Chemistry 105 (CHEM&105-01), Winter Quarter '10
Chem105 Sec. 01 : Meets W, F 11:00 AM - 1:15 PM in CC2 380.
Description: The planet, our environment, our products, our health and heredity all have Chemistry underlying the dynamics of change. In this course, students will learn and understand the language of Chemistry, the chemical concepts that drive change in key areas of interest and need for our domestic and global societies, and how the scientific method is applied. Concepts will be applied to current topics such as the chemistry of air, water, climate change, energy, formulation of consumer products and technological materials, and essentials of Biochemistry. This course is designed for students with little or no Chemistry background, and it may not be used as a prerequisite to other CHEM courses.
Prerequisites: Completion of ENGL&101 with a grade of 2.0 or higher; and placement into MATH 095.
Instructor: Dr. David Reichgott (CC 381)
Phone/Voice Mail 425-352-8165 email:
Office Hours: M, W, F 7:15 – 8:15 am, Tu,Th 12:25 – 1:15 pm
Appointments and “drop-ins” are welcome; stop in any time my door is open.
Web page: http://faculty.cascadia.edu/dreichgott/ (contains link to CHEM&105 web page)
This optional page will contain all course information and assignments.
Text: L. P. Eubanks, et. al, “Chemistry in Context”, 6th ed., 2009. ISBN 978-0-07-304876-5. Optional: Online Learning center, http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0073048763/student_view0/index.html
Also Required: A calculator that is not a telephone.
Electronic Reserve (REQUIRED): A set of course documents, including Unit Outcomes and daily Power Point slides, is available on electronic reserve (eRes) through the Library web site: http://eres.uwb.edu/ . You must set up a UWNet ID (follow instructions at this link). After Login, click Electronic Reserve, then search for our course using “105.” When printing Power Point content be sure to select “Print What …Handouts…6 per page”. (An Angel course site exists, which refers you to Electronic Reserve.)
In case of college closure or instructor’s absence: All course content and assessment will be posted on electronic reserve. On each “out” day a set of instructions, including options for document delivery, will be posted on eRes in a document titled “Instructions for (date)”. All course documents that must be turned in will be done in Microsoft Word (or Works word processor, or .txt) format and delivered by email to . All aspects of academic honesty must be followed (see below).
Content: Chapters 1 through 7, 9, 12 of Chemistry in Context. Set within the topics of atmospheric chemistry, global warming, energy, water, nuclear chemistry, polymers, and biochemstry, the content includes:
· Structure of the atom
· Types and phases of matter
· Information from the periodic table
· Atoms, molecules, ions
· Scientific method
· Covalent bonding and molecular structure
· Chemical language
· Intermolecular forces
· Role of energy in chemical processes
· Structure and function of DNA and proteins
A unifying theme is how changes in one part of the chemical world affect global issues.
Outcomes: Daily outcomes are also listed in each “Unit Syllabus”; GS designates a Global Studies program outcome.
At the end of this course you should be able to:
Learn Actively - Learning is a personal, interactive process that results in greater expertise and a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
· Learn and use the language of chemistry, including symbols, formulas and equations
· Derive and understand fundamental information from the periodic table
· Describe the organization of atoms into molecules and factors determining this organization
· Describe the different classes and states of matter
· Describe the forces between molecules and how they affect properties
· Identify the main idea in scientific writing and learn to generate questions about the information presented
· Demonstrate understanding of the historical, political, scientific, cultural, and/or socioeconomic interrelationships between local and global issues in Chemistry (GS).
· Demonstrate knowledge of transnational phenomena relating to Chemistry and how changes in one part of the world affect others (GS).
Think Critically, Creatively and Reflectively -- Reason and imagination are fundamental to problem solving and critical examination of ideas.
· Use the scientific method to explain how we know characteristics of matter, based on building and testing hypotheses.
· Explain how chemical reactions can produce or consume energy.
· Relate classroom experiences to phenomena and issues outside the classroom
· Use principles of bonding, structure, and intermolecular forces to interpret how genetic information is transmitted through DNA and other substances
· Judge the validity of technical writing based on credibility of sources
· Gain confidence in making reasoned judgments on societal issues relating to chemistry
· Demonstrate the ability to identify and assess potential solutions to problems as a responsible citizen in a complex global context (GS).
· Make independent judgments about the validity and relative value of ideas drawn from contrasting global contexts (GS).
Communicate with Clarity and Originality - The ability to exchange ideas and information is essential to personal growth, productive work, and societal vitality.
· Communicate chemical concepts through the written and spoken language of Chemistry and peer interaction
· Communicate findings and judgments in written work representative of scientific communication
· Develop skills and confidence to relate chemical issues to those without formal scientific training
· Demonstrate proficiency to conduct guided research using a wide variety of materials from multiple international points of view (GS).
· Develop the ability to identify key issues in the global arena, understand the chemical influences underlying the arguments, and appreciate their intended audience (GS).
Interact in Diverse and Complex Environments - Successful negotiation through our increasingly complex, interdependent and global society requires knowledge and awareness of self and others, as well as enhanced interaction skills.
· Work with peers to learn concepts and solve problems
· Develop insights into the interactions between theory and experimentation
· Deepen conceptual understanding of issues in our society that are impacted by Chemistry through group discussion and assignments
· Demonstrate the ability to recognize differences in the scope and effects of global chemical issues, by articulating one’s own frame of reference and its application in reference to others (GS)
· Engage with others about how local chemical problems are related to global problems, and suggest appropriate courses of action as well as strategies for carrying them out (GS)
· In all group work, listen and contribute with respect and honesty
Assignments: A “Unit Syllabus” for each of three units will be distributed with reading assignments, reading quiz assignments, graded homework assignments, current issues abstract due dates, and suggested problems.
Three required, in-class, graded Group Sheets and several ungraded worksheets.
Late assignments will be accepted (minus 10 to 20%) until the assignment is returned to the class.
Group presentation of assigned content, including participation in class-wide assessment.
Quizzes: Reading quizzes are short assessments of your readiness for class, based solely on the bold-face green highlighted terms in the day’s reading quiz assignment, given during the first five minutes of each class, unless noted in the Unit Syllabus. Makeups are not possible (including arriving late) unless arranged in advance.
Current issues abstracts: These are abstracts of current news, web information and periodical sources on current topics that pertain to current developments associated with the content of each unit. The abstracts are brief summaries of one current source for each chapter. The sources are to be selected from scientific association, government, accredited educational sites, news media, and scientific journals that are subject to peer review. In one-half to one page for each source, written in your own words, you are expected to give a summary of the article complete with its reference in any consistent format. You may be asked to present the summary in verbal form to the class.
Class-time focus and student responsibility: This course is heavy with content, and it is elected by students with diverse future pathways. Our class-time will be focused on those areas that are best learned through collaborative activities, or are those where instructor support is most needed. For us to be successful, there is a need for you to be responsible for your own learning of content not covered in class, and to use the study skills of an independent learner. The “Unit Syllabus” is one of the ways to support you in your efforts.
Cascadia’s expectations for classroom behavior conform to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). These may be found in the Student Handbook or at http://www.cascadia.edu/about_cascadia/student_handbook/rights_responsibilities.aspx
Study technique recommendations:
· Check the outcomes on the Unit Syllabus for the class ahead of time.
· Skim the text sections before class, paying close attention to bold-face vocabulary terms and figures. This should take no more than 20 minutes and should prepare you for the Reading Quiz.
· Read the assigned text sections as soon as possible after class.
· Compare the outcomes to your class notes, taking care to review material not covered in class.
· Learn actively by explaining concepts and relationships to someone else and by utilizing the web resources.
· Learn collaboratively by solving recommended exercises in a study group.
Exams: Three hour exams during classes. The examinations are cumulative to the extent that concepts and skills introduced in earlier units are applied in later units. There is no comprehensive final exam. Exams can be made up only for unusual circumstances and only if I am notified in advance.
Grading:
Quizzes / 16 x 3 pts. / 48 pts.Hour Exams / 3 x 50 pts. / 150 pts.
Group Sheets / 3 x 10 pts. / 30 pts.
Graded Homework / 9 x 8 pts. / 72 pts.
Current issues abstracts / 3 x 20 pts. / 60 pts.
Presentation / 40 pts.
Total: / 400 pts.
4.0 : 90%-100% 2.0 - 2.4 65% - 74%
3.5 - 3.9: 85%-89% 1.0 - 1.9 : 55%-64%
3.0 - 3.4: 80%-84% 0.0 : Below 55%
2.5 - 2.9 : 75% -79%
Other grades (I, N, P/NC, V, W, Z) may be assigned in compliance with the College academic policies, which can be found at: http://www.cascadia.edu/programs/academic_policies.aspx
Policy on Incomplete (I) and Hardship Withdrawal grades (Z): An Incomplete, as described in the College Catalog, is arranged for ahead of time with the instructor through an Incomplete Contract, and only in the case where the majority of the instruction has been completed. A grade will be assigned when the contract is completed. A Hardship Withdrawal (Z) may be assigned where an unusual or extreme circumstance has prevented you from attending and completing the course. A written request must be made, and it must be approved by the instructor. I will ask to ensure that a genuine hardship exists and confirm you are not eligible to be assigned an Incomplete. The Z grade is not calculated in your GPA and no credit is given for the course; it may affect your priority for future registration.
Cascadia Community College Learning Agreement
v Academic Honesty: The College regards acts of academic dishonesty, including such activities as plagiarism, cheating and/or/violations of integrity in information technology, as very serious offenses. In the event that cheating, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty are discovered, each incident will be handled as deemed appropriate. Care will be taken that students’ rights are not violated and that disciplinary procedures are instituted only in cases where documentation or other evidence of the offense(s) exists. A description of all such incidents shall be forwarded to the Vice President for Student Success, where a file of such occurrences will be maintained. The vice president may institute action against a student according to the college’s disciplinary policies and procedures as described in the Student Handbook. In this class, any work found to involve academic dishonesty will be given a grade of 0. Guidelines specific to this course:
The following are situations where I expect you to get help, share ideas, and work cooperatively:
1. Group sheets and worksheets.
2. Suggested and graded homework when you are stuck (but please see below).
The following are examples of situations where I expect that your work will be entirely your own:
1. All aspects of examinations.
2. All written aspects of graded homework assignments.
The key distinction is when you write something down, it represents your own communication of your understanding. It is inappropriate to copy anyone’s work or provide your answers to others, except where you are sharing data.
v Acceptable Use Policy on Information Technology: In general, the same ethical conduct that applies to the use of all college resources and facilities applies to the use of Cascadia’s systems and technology. These systems may only be used for authorized purposes, using only legal versions of copyrighted software, and with consideration and respect for the conservations of resources and the rights of other users. For additional information, go to the Open Learning Center for a complete copy of the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures.
v Counseling: If you have a personal problem or stress that is affecting your schoolwork and would like to talk with someone, please contact the Cascadia counselor. Counseling at Cascadia is confidential, professional and free. A counselor is on-site Tuesdays 1 – 6 pm and Thursdays 10 am – 5 pm. Visit the Kodiak Corner front desk or call 425.352.8860 for an appointment.
v Disability Support Services: If you have or suspect you have a disability and need an accommodation please contact the front office in Kodiak Corner at 425-352-8383 to make an appointment with Disability Support Services. Services and accommodations through DSS are not retroactive.
v Diversity: Cascadia Community College affirms a commitment to freedom from discrimination for all members of the College community. Celebration of diversity and cultural differences is a hallmark of a true learning community. Pluralism, diversity and equity are therefore at the core of Cascadia’s mission. Individual difference is affirmed and celebrated in our community of learning.
v Emergency Procedures: Emergency procedures are posted in each classroom. To reach campus security personnel, dial 425-352-5222. Fire and police may be reached by dialing 9-911.