Syllabus, CHEM 101-4T Spring 2011, page 1
Instructor: Glenn V. Lo, Ph.D. Office: Beauregard 130 Phone: (985) 448-4547 Email:
Office Hours: MWF 9:00-9:40 am, 10:40-11:00 am, TTh: 9:00 am -12 pm, 1:30-3:00 pm or by appointment. The instructor is available for online consultations (through Blackboard's virtual classroom), by appointment.
Catalog Description. CHEM 101. General Chemistry I. 3 3 0. Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 101. The nature and properties of matter including the common elements and their compounds. Periodic classification, atomic and molecular theories, and the relation of atomic and molecular structure to chemical behavior. For students needing only one year of chemistry or as preparation for various health related programs – Nursing, Dietetics, etc. An introduction to CHEM 208. Degree credit will not be given for both CHEM 101 and 105. This course is also available via Internet. Basic computer knowledge is required for students enrolled in the Internet section. (40.0501)
Prerequisite or corequisite: MATH 101.
Textbook: Lo and Janusa, Chemistry: The Core Concepts (Kona Publishing, ISBN number 9781935987017). This is an eBook that you can read on your own computer (a PC or Mac). You will need to first download the reader program (NookStudy) from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nookstudy/ to be able to read the eBook. If you do not have your own computer or need a hardcopy, please let me know asap so that I can make alternative arrangements with the publisher.
The code for the eBook can be bought from the campus bookstore or online from Barnes and Noble
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/books/product.aspx?box=9781935987017&pos=-1&EAN=9781935987017
Supplements:
· i>Clicker response pads. You only need one for all your courses at Nicholls.
· The course website is set up at the Nicholls Blackboard TM server: http://blackboard.nicholls.edu You must access this website on a regular basis. At this website, you will find course announcements, a copy of this syllabus, Powerpoints, and links to various online resources.
· Online homework is posted at http:// i-assign.com. Instructions for accessing the website are posted on the Blackboard course site.
Course Goals: To teach students the fundamental concepts of Chemistry and their real-world applications. CHEM 101, as a Core Curriculum course, fulfills three hours of general education requirements in the area of the natural sciences and is thus designed to enable students to meet the following broad outcome for all the natural sciences:
Goal: Upon completion of the undergraduate curriculum, students will be able to comprehend and to apply the basic principles of science and methods of scientific inquiry. For further explanation of the learning objectives associated with this goal, go to http://www.nicholls.edu/gened/goals_objectives.html.
CHEM 101 is also designed to enable students to meet the following goals from the core skill area:
Higher Order Thinking and independent Learning: Upon completion of the undergraduate curriculum, students will be able to think critically, independently, and creatively so that they can make informed and logical judgments of the arguments of others, arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions, and formulate and apply ideas to new contexts.
Quantitative Reasoning: Graduates will be able to comprehend and to use quantitative concepts and methods to interpret and to critically evaluate data and to effectively problem-solve in a variety of contexts demanding quantitative literacy.
CHEM 101 meets these goals by the following course-specific student learning outcomes.
Student Learning Outcomes. At the end of this course the student will be able to:
· use basic Chemistry vocabulary in proper context
· interpret standard symbolic representations of nature and natural phenomena
· interpret real-world phenomena using ideas pertaining to atoms, molecules, and ions
· perform calculations and other tasks that apply basic chemistry concepts
For education majors, this course addresses the following Louisiana Grade Level Expectations (GLE) for Chemistry: properties and changes of properties of matter (PS-M-A1 through A9) transformations of energy (PS-M-C1, C2, C3, C7), measurement and symbolic representation (PS-H-A1, A2) atomic structure (PS-H-B1 to B3), structure and properties of matter (PS-H-C1 to C5), chemical reactions (PS-H-D1, D3, D5, D7), energy (PS-H-F2), interaction of energy and matter (PS-H-G1). Details can be found at http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/ssa/1842.html#Chemistry.
Course Content.
The following chapters from the eBook will be covered:
Chapter 1. What is Chemistry
Chapter 2. Measurements
Chapter 3. Atoms, Ions, and Molecules
Chapter 4. Basic Physics Concepts
Chapter 5. Classification of Matter
Chapter 6. The Periodic Table
Chapter 7. Compounds
Chapter 8. Chemical Changes
Chapter 9. History of Atomic Theory
Chapter 10. Quantum Theory
Chapter 11. Atomic Orbitals
Chapter 12. Electron Configuration
Chapter 13. Periodic Trends in Atomic Properties
Chapter 14. Molecular Structure
Chapter 16. Intermolecular Forces
Chapter 17. The Mole Concept
Chapter 18. Molar Mass
Chapter 19. Elemental Analysis
Chapter 20. Stoichiometry
Chapter 21. Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
Chapter 22. Molarity and Solution Stoichiometry
Chapter 23. Ideal Gas Behavior
Chapter 24. Counting Gas Particles
Course Requirements.
Requirement / Maximum Required ScoreOnline Homework / Ongoing / 50 points
Class Participation / Ongoing / 50 points
Exam I. Covers all topics in Chapters 1-6 / 3/3/2011 / 100 points
Exam II. Covers all topics in Chapter 7-11 / 4/7/2011 / 100 points
Exam III. Covers all topics in Chapters 12-20, except Ch. 15 / 5/3/2011 / 100 points
Final Exam. Covers Chapters. 1-24 / 5/10/2011; 10:30-12:30 / 100 points
The exams are cumulative with emphasis on material covered since the last test. These tests consist of multiple choice questions. Answers to multiple-choice questions must be submitted on a Scantron sheet. The final exam is comprehensive and is all multiple-choice.
Class participation points are earned by responding to questions in class using the i-Clicker response pads. You earn 0.5 point for submitting an answer and 0.5 points for submitting a correct answer. Maximum possible score, 50 points.
Online Homework. Instructions for online homework are provided on Blackboard (see Course Documents). Each homework assignment is worth 2.0 points, regardless of how many questions are in the assignment. I-Assign shows your homework score as a “scaled score.” I only require 50 points, which you can obtain by getting a perfect score on 25 assignments.
Bonus points, up to 30 points, may be earned for optional work. These will be announced on Blackboard.
Methods of Evaluation. Course grades will be based on total points earned in the requirements listed above (see Course Requirements section).
A: at least 450 points, B. 400-449 points, C. 350-399 points, D. 300-349 points, F. less than 300 points
An adjustment of this scale may be made at instructor's discretion. Your final exam score will replace ALL exam scores that are lower. The Final Exam is required, regardless.
Checking your Grades. Click on the My Grades button on Blackboard. Exam scores will be posted within 3 days after each exam. Homework scores will also be updated at that time. You can check your current homework score at anytime on i-Assign.
Make-up. The final exam will serve as make up for any missed exam; no excuses necessary. If you miss the final exam, with a valid, verifiable excuse, a make-up will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. No make-up work will be given for online homework, class participation, and bonus points. If you have a valid, verifiable excuse, the instructor may make adjustments. Your instructor is aware of technical problems that could occur with technology and will take them into consideration to adjust scores for class participation and online homework, if necessary.
Attendance. Students should be aware of consequences of absences to their eligibility for financial aid.
Academic Honesty. Section Five of the Code of Student Conduct, ‘Academic Dishonesty and Disruptive Behavior,’ includes a requirement that faculty file a charge complaint statement with their respective dean whenever a student is confronted or disciplined for cheating. The Office of Academic Affairs will maintain these records, and any student confronted and/or disciplined for multiple offenses of academic dishonesty will be brought before the Academic Affairs Integrity Committee for further review and potential sanctions. Please read the Code of Student Conduct for further details regarding this policy.
Withdrawals. The last day to withdraw form the class with a “W” is March 28, 2011.
Academic Grievances. The proper procedure for filing grade appeals or grievances related to academic matters is listed in Section 5 of the Code of Student Conduct and at the following link:
http://www.nicholls.edu/documents/student_life/code_of_conduct.pdf.
Continued Learning following an Extreme Emergency. In order to make continued learning possible following an extreme
emergency, students are responsible for:
· reading regular emergency notifications on the NSU website;
· knowing how to use and access Blackboard (or university designated electronic delivery system);
· being familiar with emergency guidelines;
· evacuating textbooks and other course materials;
· knowing their Blackboard (or designated system) student login and password;
· contacting faculty regarding their intentions for completing the course.
Faculty are responsible for:
· their development in the use of the Blackboard (or designated) software;
· having a plan for continuing their courses using only Blackboard and email;
· continuing their course in whatever way suits the completion of the course best, and being creative in the continuation of these courses;
· making adjustments or compensations to a student’s progress in special programs with labs, clinical sequences or the like only in the immediate semester following the emergency.
Disabilities. If you have a documented disability that requires assistance, you will need to register with the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in Peltier Hall, Room 100-A. The phone number is (985) 448-4430 (TDD 449-7002
DISCLAIMER. This syllabus is not a contract and no part of it should be construed as such. The syllabus is subject to change. Students will be notified of these changes in a timely manner.