MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

A North Harris Montgomery Community College

COURSE SYLLABUS

for

CHEM 1405

INTRODUCTORY CHEMISTRY

 

CATALOG DESCRIPTION

This course is intended for students who have never had chemistry, or need a refresher course in chemistry. It covers the metric system, atoms and elements, bonding, solids, liquids, gases, stoichiometry, solutions, reactivity, and acids and bases. The lab includes experiments in inorganic chemistry.

The importance of understanding each topic in the course cannot be overemphasized. Chemistry is truly a course that relies on understanding early topics before an understanding of later topics can be realized. Since Introductory Chemistry is partially a skills course, there will be quite a few problems to work. It is suggested you purchase a calculator. (It is advantageous to have one with scientific notation capabilities.)

If you are having difficulty with a particular topic, be certain to get individual help promptly. I encourage you to seek help when you need it, because after the quiz/exam is over, it is too late to get help! There are tutors in the ELC to assist you. Also, lab time gives plenty of opportunity for one-on-one help from the instructor.

 

CREDIT

Credits: 4 (6 contact hours per week, combination of lecture and lab activities)

 

PREREQUISITES

One year of high school algebra or credit in MATH 0308 or equivalent with a grade of "C" or better.

 

ADA STATEMENT

NHMCCD is dedicated to providing the least restrictive learning environment for all students. The college district promotes equity in academic access through the implementation of reasonable accommodations as required by The Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title V, Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) which will enable students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from all post-secondary educational programs and activities. If you require reasonable accommodations because of a physical, mental, or learning disability, please notify the instructor of this course within the first 2 weeks of the term.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the successful completion of CHEM 1405, students will be able to:

1. Solve problems using procedures outlined in class.

2. Identify the states of matter and the transitions between them.

3. Compare elements, compounds and mixtures.

4. Apply the Law of Conservation of Matter to balance chemical equations and solve simple stoichiometry problems.

5. Determine atomic structure and chemical properties of elements from their positions in the periodic table.

6. Perform conversions between molarity, mass of solute and volume of solution.

7. Draw the Lewis Structure of a simple compound from its formula.

8. Know the rules for nomenclature of simple inorganic compounds.

9. Identify acids and bases, acidic and basic solutions and calculate pH.

10. Know the properties of gases and the gas laws and apply the laws to problem solving

11. Demonstrate ability to carry out laboratory experiments using common chemical measuring devices and safety precautions.

 

INSTRUCTOR / OFFICE / SEMESTER

Helga Kocurek

B200P

Fall 2000

 

PHONE / E-MAIL / INTERNET

Fax 936-273-7362

eMail (preferred) Helga.Kocurek@nhmccd.edu

Website http://wwwmc.nhmccd.edu/~hkocurek

WebCT http://eClassroom.nhmccd.edu

 

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Required Texts:

Recommended Resources:

Required Materials:

Recommended Materials:

 

TOPICS/SCHEDULE

The course is divided into 6 modules containing a number of resources and activities. Completion of each module will result in a grade for that module. Refer to "Evaluation" to determine how each module and the comprehensive final exam will be weighted in determining your final grade.

 

EVALUATION

Exams for each module will be taken in the testing center. Each exam will be available in the testing center for a full week.

Modules are weighted based on the total points included in each module: To determine your final grade fill in the following table:

 

Module

Grade

Weight

Points = Grade*Weight

1

0.14

2

0.17

3

0.15

4

0.15

5

0.12

6

0.15

Final Exam

 0.12

 Total Points = Final Grade

A = 100 - 90% B = 89 - 80% C = 79 - 70% D = 69 - 60% F = Below 60%

 

GROUP WORK

Students will be assigned to small groups of 3 to 4 students. Homework problems will be assigned to groups for each chapter. Groups will be expected to meet outside of class to work on group problems. Additionally, at least thirty minutes of class time will be devoted each week to group activities. Homework problem mastery will be evaluated in a variety of ways. These will be described in class. You must be present to receive credit for any activity, whether in class or lab, that your group completes. A grade of 0 to 10 will be assigned for each member of the student's group depending on whether the answer and explanation is complete and correct.

Also, groups are expected to teach one 20 min. segment per module. The topic should be chosen well in advance to leave time for adequate preparation. Grading for the presentation will be based on preparedness (how well does each group member know the topic), materials used (such as visual aids, models, games and assignments for the rest of the class) and presentation. Each group member is expected to be involved in the preparation and should be responsible for one area of the presentation.

Additionally, if all members of a group score 80% or above on a given exam, then 3 points will be added onto each group member's test grade.

 

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Homework problems are assigned for each module. See the modules for specific problems.

 

ATTENDANCE EXPECTATIONS

For the vast majority of students, regular attendance is necessary for success in this course. Experience indicates that if you miss more than three classes, your performance may be effected.

Handouts will only be given during the class for which they are intended. If you miss class, ask a group member to take a handout for you, or make a copy from his/her handout.

Being late for class is disruptive to the class. Please be prompt. The disruption caused by late arrivals is unfair to the other students in the class, to the instructor, and to the students involved. Students who are late to class should be sure to check with the instructor at the end of the class to see if he/she has been marked absent. Students are expected to be in class for the entire class length. Leaving class early may be regarded as an absence.

If you miss more than three classes, you may be withdrawn from the class by the instructor. However, if you decide to withdraw from the class, you must complete the appropriate forms (see below). Excessive absence or unsatisfactory progress after the withdrawal date may result in a failing grade being assigned at the conclusion of the course.

If you decide to drop or no longer attend class, please inform your instructor and your group members.

NO LONGER ATTENDING CLASS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE WITHDRAWAL FROM THIS CLASS, NOR DOES A STUDENT'S NOTIFICATION TO THE INSTRUCTOR THAT THE STUDENT WISHES TO BE DROPPED. FAILURE OF A STUDENT TO FILL OUT A "SCHEDULE CHANGE FORM" TO OFFICIALLY DROP THIS CLASS MAY RESULT IN A GRADE OF "F."

THE LAST DAY TO DROP THIS CLASS AND RECEIVE a "W" IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2000, BY 4:00 P.M. AFTER THIS DATE, NO WITHDRAWALS WILL BE ISSUED.

Incomplete grades are assigned very rarely. Any incomplete grade must be completed by the end of the following term.

In general, there will be NO OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAKE-UP OF EXAMS, QUIZZES OR LABS.

Exceptions may be made in extreme circumstances for students with a current class average of 80 or better.

 

CHEATING

The lab write-up, internet quizzes and exams are to be completed by the individual students. The instructor reserves the right to assign a 0 when the work is done with outside help.

The lab modules, homework assignments and group presentations are to be completed as a group. Therefore, they should have the names of all group members on any papers turned in. Should the members of indicate to the instructor that one member of the group did not participate, the instructor reserves the right to assign a 0 to that student for the group assignment.

 

EXTRA CREDIT

Sometimes, missing a class or lab is unavoidable. To make up for missed grades, Student Success Seminars may be attended for extra credit.

The ELC offers Student Success Seminars throughout the semester. Schedules are available in the ELC. The following seminars are approved for extra credit in this class:

College Life, Test Taking Strategies, Time Management, Managing Reading Assignments, Notetaking, Your Memory, Brain Basics.

To receive credit, attend any of the seminars. Write a short summary of the topic covered, especially the ideas and suggestions that might help you in this class or in college in general. Turn the summary in within one week of attending the seminar. Each seminar/summary can earn you up to 5 points extra credit in the module that is covered at that time.

 

LAB GUIDELINES

 Each laboratory exercise will be evaluated by a prelab assignment due at the beginning of lab and a lab report at the end of the lab exercise. It is imperative that you understand the WHY of the exercise before you leave the lab.

The post-lab questions and data-sheets wlll be due one week after the lab. No late lab reports will be accepted under any circumstances. A lab assignment which is missing the post-lab questions and the data-sheet will be valued at a maximum of 10 points.

Each complete exercise will be valued at 20 points.

You will be required to write a report on the lab, which is your "ticket" for admission to the lab. If your background information report is not complete at the beginning of lab, you will not be allowed to participate in lab and will receive a 0 for the lab assignment.

There are no opportunities to make up missed laboratory periods. For each lab missed you will receive a grade of 0 If a student misses a lab class, he/she may turn in the pre-lab assignment (done by him/her individually, not the group) and research report before the next class for a partial lab grade (5 points)

Lab activities may be divided into three parts:

a. Pre-lab activities (background report and pre-lab questions)

b. Laboratory activities (data-sheets)

c. Post-lab activities (complete data calculations and post-lab questions)

The evaluation of lab reports is based on correctness, proper format, completeness, accuracy of drawings and other data, and legibility.

If a report is submitted that is unreadable by the instructor, it will be returned to the group ungraded to be rewritten. Each group will only have the opportunity of one returned report for no penalty. After one returned report, any other illegible reports will not be graded and will be recorded as zeroes.

Remember, the appearance of your lab report is a reflection on the care and pride that you take in your work. A hastily done report reflects a lack of concern about the work you are doing and communicates a lack of pride and care in your work very clearly to the person examining your report.

Only one set of pre- and post-lab questions and data-sheet will be turned in per lab group. All group members together should turn in one paper. Two identical papers constitute cheating and will result in a 0 for the entire lab. The individual lab background reports of all group members will be stapled to the pre-lab questions of the group and turned in at the beginning of class as one paper.

All data should be collected on scratch paper, not in the laboratory textbook or module. When all data collection is complete and all calculations are done, then transfer them to the appropriate section of the module to submitted for evaluation. (Alternatively, one module may be used during lab, another module handed in.)

Guidelines for laboratory background reports:

Each lab background report will be typed and organized as follows:

  1. Title of lab exercise
    These may be copied from the lab manual.
  2. Purpose of the exercise
    In your own words.
  3. Background Information
    This should be a thorough explanation of the chemical knowledge needed to complete this lab. Do not copy from the lab module! Use your textbook and at least one other book as source to understand and document the material. Make sure you quote the source in your report and add a bibliography.
  4. A list of hazards and precautions.
    These may be copied from the lab manual.

It has to be turned in by each individual student and is the ticket for admission to the lab. The report will be ready for evaluation by the instructor at the beginning of the lab period. The student will not be permitted to do the lab exercise if the report is not complete. Group members must write separate reports.

 

Please utilize the lab time for one-on-one tutoring with the instructor.

APPROVED PROTECTIVE EYEWARE MUST BE WORN WHILE IN THE CHEMISTRY LABORATORY!