(Office
Hours: SIMS312A- TR 4:00-5:15 PM)
Course Objectives:
Course Outline: This is the first half of General
Chemistry, a rigorous chemistry course for incoming science majors.
The class will cover a wide range of modern chemical
topics. The thematic focus of the semester will be "Structure and
Energy." The sequence of topics initially parallels the formation of
our universe, beginning with light, followed by examination of nuclei, then
atoms, building to molecules, and finally collections of molecules culminating
in examination of the materials modern societies rely upon for quality of life.
All chemistry is based upon physics; a good deal of classroom
discussion will focus on underlying physical principles. For example,
molecules, liquids, and solids are held together nearly entirely by
electrostatic charges (Coulombic attractions).
The exchange between kinetic and potential energy and the distribution of
kinetic energies among large groups of particles represent fundamental concepts
used extensively throughout all science and engineering disciplines.
Thermodynamics will be closely examined this semester to provide an early
introduction for students and to allow the discussion of intermolecular forces,
boiling points, vapor pressures and other topics to be presented from a
thermodynamic perspective..
Over 80% of our nation's energy needs come from chemical
energy production; most of the rest from nuclear power. We will examine
these subjects and develop a fundamental understanding of these processes; we
will examine and discuss the inherent limitations on energy production governed
by the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Because of its relevance, students usually find this material
to be quite interesting. During the semester, we will examine these
specific subjects:
Schedule: Class lectures are scheduled TR at the
appointed hour in Sims105. A mandatory class recitation session will be
conducted every Wednesday for problem solving and for further examination of
principles being covered in lectures that week.
The course syllabus provides the specific class lecture schedule,
topics, announced graded exercises, and assignments. All course
information is posted on the chemistry department's web page
(chem.winthrop.edu).
Class Preparation: You are responsible for all
assigned material and for all material discussed in lecture. You are
expected to take detailed notes during each lecture and will be responsible for
everything discussed in class throughout the remainder of the course. For
each class I recommend that you do the following:
Graded Exercises
Grades: Percentages will be calculated based upon total
earned points divided by total points tested. You must score better than 50% on
the final exam to pass the course. You must score an A on the final exam
to earn an A in the course. The
following grade range will be used: A = 93-100%; A- = 88-92%; B+ = 85-87%; B =
80-85%; B- = 76-79%; C+ = 72-75%; C = 66-71%; D = 56-66%; F = <66%
Attendance: You are expected to attend all
class meetings for the full scheduled time. A student who is absent for
any reason is responsible for obtaining the assignments from the instructor or
a classmate. Roll will be taken occasionally and the attendance practices of
students will be taken into account when final grades are assigned. Absence
from a test or quiz without a written doctor's excuse or similar external
agency valid documentation is inexcusable. An unexcused student absence
will result in a zero for the missed grade AND a deduction of 20-100 points
(determined by the weight of the missed test) from the student's previously
earned points in the course. For excused absences, missed exercises will
not be included for neither earned nor total points
when calculating overall course grades.