Introductory General ChemistryCHE 140 A0Z1 39398
Fall 2013 Online
Instructor: David C. Martin 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Office: Science 203 / Telephone:270-686-4597
Office hours: M 11-1; TR 8-9:15, 11-1; F 8-11 / Email:
Emails will be replied to within 24 hours M-F and within 48 hrs. on weekends and holidays

Technical Needs

This is an online class so the student must have regular access to a computer and the internet for Blackboard.

CatalogDescription

Introduces topics in general chemistry, including properties of matter, stoichiometry, gases, atomic structure, bonding, acids and bases, oxidation and reduction, and nuclear chemistry. Intended for students interested in a one-semester course in general chemistry and recommended for students in allied health fields.

RequiredTextbook/ISBN/Supplies

Introductory Chemistry: An Active Learning Approach, Cracolice and Peters, 5th edition,

ISBN 978-1-111-99007-7. Students need a scientific calculator and a dedicated notebook.

General Education Competencies
. Students should prepare for twenty-first century challenges by gaining:

  1. Knowledge of human cultures and the physical and natural worldsthrough study in the sciences and mathematics, social sciences, humanities, histories, languages, and the arts.
  2. Intellectual and practical skills, including
  • inquiry and analysis
  • critical and creative thinking
  • written and oral communication
  • quantitative literacy
  • information literacy
  • teamwork and problem solving
  1. Personal and social responsibility, including
  • civic knowledge and engagement (local and global)
  • intercultural knowledge and competence
  • ethical reasoning and action
  • foundations and skills for lifelong learning
  1. Integrative and applied learning, including synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized skills.

As such, CHE 140 Introductory Chemistry specifically addresses the following Student Learning Outcomes from the General Education Competencies:

  • Make inferences, evaluate assumptions, and assess limitations in estimation modeling and/or statistical analysis.
  • Apply scientific principles to interpret and make predictions in one or more of the sciences.
  • Explain how scientific principles relate to issues of personal and/or public importance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the methods of science inquiry.
  • Explain the basic concepts and principles in one or more of the sciences.
  • Apply an appropriate model to the problem to be solved.

Assessment methods used in measuring these competencies may include written assignments, small group problem solving, tests, homework, and class participation.

CourseCompetencies

All or parts of the following chapters will be covered:

Unit 1

Ch. 1 Introduction to Chemistry and Active Learning

Ch. 2 Matter and Energy

Ch. 3 Measurement and Chemical Calculations

Ch. 4 Introduction to Gases

Unit 2

Ch. 5 Atomic Theory: The Nuclear Theory of the Atom

Ch. 6 Chemical Nomenclature

Ch. 7 Chemical Formula Relationships

Unit 3

Ch. 8 Chemical Reactions

Ch. 9 Chemical Changes

Ch. 10 Quantity Relationships in Chemical Reactions

Unit 4

Ch. 11 Atomic Theory: The Quantum Model of the Atom

Ch. 12 Chemical Bonding

Ch. 20 Nuclear Chemistry

Research Paper, see below.

Course Outline

The course is divided into 4 units and a research paper. The units each contain several chapters. Each chapter contains instructions on reading the text, watching videos, doing homework problems, and taking a quiz. The first unit will be open for 4 weeks beginning August 19 at 11pm Eastern time and closing September 15 at 11 pm Eastern time. Subsequent units will be open for 5 weeks and will open one week before the previous unit closes. Details are provided in Blackboard under the “Getting Started” tab. Once a unit closes, it will not be reopened.

HOMEWORKwill be assigned every chapter. It will not be graded but the completion of the homework is essential for passing the course.

Several QUIZZESwill be taken throughout the semester, at the end of each chapter. These are not proctored. Generally, a quiz will follow each chapter to test for understanding. The quizzes will count at least 20 points each. Quizzes may be taken twice with the higher score being counted.

EXAMSwill consist of two proctored exams, without books or notes, taken at a site approved by the teacher. There will be a midterm exam and a comprehensive final exam. These exams will count for 350 points each.

A PAPERwill be written about any general topic concerning chemistry. The paper will be worth 100 points and must be submitted or the student will receive an “E” for the course. Specific directions are under “Course Content, Research Paper”.

Grades for the work in this course will be returned to the student within one week of completion of each task.

Grading Criteria

At the end of the semester, all points earned for exams,quizzes, and the paper will be added together and divided by the total number of available points in the course to obtain a percentage average for each student. Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:

  • 90% or above = A
  • 80 up to 90% = B
  • 70 up to 80% = C
  • 60 up to 70% = D
  • Below 60% = E

AttendanceStatement

ATTENDANCEhas a different definition for this course. It means that the student must work consistently to meet deadlines and complete tasks. The responsibility of reading the text, watching videos, completing homework, taking quizzes, taking exams, and completing any other assignment rests solely with the student. Each unit will have a timeline associated with it to keep the student on track.

Late Assignments/Make-up Exam Policy

No late assignments or exams will be accepted.

Withdrawal Policy

From the last day to drop a course without a grade through Oct. 21, a student may withdraw with a grade of W without the instructor’s signature. After mid-term, a signature from the instructor is required. Withdrawal slips may or may not be signed at the instructor’s discretion. Decisions will be made based on the student’s attendance record and attitude in the classroom. If a student has attended regularly and is able to produce evidence of taking the class seriously in the form of completed homeworkassignments, the student may withdraw up until noon on Dec. 6. However, students who have not attended regularly SHOULD NOT ask the instructor to sign a withdrawal slip after midterm.

Disability Accommodations

Students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustment and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Disability Services Office in the Counseling Center, Campus Center Building, Room 102B. The DSO telephone number is 270.686.4528. Dial 711 for TDD protocol. Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Disability Services Office.

Students in global on-line classes are to contact their Home College for disability accommodations and inform their instructors. The Home College DSO contact information is located at this KCTCS website: . Once the student has contacted the Disability Services Officer at the Home College, the Home College DSO will communicate with the student's instructors and/or the Disability Services Officers at the Delivering College in order to coordinate and/or provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations to the student.

In compliance with federal law, including the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, Owensboro Community & Technical College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or military service in its programs or activities: its admissions policies; scholarship and loan programs; athletic and other College-administered programs; or employment. In addition, the College does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation consistent with KCTCS nondiscrimination policy. Inquiries or comments regarding these issues should be directed to the Disability Services Officer/504/ADA Compliance, Owensboro Community and Technical College, 4800 New Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303. Telephone (270) 686--4528, FAX (270) 686-4648.

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)
OCTC has embarked on a five-year Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve student learning through the setting of clear expectations for all OCTC students--expectations founded on our general education competencies and focused on 1) the expression of ideas, 2) the ethical and personal responsibility to be exhibited by every member of the OCTC community of learners, and 3) the life-long need for social/civic interaction and learning. For more information visit:

KCTCS Student Code of Conduct
OCTC and KCTCS strive to maintain an atmosphere of academic freedom and personal respect that creates an environment in which all can be successful. As part of this commitment, KCTCS has developed a Code of Student Conduct that serves as a guide for the student's responsibilities and rights within our academic community. For more information, visit:

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