CHEM 104 – Chemistry and Problem-Solving Fundamentals

Spring 2023

Required Materials:

●    Text: OpenStax Chemistry digital text. https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-atoms-first-2e

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

●    A computer with internet access and a webcam (used for online exams).

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

Preparation: In order to succeed in this course you must keep up with the assignments and manage your time wisely. Therefore, you should:

● Watch the video lectures as soon as the corresponding quizzes are posted, 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/practice 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. 

● Work out all problems on paper, whether for exams, quizzes, or practice, and make sure to keep track of units and significant figures. This develops better problem solving skills, aids you in catching careless mistakes, and helps me or your tutors in troubleshooting your work. In addition, parts of some quizzes and exams will require you to show your work in order to receive credit.

● Use your time wisely. Online quizzes typically have at least a three day window to complete and have multiple attempts (with different questions every time). Start your attempts early rather than waiting until the deadline. Review previous attempts so that you may learn from your mistakes before taking the quiz again. This also gives you time to ask me for assistance between attempts.

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 002 will be on Friday, April 28, at 11:30 AM in SIMS 111.

• Quizzes and objective assignments will be given throughout the semester via Blackboard. 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. Make sure to read and follow the quiz instructions carefully.

• You are expected to complete each reading/video assignment prior to beginning each online quiz/exam. Video links are included in the instructions for each assessement, and are also available from this syllabus. This is necessary to complete the Blackboard quizzes and text homework assignments.

• 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

• F: 0 – 55%

• 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. You will also need a computer with internet access and a web camera for exams (and for a ‘quiz’ to test your equipment).

Course Withdraw: Tuesday, March 21is the last day to withdraw from or SU a full semester course.  Students may not withdraw from a course after this date without documented extenuating circumstances as determined by the University.

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 104” in the subject line. If you use another email account, it is possible that your email will go to my junk folder. I will reply as promptly as possible, depending on my availability. If you do not hear from me within 24 hours on weekdays, or 48 hours on weekends, please send me a reminder in case your email did not get through.

Attendance/participation:  You are expected to actively participate in the course, and keep up with all announcements made in Blackboard or sent via email. Participation includes attending class, replying to emails requesting a response, completing online assignments, and contacting the instructor with any questions or concerns. Absences include not responding to instructor requests and failure to complete online assignments.

Online learning: Any student enrolled in courses at Winthrop regardless of modality (traditional in-person, online, hybrid, ...) is entitled access to all campus resources. These resources include, but are not limited to, admissions counseling, recreational facilities, and health, library, and academic services. Questions regarding access to these resources should be directed to the assigned academic advisor.

COVID-19 Statement:
The health and safety of the campus community is Winthrop’s top priority. As socially responsible members of this community, everyone is expected to engage in daily health self-monitoring and to stay home (residence hall or off-campus housing) from on-campus class, work, or activities if they begin experiencing any COVID-related symptoms. Please do not attend class if you have a fever or any signs of the COVID virus, do not attend class if your roommate or someone you have close contact with acquires the virus, and be respectful of others’ desire to remain COVID-free. Masking on campus remains optional but strongly encouraged, especially in indoor settings around others. Use the Patient Portal COVID-19 form to report illness or exposure and upload the positive test, if relevant. Students who violate WU guidelines will be asked to comply. Continued failure to comply may result in referral to the Dean of Students Office as a student conduct violation.

COVID-Related Absence

Students should contact Health Services regarding a positive test, close contact, or enhanced COVID-like symptoms. Any student who has either tested positive, has COVID-like symptoms, or has close contact with someone who has COVID, must contact Health Services. Students should log in to the Patient Portal to complete a C19 form and upload the positive test, if relevant. Health Services will communicate with the student on what steps to take next, and if need be, the Dean of Students Office will receive absence verification for required isolation and quarantine. Students who verify their absences through the Dean of Students Office often minimize any academic impact caused by missed class time. Students retain a responsibility to communicate with instructors regarding missed work, and complete assignments in a timely manner as they are able. Regular communication with faculty is expected so that student progress in the course is not negatively impacted. Health Services will only provide dates of absence, not medical information. Please note, residential students who test positive must follow their personal COVID Quarantine and Isolation Plan.

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 virtual tutoring 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 www.winthrop.edu/success

To utilize ASC Peer Tutoring during the 2020-2021 semester, students must enroll in and complete the Tutee Seminar on Blackboard. A two minute video on how to enroll so can be found on the bottom of the www.winthrop.edu/asc webpage. Upon completing the Tutee Seminar, students can register for up to two ASC Peer Tutors each semester via Tutor Trac ( www.winthrop.go-redrock.com ). Students who experience any difficulty with the registration process can contact the ASC at 803-323-3929 or success@winthrop.edu

***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, regularly for changes to this syllabus.

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