CHEM 101 002 Course Syllabus Fall 2024

Department of Chemistry, Physics, Geology and the Environment

General Course Information

Course Name:  CHEM 101-Applying Chemistry to Society

Instructor:  Mrs. Kristen Kull

E-mail: kullk@winthrop.edu

Office: Sims-107B (see schedule for office hours)

Phone: (803)323-4921

Section/Term:  Section 002; Fall 2024, Aug 20 – Oct 4, course # 13137.

Lecture:  This course is taught entirely online

Course Credit Hours: 3

 General Education Approved Course:   This course fulfills 3 credit hours towards the Natural Science General Education Requirement as a Physical Science.

Syllabus Changes: I will make changes to this syllabus as needed and mistakes will be corrected as necessary.  I will send an email notifying you of any changes to this syllabus.

Time Commitment:   We will cover an entire semester of chemistry in 7 weeks, completely online.  Thus, this will be a time-consuming course in which you should expect to spend 1-3 hours per day working on this course in order to successfully pass the course with a “C” or higher. 

Communication

Requirements for Communicating through Email: You are required to use your Winthrop University email address when communicating with classmates or me through email. All communications about this course will be sent by me to your Winthrop email address and you are required to use your Winthrop email address when sending emails to me.  When sending me an email, please use “CHEM 101” in the subject line. If you use another email account, it is possible that your email will go to my junk folder.

Expected Response Time: I will respond to emails within one business day.  Since this course is so fast paced, I will be online every day and will respond to emails I receive during the day quickly.  If you send an email over the weekend and do not get a reply over the weekend, I will respond to all weekend emails first thing Monday morning.  If you do not get a response within one business day, please email me again.

Communication and Questions:  Due to the self-directed nature of this course, I recognize the likelihood you will need to seek additional clarification, feedback, or assistance. While open communication is an indispensable facet of online-learning - and therefore highly encouraged - I do ask that when you have a question, please follow the steps below:

Questions about course content or assignments:

1.    Consult the Syllabus and the Getting Started section. Both are updated in accordance with questions and concerns posed by previous students.

 

2.    For technical questions, check the Blackboard How-To’s and the Web Directory of Support Resources pages.

 

3.    Check the Ask a Question forum in the Discussion Board. The page is available for you to ask questions about the course content, the syllabus or assignments.

 

4.    Peruse other entries. Start a new thread or post if answers have not yet been answered. Post a new question.

5.    For private communication, please email me directly, kullk@winthrop.edu.

                                   

F24 Teaching Schedule

Course Section

Dates

CRN

  Mode

S/U W/D

Final

Chem 101

 

 

 

 

 

 Chem 101 002

1st half sem. (Aug 19 – Oct 4)

13137

Online

9/18

10/3

Chem 101 001

2nd half sem. (Oct 9- Dec 2)

13021

Online

11/13

11/29

 

 

Availability: Virtual Office Hours (planned and by request) *

DAY

 

TIME

MODE

LOCATION

By appointment

 Title must include course and section, (ex. CHEM101002) and include phone number with 3 dates/times available; messages sent via WU email are not guaranteed a response.

The times selected below were completely random.  I will adjust according to input for a more suitable time for your schedule. Provide input via BB email or discussion board to coordinate.

Monday

 

10:30-11:45 am

VIRTUAL

https://winthrop-edu.zoom.us/j/89697667838

Tuesday

 

11:30-1:00 pm

VIRTUAL

https://winthrop-edu.zoom.us/j/89697667838

Wednesday

 

9:45-10:30 am

VIRTUAL

https://winthrop-edu.zoom.us/j/89697667838

Thursday

 

4:30 – 5:30 pm

VIRTUAL

https://winthrop-edu.zoom.us/j/89697667838

Friday

 

10:00-11:30 am

VIRTUAL

https://winthrop-edu.zoom.us/j/89697667838

*Dates and times subject to changed due to use, student input, and instructor conflict.  For example, a medical appointment on my part may cause cancellation of a single session.  If there is poor or lacking attendance, a whole session may be changed or deleted for the semester or increased based on student requests. 

                                                      

 

 

Course Description and Goals

Course Description:   CHEM 101 is a general education natural science course for non-science majors. In this course, we will focus on the basic chemistry needed to understand several environmental issues.

Student Learning Outcomes:

CHEM 101 is a general education natural science course for non-science majors. In this course, we will focus on the basic chemistry needed to understand several environmental issues.  Thus, a successful student in CHEM 101 will:

1.      be able to explain the chemistry behind the topics we discuss in class;

2.      demonstrate an understanding of the basic science vocabulary encountered in the course;

3.      demonstrate an understanding of how human activities influence the local and global environment

 

 

University-Level Competencies: Competency 1: Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems.

Winthrop University graduates reason logically, evaluate and use evidence, and solve problems. They seek out and assess relevant information from multiple viewpoints to form well-reasoned conclusions. Winthrop graduates consider the full context and consequences of their decisions and continually reexamine their own critical thinking process, including the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments.  Throughout this course, students will work on developing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  Students will use their chemistry knowledge to investigate how chemistry is involved in our daily lives.

REQUIRED Material and Computer Requirements

·       Labster is the interactive resource we will be using.  A code is available through the bookstore.  Student fees will reflect the cost.

·      You will need a scientific calculator. There are solar models which will handle the mathematical calculations necessary, the cost around $30. A programmable calculator is not necessary.

·      Computer with access to the Internet and Microsoft Word and Power Point.

·      Openstax Chemistry, Atoms First. The resource is available online.  Portions may be downloaded and printed.

Computer Usage:  You will need to have a computer with access to the internet and use of an internet browser to access course materials and complete course assignments.  You will also need to have Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in order to view and complete assignments.  If you do not have a personal computer, there are various computer rooms on Winthrop’s campus for student use.  Please visit Academic Computing for a list of available computer labs, Academic Computing Lab Schedule.

Technical Support: Please contact Winthrop’s IT department with technical issues.  You can email the help desk at helpdesk@winthrop.edu.  For additional information, please visit the Academic Computing website, Academic Computing Website.

Blackboard: This course is managed through Blackboard.  For more information on Blackboard, please visit the Department of Online Learning at Office of Online Learning. 

Respondus Lockdown Browser: This course requires the use of Lockdown Browser for online exams. Lockdown Browser is, as the name implies, a web browser like Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, and is installed on your computer in the same manner.

You can install Respondus using the link Respondus LockDown Browser. More information is available in Blackboard and through this U-Tube video


 

General Education Requirements:

CHEM 101 fulfills three hours of general education requirement for natural sciences. Listed below are the fundamental student learning outcomes for natural science courses that this course will meet as well as examples of how they will be fulfilled in CHEM 101. 

Students should be:

3.      Able to discuss the strengths and limitations of science. (e.g., ozone depletion, the enhanced greenhouse effect and radiation exposure.  )

4.      Able to demonstrate an understanding of the history of scientific discovery. (Discussions will focus on the history of the discovery of subatomic particles that exist in an atom and the history of carbon dioxide and temperature data over the last 160,000 years and detection of ozone depletion over poles)

5.      Able to discuss the social and ethical contexts within which science operates. (e.g., discussion of the social and ethical impacts of nuclear power.).

7.      Able to discuss the application of scientific knowledge to the social sciences and to non-scientific disciplines. (the entire course does this)

Writing Requirement

The General Education writing component (9 pages required) for this course will be met in various ways:

A.      Project 0- Introduce Yourself, 1 page or 1 video; response to 3 classmates

B.      Project 1- Compound Interest  - Individual Project  [3 pages (paper), or presentation w/slides (6+), or informational video (3-6 minutes); plus reference pages]

C.      Project 2 – (Choose 1 option, specify on discussion board and list members)

-       Group Project {2-3 members}; (book/ paper/movie/website/social media, etc. Current or special interest (w/approval), 5 pages (paper) or presentation w/slides (10+) or informational video (4-8 minutes), plus reference pages

-       Individual Project {1 person, no duplicate topics, must specify on discussion board

-          Topic ideas

a.      Chemistry/Science in the media – (book/ paper/movie/website/social media, etc. Current or special interest (w/approval)

b.      Critical Element and Compounds

c.       Boot List (Earth Fare)

D.     Project 3- Critique of the Labster Program

E.      Project 4 - Short answer and essay exam questions- [on hold at this time]

 

Written responses are evaluated for accuracy and content along with grammar, syntax and spelling.

1. Blackboard First Day Introductions (20points): Late posts receive a 25% deduction.  Assignment requirements are posted in Blackboard in the Getting Started Folder.

2. Labster Connectivity Check (5 pts)

3. Labster Simulation - Homework and Quizzes via attempts/completion (525 points): All quizzes will be valued at 35 points each. Top 5 scores from each block will be recorded for the final grade.

·       Quizzes, and simulations administered through Labster by way of Blackboard connection. They will include a variety of different kinds of questions including, but not limited to, multiple-choice, fill in the blank, short answer, and essay questions.

·       Complete quizzes by their due dates.  Late, between 1 min and up to 24 hours receive 10% penalty. Quizzes and assignments 24-48 hours late for are accepted with a 25% penalty.  More than 48 hours late will receive a 50% penalty.

·       Each quiz is to be completed with no assistance, either from an individual or electronic/computer aid. Use only the materials provided in the exam along with a calculator, writing utensil and scratch paper, and periodic table.   

·       If you have computer problems during a quiz, you must send me an email right away.  If it is after hours, send me an email and I will get back to you first thing in the morning.

4. Block 1 and 2 Quizzes via Blackboard (50@2)

5. Blackboard Discussion Projects (250 points):  We will have three course projects that will be due throughout the semester.  Details of each assignment are located under Projects in Blackboard. Projected topics are (1) Chem. Interest; (2) Boot List; and (3) Chemistry/Science in the media (book/ paper/movie/website/social media, etc.  Late assignments are accepted with a deduction, post grading.

5. Respondus LockDown Browser Practice Quiz (0 points):  You may be required to use the Respondus Lockdown Browser to take quizzes/assignments.  Directions for using Respondus Lockdown Browser are located in the Getting Started folder in Blackboard. Practice quiz is located in the Getting Started Section. (on hold at this time).


Grading Scale and Point Distribution


Letter grades will be assigned as follows:


Percent

 pts poss =

Top Labster scores (15*35) + Profects 0-3 + Quizzes

A

100

900

91.0

819

A-

90.9

818

88.0

792

B+

87.9

791

86.0

774

B

85.9

773

80.0

720

C+

79.9

719

78.0

702

C

77.9

701

70.0

630

D

69.9

629

59.6

536

F

59.5

536

0


 


 

Graded Assignments

 

Activity

#

Points each

Total Points

1

Blackboard First Day introductions [1(self) + 3(others) = 4 part]

1

20

20

2

Labster set-up check

1

5

5

3

Labster Quizzes and Simulations (there are more opportunities for quiz completion [~840 pts], however only top 5 scores per block will go into final score [525]. Block 3 is designed for individual selection of topic exploration.

The highest 5 labster scores per block will be included in final grade

24

35

525

4

Blackboard Discussion Projects

3

 

250

5

Block 1 and 2 Quizzes via Blackboard

2

50

100

6

Respondus LockDown Browser Practice Quiz (postponed at this time)

0

0

0

 

Total Course Points

 

 

900*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

 

 

.

 

 

 


 

All grades will be recorded in Blackboard with an average grade column so that you can keep track of your grades throughout the course.

Viable submission means the assignment is submitted to the proper location, and a file type which I am able to open (example *.doc, *.docx, *.pdf; HEIC files cannot be opened on my end).

All work must be submitted by Oct 3.

You should carefully read the Winthrop University Student Conduct Code printed in the Winthrop University Student Handbook.  As noted in the Student Conduct Code: Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals. This policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the Student Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy in the online Student Handbook https://www.winthrop.edu/studentconduct/winthrop-university-student-handbook.aspxhttp://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/studentconduct/StudentHandbook.pdf

 

Any student caught violating the Conduct Code will receive a zero for the assignment and be reported to the Dean of Students and possibly receive an “F” for the course.

 

 

Respondus LockDown Browser

This course requires the use of Lockdown Browser for online exams. Lockdown Browser is, as the name implies, a web browser like Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, and is installed on your computer in the same manner

 

Please watch the short video below for a helpful explanation on what features Lockdown Browser includes for your online exam.  Respondus LockDown Browser U-Tube Video  

 

Now that you have an understanding of what Lockdown Browser is, please download it by following the link posted below. If you have Lockdown Browser installed on your computer from another institution, such as USC or York Technical College, you will still need to download Lockdown Browser using the link below. This installation is specific to Winthrop University. If you have an older machine, you may want to review the minimum system requirements before installing.  Respondus LockDown Browser Download

 

Once you have installed the browser, you will find it listed alongside the rest of your programs. In order to take your test, you must use this browser to access Blackboard. Trying to use a different browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, will lock you out of the exam.

 

In addition, because you will be taking these exams remotely, exams will require the use of your computer’s webcam and microphone.  This feature-set is referred to as Lockdown Monitor in the above video.  Lockdown Monitor requires Adobe Flash to work correctly, which you can download at

Adobe Flash Player Download

                                                                  

 

To ensure that Respondus LockDown Browser is working correctly on your computer, you will find a practice exam in the Getting Started Module in Blackboard.  You can find the Getting Started Module under the Course Content section on the Course Menu.  You are required to take this practice exam to ensure you identify and resolve any complications with Respondus prior to taking the actual exams.  Because exams will require that you use your computer’s webcam and microphone, you will be required to test that these devices are working properly. 

 

If you encounter issues taking the exam, you are to follow the troubleshooting steps provided within the Monitor environment. If you are unable to resolve the issues on your own, please contact the Office of Online Learning at blackboard@winthrop.edu or at 803-323-2122 during business hours.

 


 

Attendance

We will cover an entire semester of chemistry in 7 weeks, completely online.  Thus, this will be a time-consuming course in which you should expect to spend 1-3 hours per day working on this course in order to successfully pass the course with a “C” or higher.  However, in  weeks, you will be completely finished with this 3-credit hour course.

Classroom Etiquette

Students are expected to display tolerance for others’ views on Discussion Blogs.  Students are also to refrain from the use of any inappropriate language. Open and mutually respectful communication of varied opinions, beliefs, and perspectives during online discussion encourages the free exchange of ideas that is essential to higher learning and to the ability to learn from each other.  Use the same standards of behavior online as you would if you were face-to-face.  The instructor reserves the right to terminate any discussion where these guidelines are violated.

Student Responsibilities in an Online Course

Many students find that responsibilities for online courses differ from traditional courses.  The following statements help identify your responsibilities for this course.  You will be required to read these and sign that you accept them.  If you decide that you are unable to meet these responsibilities, then you may want to consider taking a traditional version of this course instead.

1.   I will ask questions immediately if I don't understand the instructions or due dates for assignments.

2.   I will organize my time in order to complete my assignments in a thoughtful and timely manner.

3.   I will be responsible for completing assignments when they are due.

4.   I understand that failure of technology is not an excuse for turning assignments in late.

5.   I understand that there are other sources of technology for me to use if my primary source fails, such as libraries, campus labs, or friends' computers.

6.   I understand that sometimes the class uses a third-party software such as Blackboard and that I would need to contact those companies directly as soon as I have technical problems.  I will also contact my instructor to let him/her know that I am experiencing technical problems.

7.   I will participate fully in collaborative assignments by writing respectful and scholarly comments.

8.   I will log in to class every day and spend an appropriate amount of time each day completing course materials.

Academic Integrity

 

You should carefully read the Winthrop University Student Conduct Code printed in the Winthrop University Student Handbook.  As noted in the Student Conduct Code: Responsibility for good conduct rests with students as adult individuals. The Student Conduct Code, Academic Misconduct Policy is on page 64 of the online Student Handbook, Link to Student Handbook

 

All students will adhere to the University's Appropriate Use Policy (AUP) and the Web Policy available online.  Link to Appropriate Use Policy

                         

Guidelines for Success

 

A successful online student...

 

Working daily. Since this course is only 7 weeks long, it is imperative that you work on the course daily. Be sure to read your Winthrop email regularly throughout the day. Check the syllabus and course schedule for all assignments and due dates.

Connects with fellow students. Use the course tools to interact with your peers. In discussions, make personal connections to your peers. A virtual chat tool is available as an option in Blackboard Collaborate Email another student for questions or feedback or to share a personal connection.

Schedules time to complete course assignments. You need to work on this course every day, so make specific time in your schedule to do that. Setting a daily work schedule that you will devote to this course will help you to keep pace with the assignments and devote the time you need to this course.

Does not stay in the dark. If you do not know something or something does not quite make sense, ask questions. Open the forum to look for similar issues and potential answers. You may also contact your instructor directly for more personal questions or comments.

Reads carefully. The syllabus and course schedule are important in this course as tools to remind you what’s due and what the expectations are. Knowing what is expected, the course goals, what we are doing and where we are going is important to staying connected and completing your work.

Student Resources

Students who are enrolled in online courses are entitled to the campus resources made available to on-campus students. These resources include admissions counseling and health services, library, student services, and recreational facilities. Questions regarding access to these resources should be directed to your assigned academic advisor.

Writing Center:  The Writing Center, located in 242 Bancroft Hall, provides free consultation and tutoring. You are encouraged to seek assistance there when drafting or revising your essays. The Writing Center’s website is particularly helpful, and contains information on everything from documenting sources correctly, to punctuating correctly, to evaluating Internet sources (Link to Writing Center Information). Please call the Writing Center to schedule an appointment well in advance of your assignment due date (803-323-2138) or schedule an appointment online (Link to Schedule a Writing Center Appointment).

Academic Success Center:  Winthrop’s Academic Success Center (ASC) is a free resource for all undergraduate students seeking to perform their best academically. The ASC offers a variety of personalized and structured resources that help students achieve academic excellence, such as academic skill development (test taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), group and individual study spaces, and academic coaching. The ASC is located on the first floor of Dinkins, Suite 106. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or success@winthrop.edu. For more information on ASC services, please visit Academic Success Center.

Computer Usage:  You will need daily access to a computer with internet access.  If you do not have a personal computer, there are various computer rooms on Winthrop’s campus for student use.  Please visit Academic Computing for a list of available computer labs, Academic Computing Lab Schedule.

Technical Support:  Please contact Winthrop’s IT department with technical issues.  You can email the help desk at helpdesk@winthrop.edu.  For additional information, please visit the Academic Computing website, Academic Computing Website.

Students with Disabilities:  Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) at 323-3290.  Once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office of Disability Services, please inform me as early as possible in the semester.

CAS diversity and inclusion:  At Winthrop University in the College of Arts and Sciences, diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our academic mission and institutional identity. We value and see others as whole people. Our faculty, staff, and students work together to create a community where people of all races, ethnicities, genders and gender identities, sexualities, socioeconomic classes, cultural backgrounds, nations of origin, ages, religions, political perspectives, abilities, and body types can truly thrive.

COVID Statement: Although COVID-19 has reached an endemic phase it is still important to remain vigilant as we face a recent rise in positive cases.  As socially responsible members of this community, everyone is expected to engage in daily health self-monitoring, to stay home (residence hall or off-campus housing) from on-campus class, work, or activities if they begin experiencing any COVID-related symptoms.

When experiencing any COVID-related symptoms, students are expected to contact Health Services by completing the QI form in the Patient Portal and respond to the nurse who will contact them with instructions. COVID positive residential students are required to follow their QI plan for 5 days of isolation off campus so be prepared with a back-up plan as well.

By acknowledgement, you agree to Winthrop’s expectations of you regarding health monitoring and reporting.

 

 


Assignments-Due dates F24_Chem101002_1st_half

 

Date (NLT)

Class Day

*

Assignments

Submitted by 11:59 pm

Text Focus Sections

Suggested Homework Problems (answers to odd problems found in book)

Points

8/20

1

 Class official start

 

 

 

8/22

3

Meet the Instructor/Classmates

Discussion Board

 

 

20

8/23

4

Labster test

 

 

5

8/25

6

Labster Block 1 Assignments, Exp 1, 2

 

 

2@35

8/27

8

Project 1, Part A

Disc board

Type project, Topic selection

10

8/29

10

Labster Block 1 Assignments, Exp 3, 4

 

 

2@35

8/31

12

Labster Block 1 Assignments, Exp 5,6

 

 

2@35

9/1

13

Block 1 Quiz via Blackboard

 

 

50

9/2

 

Labor Day

 

 

 

9/3

14

Labster Block 1 Assignments, Exp 7,8

 

 

2@35

9/5

16

Labster Block 2 Assignments, Exp 9,10

 

 

2@35

9/8

19

Project 1, Part B

Disc board

Final assignment

90

9/10

21

Labster Block 2 Assignments, Exp 11,12

 

 

2@35

9/12

23

Labster Block 2 Assignments, Exp 13, 14

 

 

2@35

9/14

25

Project 2, Part A

Disc board

Type project, Topic selection

10

9/16

27

Labster Block 2 Assignments, Exp 15, 16

 

 

2@35

9/17

28

Block 2 Quiz via Blackboard

 

 

50

9/18

29

W/D and S/U deadline

 

 

 

9/19

30

Labster Block 3 Assignments, Exp 17-19

 

 

3@35

9/22

33

Labster Block 3 Assignments, Exp 20-22

 

 

3@35

9/25

36

Labster Block 3 Assignments, Exp 23-25

 

 

3@35

Complete course evaluation -  https://winthrop.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ (to be updated)

Each student will sign in with their student number (W--------) and section CRN.

Available dates                     Course              Section

Sep                                         Chem 101         Section CRN: 13137     Section 002, 1st ½ sem

Nov                                        Chem 101          Section CRN: 13021     Section 001, 2nd ½ sem

9/29

40

Project 2, Part B

Disc board

Final assignment

90

10/1

42

Labster Block 3 Assignments, Exp 26-28

 

 

3@35

10/3

44

Project 3 Evaluate Labster Program

Final Evaluation

 

 

50

 * Class day– counting scheme: Official WU student down days are not included in day count.

 

This is a tentative schedule and will be updated as needed. This document may be adjusted as needed during the semester. The student is responsible for being aware of any changes and so should check Blackboard course page for changes to this syllabus. There will always be notification sent from the announcements

-        Assignments from Labster will be linked in to Blackboard and should be completed/ submitted there.

-        There is no time limit on an individual graded event, but the Events must be submitted by the due date.