CHEM 104 – Chemistry and Problem-Solving Fundamentals

Spring 2012

Required Textbook:

●    Introduction to Chemical Principles, H. Stephen Stoker, 10^th Edition

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.

 Course Outline:

● 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 a class period if you spend time preparing ahead of time. Therefore, you should:

●    Read assignments before class.  This will give you a better understanding of the topics being discussed and you will be able to take better notes and ask more insightful questions. 

●    Attend class.  If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain lecture 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. 

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

●    Take good notes and develop good study habits. 

Exams and Grading:

1. There will be three 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.

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

3.    Quizzes will be given throughout the semester, in class and on Blackboard. The quiz average will be scaled to 100 points. There will be no make-up quizzes.  The lowest two quiz grades will be dropped.  If a quiz is missed, that grade will be one of the dropped scores.

4.     You are expected to complete each reading assignment and assigned homework problems, as listed in the syllabus. Working these problems is necessary to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Most quiz questions will come from the homework assignments.

5.     You have one week from the time a graded assignment is returned to ask questions about the way it was graded.  After a week, I will not change a grade.

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

7.     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://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf

Grades:  I will not discuss grades through e-mail.   If you have a question about your grade, please stop by my office.

Recommend class materials: I recommend that you bring your textbook, notes, completed homework problems, extra paper, a writing utensil and a calculator to every class. 

Exams and Quizzes: You will need a calculator for exams and quizzes.  Cell phones and pagers are strictly prohibited during exams and quizzes.  You cannot use a cell phone as a calculator during exams and quizzes.

Course Withdraw: March 7 is the last day to withdraw from a full fall 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 also be sent via 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.

Practice Problems: You are expected to complete each reading assignment and all assigned practice problems.  End of chapter practice problems from the textbook will not be collected or graded.

Students with Disabilities:  Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible.  Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first exam.

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