CHEM 104 Fall 2016 Section 006 3 credit hours CHEM 104: Chemistry and Problem-Solving Fundamentals
Faculty Contact Information
Instructor: Dr. Takita F. Sumter E-mail: sumtert at winthrop.edu
Course meeting: TR 8:00-9:15am, Sims 209 Office hours: MT 1:30p-2:30p; by appt Contact the instructor: Office: Sims 302C Phone: 323-4991
Course Overview
Required Course Materials:
Textbooks:
Chemistry: an atoms-focused approach, by Gilbert
b. Calculations in Chemistry, by Dahm and Nelson
Calculator: any scientific or graphing calculator with which you are familiar. Other electronic devices are strictly prohibited during quizzes and exams.
This course takes advantage of blackboard and several valuable resources are available on Smartwork.
Course Goals: This course is designed to lay the foundation required for a more in-depth study of General Chemistry. The course is designed to cultivate an appreciation of effective problem-solving strategies, chemical principles, ways to address multi-concept problems.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students completing this course successfully will demonstrate competence in basic concepts in general chemistry. Strong quantitative skills and the ability to think critically and solve problems (ULC #1) will be emphasized. These students will also have developed their critical thinking skills evidenced from their ability to apply problem solving approaches to explain phenomena related to matter and energy, modern atomic structure; chemical equations and reaction stoichiometry; solutions; acid-base, redox and precipitation reactions; gases; and chemical nomenclature.
Course Requirements
Class Preparation: While attending the lecture is important, you will not gain a total understanding of the principles presented in this course by just attending the lectures. Many students say that they knew the material, but are unable to answer the questions on the exam. The ultimate test of conceptual understanding is one’s ability to think critically on quizzes and exams. The principles in this course build on those previously covered and will require continuous review of the material.
Pre-class assessment, problem sets and projects: Various exercises will be assigned to test student competencies and provide practice applying concepts required to succeed in chemistry. These exercises will come in the form of pre-class assessments, in-class assessments (clickers), and problem sets. Problem sets will also be assigned to prepare students for quizzes and exams. These items are most often announced via email and posted on the course’s blackboard shell, so check it often.
Quizzes: Quizzes will be given throughout the course and will most often cover the single most important topic of the previous lecture. No makeup quizzes will be given.
Exams: There will be three exams worth 150 points each tentatively on the dates outlined on the course schedule. No makeup exams will be given. If you are absent on the date of a scheduled exam, the appropriate percentage of your final exam grade will be used to replaced the missed exam.
There will be a comprehensive final exam on Saturday, Dec 10, 2016 at 8:00 am worth 300 points covering all topics from this course. You must score at least 50% of the points on this exam to pass the course. Requests to address legitimate final exam conflicts must be submitted one week prior to the last day of classes.
CHEM 104 Fall 2016 Section 006 3 credit hours
Grading:
Class Assessments/Problem Sets (10x 10pts) Quizzes (5x 30pts)
100pts. 150 pts.
Exams (3 x 150 pts) 450 pts.
Final Exam 300 pts.
1000pts
Grade Assignment: A = 92-100% B+= 88%-91.9%. B = 78%- 87% C+ = 75-77.9% C = 67%-
74% D+=65%-66.9% D= 57%-64.9% F = 56% or lower
Additional Policies:
Course evaluations: Student course evaluations are managed via an online system towards the end of the semester. The information below, along with an announcement that the site is opened will be forwarded. Students will sign in with their student number (W12345678) and the Course PIN: 12457
Class Attendance: Required. In accordance with University policy, students must attend at least 75% of the classes to pass the course. Attendance will be considered in the case of borderline grades.
Academic Responsibility: Winthrop University has a strict Student Conduct Code outlined in the Winthrop University Student Handbook. Students should read it carefully and avoid any infractions such as cheating and plagiarism. Violations of Winthrop’s Student Conduct Code will result in failing grade for the entire course. Details of the policy can be found online (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf).
Portable Electronic Devices: Unauthorized use of electronic communication or wireless devices during quizzes, examinations, or other graded activities will warrant disciplinary action under the terms of the Code of Student Conduct. Recording lectures or taking photos is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from the room with a grade of “0” on any assignments associated with the particular class meeting.
During exams and quizzes, students may be temporarily required to deposit cell phones, laptops, or other electronic devices with Dr. Sumter or power down devices for the duration of the specific class. Failure to follow the instructions will result in a grade of “0” on the stated assignment.