CHEM 104 – Chemistry and Problem-Solving Fundamentals

Spring 2020

Required Materials:

●    Text: OpenStax Chemistry digital text. https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-atoms-first

●    A scientific calculator with logarithms and exponential functions (cell phones may NOT be used).

Course Goals:

●   Gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of chemistry.
●    Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.
●    Build a foundation of good study habits and knowledge for more advanced scientific studies.
●    Better understand how science and chemistry relate to the world around us.

University Level Competencies: 

●   Competency 1: Winthrop graduates think critically and solve problems. 
●   Competency 2: Winthrop graduates are personally and socially responsible. 
●   Competency 3: Winthrop graduates understand the interconnected nature of the world and the time in which they live. 
●   Competency 4: Winthrop graduates communicate effectively

 Course Outline:

• This is a hybrid course. Lecture materials are presented online via videos. Class time is used for problem solving sessions and assessments (quizzes and exams)

• This is an intense problem solving course that will develop a solid foundation in chemistry and critical thinking skills.

In this course, we will examine the following topics:

●   Unit Systems and Dimensional Analysis
●    Basic Concepts of Matter
●    Subatomic Particles, Isotopes and Nuclear Chemistry
●    Electronic Structure and Chemical Periodicity
●    Chemical Bonds
●    Chemical Nomenclature
●    Chemical Calculations: The Mole Concept and Chemical Formulas
●    Chemical Calculations Involving Chemical Equations
●    States of Matter
●    Gas Laws
●    Solutions
●    Acids, Bases and Salts
●    Chemical Equations: Net Ionic and oxidation-Reduction

Class Preparation: You will get more from each weekly meeting if you spend time preparing ahead of time. Therefore, you should:

●   Watch the video lectures by the assigned dates in the syllabus, and complete Blackboard assignments on time. Classroom time is for problem sessions, so come to class prepared with specific problems/topics that you want clarified. This allows you to benefit most from the weekly face to face time. 

●    Attend class.  If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from another student in the class. You are also responsible for any announcements or schedule changes made during class, whether or not you were present. 

●    You are responsible for any announcements made in class, via Blackboard, or by email. Make sure you have access to your Blackboard account, that your correct email is included in the class listserver, and check your email and Blackboard accounts at least once a day for any updates.

●    Devote time to study each day.  This is a rigorous course that requires daily preparation.  Work homework problems daily.

●    Take good notes and develop good study habits. Many students with good work ethics often still need to change how they approach studying for this course. Working problems independently is necessary to improve your comprehension and problem solving skills. Supplemental work with tutors or fellow students can also be advantageous. 

Exams and Grading:

• There will be five exams worth 100 points each. No make-up exams will be given.  Tentative exam dates are noted on the course schedule.  If you miss an exam with a valid excuse, the missed exam grade will be replaced with your final exam grade scaled to 100 points.

• There will be a comprehensive final exam, worth 200 points.  You must take the final exam in order to pass the course.

  • The final exam for section 004 will be on Wednesday, May 1 at 11:30 AM in SIMS 112

• Quizzes and objective assignments will be given throughout the semester via Blackboard and in class. Normally there will be two blackboard quizzes per week. You will be given at least three days to complete each quiz, so missed quizzes due to computer/internet issues is not a valid excuse and you will receive a zero for that grade. There will be no make-up quizzes.  The lowest three quiz grades will be dropped.  If a quiz is missed, that grade will be one of the dropped scores.

• You are expected to complete each reading/video assignment prior to the lecture dates listed in the syllabus. This is necessary to complete the Blackboard quizzes and text homework assignments. Hyperlinks to the video lectures are accessed via the syllabus and in the Blackboard quiz summaries.

• You have one week from the time a graded assignment is returned/posted on Blackboard to ask questions about the grading.  After a week, I will not change a grade.

• Letter grades will be assigned as follows: A 88 - 100%; B 76 - 87%; C 66 - 75%; D 56 - 65

• 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 http://www.winthrop.edu/uploadedFiles/studentconduct/StudentHandbook.pdf

Exams and Quizzes: You will need a scientific calculator (one with exponential notation, logarithms, and orders of operation) for exams and quizzes. 
Use of cell phones and sharing of calculators are both strictly prohibited during exams and quizzes.

Course Withdraw: March 11 is the last day to withdraw from a full semester course with an automatic N grade issued.  Students may not withdraw from a course after this date without documented extenuating circumstances as determined by the University.

Communication: Information may be sent via Blackboard or the Class List Server. If you added the course late or are not receiving emails, go to http://www.winthrop.edu/technology/default.aspx?id=7081 to add yourself.
If you have any questions, call, e-mail, or see me before/after class to set up an appointment.

Attendance:  You are expected to attend all class meetings. You are responsible for all announcements made in class. Absence or lateness does not excuse you from this responsibility. You are also responsible for any announcements/assignments posted vial blackboard or email, so you should check your email and Blackboard accounts daily.

Students with Disabilities/Need of Accommodations for Access:

Winthrop University is committed to providing access to education.  If you have a condition which may adversely impact your ability to access academics and/or campus life, and you require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Office of Accessibility (OA) at 803-323-3290, or, accessibility@winthrop.edu,as early as possible to discuss your concerns.

Academic Success Center: Winthrop's Academic Success Center 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 tutoring, academic skill development (test taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), and group/individual study spaces.  The ASC is located on the first floor of Dinkins, Suite 106.  Tutoring for this specific course is offered through the office.  If you wish to request a tutor, you must attend ONE Tutee Seminar, offered every Friday until mid-semester. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or success@winthrop.edu if you have any questions.  For more information on ASC services, please visit www.winthrop.edu/success.

***This document may be adjusted as needed during the semester. The student is responsible for being aware of any changes and so should check the department website, chem.winthrop.edu, prior to every class for changes to this syllabus.

This is a tentative schedule and will be revised as needed.