that class through Webex if the class session is being transmitted in a hybrid fashion.
  • Keep up with and/or make up missed classwork or assignments.
  • Submit assignments digitally through Canvas or other means as announced by your instructor.
  • Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities described in the course syllabus.
  • Check Canvas and campus email daily to receive important announcements pertaining to the course.

During the fall 2021 semester, faculty with face-to-face meetings will establish assigned seating/work stations to facilitate roll-taking, and, if necessary, contact tracing. Additionally, we ask all members of the College community to be attentive to their health, and safeguard others, by following the CDC’s guideline to “stay home when you are sick.” You should stay home if you have symptoms. More information on what to do if you are sick is available at the CDC’s website.

Additional NCTC information is available at http://www.nctc.edu/coronavirus/index.html

 

Covid Reporting procedure

 

Student, faculty, and staff members who have been exposed or tested positive for COVID should report that information to Dillon Bannister via email at dbannister@nctc.edu. This will allow me to get the dates of when they were exposed or tested positive for COVID-19. However, if said students reports it to an instructor please have the instructor take down the following, before passing along the information:

  • Student first and last name
  • Contact number and email address
  • Main campus they attend
  • Date of exposure or positive test result 
  • Ask if the individual reporting if they have been fully vaccinated

 

Once I have that information I will draft either 10- or 14-day letter and send it to said individual. Additionally, if it is a student reporting a COVID cases. I will CC all of that student’s instructor, so they are made aware of the situation. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

NCTC STUDENT SERVICES AND RESOURCES

 

 

Affinity Groups

Staff and faculty representing the Employee Resource Groups (ERG’s), along with academic advisors, counselors and success coaches, serve as mentors for NCTC’s student-centered ​Affinity Groups​.

An ​Affinity Group​ is a population of students who have specific needs, barriers or systems they are needing to navigate not only within college, but within life. Providing mentorship, support and resources for identified Affinity Groups such as Black/African American students, veterans and active military, single parents, students with disabilities, adult learners, Latinx, LGBTQ+ and students who have experienced foster care and/or homelessness, enables us to make more impactful, meaningful connections with students who are in dire need of equity and understanding.

 

Career Services Center

In need of employment? NCTC Career Coaches meet one-on-one to provide training in writing resumes, job searches, interviewing, and more. The Skills to Succeed Academy is also a free interactive, online employability training program focused on building the skills and confidence you need to find the best career.

 

Completion Center

The Completion Center provides a variety of services for first-time in college students. These include academic success coaching, goal setting, course planning, student resources, career development, and job placement services for all new college students. Free online Success Seminars are also available through Student Lingo and new students will also enroll in a First Year Experience (NCTC 1001) course to get started on the right track!

 

 

 

Counseling and Advising

Academic Advisors and Counselors help students explore majors and programs offered, how to take the best combination of classes to meet your goals, assist with questions related to university transfer, and guide students towards academic and personal success, and more. At NCTC, you are assigned to a specific advisor or success coach based on your major or career interests. You can locate our advisors and their majors, along with contact information on the Meet Your Advisor page-and even schedule an appointment with them through their online calendar!

 

Early Alert and CARES

The NCTC Early Alert program assists students who are at risk of failing or withdrawing from a course. Faculty and staff may refer students through the Early Alert process at any point in the semester in an effort to provide appropriate intervention and access to support services. Examples of behaviors that could prompt an Early Alert referral could be missing assignments, failing tests, excessive absences, or personal circumstances impacting academic performance. A student submitted as an Early Alert will be contacted by an academic advisor or success coach through text, phone, and/or via their NCTC e-mail address to discuss any current challenges as well as helpful resources and success strategies-we want our students to finish strong and know that education is a partnership!

 

The NCTC CARES Team is concerned not only about our students' academic success, but also their emotional and physical well-being. As a student, you have the ability to report concerning behavior which could impact your own safety or the safety of another NCTC student, such as stalking, harassment, physical or emotional abuse, violent or threatening behavior, or self-harm. Visit the NCTC CARES site to also locate campus and community resources, or email counseling@nctc.edu.  As always, if you feel there is an immediate threat to your own safety or welfare (or to another student), please call 911 immediately.

 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

EDI partners with the entire campus community to create, maintain and demonstrate NCTC’s commitment to an equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environment where NCTC students succeed. NCTC defines equity as encompassing the practice of acknowledging individual differences and systemic disparities when developing new programs and resources for our campus community, which may sometimes challenge our own beliefs and assumptions, in order to ensure balanced educational opportunities toward completion. Everyone Included. Everyone Belongs. Everyone Valued. Everyone Inspired. 

 

Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid provides students with information and guidance with applying for eligible types of financial assistance, such as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students who have any types of exemptions or tuition waivers will also work with the Financial Aid Office to have these funds applied to their accounts. Additionally, the Scholarship Office provides local scholarship opportunities through an online application process, and tips on how to secure other types of scholarship awards which can help finance educational goals.

 

Student Success Center

The Student Success Center is designed to help all students at NCTC develop tools to achieve their academic goals. The center links students to FREE tutoring, including a Writing Center, a Math Lab, and free online tutoring.  Student Success offers academic coaching, tutoring, including a Writing Center, and a Math Lab to assist new students acclimate to college by providing computer lab services for prospective students. First generation students can also participate in TRIO which offers specialized services.

 

Testing Services

The mission of NCTC Testing Services is to provide high-quality testing services that adhere to the professional standards and guidelines to meet the needs of students, faculty, and community members.