CHEM 103 - David R. Anderson, Ph.D.
| Course: | CHEM 103, General Chemistry I |
| Lecture: | 4:30–6:35, MW, SCI 186 |
General Chemistry I is designed to help the student discover and understand the principles of
elements, compounds, and mixtures; chemical reactions and stoichiometry;
atomic and molecular theories; and properties of gases, liquids, solids, and
solutions. It is a freshman college level course for science majors and requires quantitative reasoning skills and math proficiency. Students entering this class
should have had one year of high school chemistry and two years of high
school math. A typical student will need to put in about
eight to ten hours a week outside of class and lab, studying and working practice problems, to achieve satisfactory performance.
| Instructor:
|
Dr. David Anderson, Ph.D. Office: SENG B411 Phone: 255-3154 E-mail: danderso@uccs.edu Web: Dr. Anderson's Web Pages Office hours: 4:30–5:30, TR, or by appointment Note: I respond to email much more reliably
than I do to the telephone, and... |
| Materials: | Required- |
|
| Optional- |
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Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity,
6th Ed, Vol 1; Kotz, Treichel, & Weaver; Thomson, 2006.
Note: This is a custom package containing only those textbook chapters we will use this semester, and it comes bundled with the
Chem 103 Lab Manual. It is available only through our bookstore.Calculators:
Programmable or graphing calculators are not allowed during quizzes and exams. You may use only non-programmable, non-graphing scientific calculators. A recommended model is the TI30XA. It is available in our bookstore. Instructions on using the TI30XA.
Clicker Questions:
Clicker Questions are in-class questions which you answer with your i>clicker. For each question, if you get the correct answer, you will receive 3 points. If you get an incorrect answer, you will receive 1 point. If you do not answer a question, you will receive 0 points. Your clicker score will be normalized to a maximum of 10% of your grade.
We will begin using clickers on the second day of class, and we will register your clicker at that time. Do not register your clicker online.
The clicker is your responsibility. Specifically:
- If you forget to bring your clicker to class, you are out of luck. I will have no loaner clickers, and I will not allow students to share clickers.
- If the batteries in your clicker die, you must replace them. The batteries should last for a couple of years or more, but it is recommended that you change them each year, or carry some spare ones with you.
- If your clicker malfunctions (and you have not knowingly damaged it in some way), you will need to get it replaced at the bookstore.
- If you lose or damage your clicker, you must buy a new one.
- If you have your clicker replaced or buy a new one, you must let me know so we can register it.
- Bringing your friend's clicker to class so you can answer in his or her absence violates the UCCS Academic Honor Code.
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about the clickers.
Online Homework:
Online Homework is worth 12% of your grade (there are 13 homework assignments, but we will drop your lowest score). The homework assignments are in Blackboard (formerly WebCT), and are due by the dates and times indicated there and in the Schedule. Homework submitted after the deadlines will not be accepted. You will be given five attempts at each assignment; only your highest score is counted. Be aware that some of the homework questions will appear on the quizzes and exams (but perhaps using different compounds, reactions, or values).
In addition to homework, Blackboard is where you will also do your Math Skills Assessments, Safety Quiz, and Prelab Exercises, and where you can see your Scores and Grades:
myBlackboard - links to all your Blackboard courses, change password, etc.
CHEM 103: Anderson - Blackboard site for the lecture.
CHEM 103 LAB: Anderson - Blackboard site for the lab.
Safety Quiz - Blackboard site for the lab Safety Quiz.
Access to your Blackboard account requires that you use your campus username.
- Your username is your first initial plus your last name, up to a maximum of eight characters. (e.g., David Anderson = danderso, John Doe = jdoe)
- If there is more than one jdoe on campus, then you will also have some numbers at the end of your username. You can find your username at the IT Help Desk site.
- Your default password is of the format MmmssssL (case sensitive!), where Mmm is your birth month, ssss is the last four digits of your student id number, and L is the initial of your last name. You can change your password at your "myBlackboard" page.
Please note: You must be in the Blackboard database in order to log in to any Blackboard site.
- If you registered during the normal registration process, you should be in the database and enrolled in all your Blackboard courses.
- If, however, you registered late or changed courses, you may not be in the database and will have to be entered individually.
If you are having trouble logging in to a Blackboard course, please email me from your campus email address, giving me your full name, Student ID, and course number and section.
Instructions for using your NT account, opening a UNIX e-mail account, connecting to campus from home, and so on, can be found at the IT HelpDesk site.
Extra Instruction (EI) Sessions:
The Science Learning Center will conduct weekly EI sessions to help students with the end-of-chapter questions assigned in the Study Guides. In addition to the times listed below, groups of students (3-4 minimum) may arrange to meet with a tutor at other times convenient to them. Contact the SLC for more details.
Note: Some of the same end-of-chapter questions done in the EI sessions will appear on quizzes and exams (but perhaps using different compounds, reactions, or values).
Time Tutors Room Mon, 12:05-1:30 Greg, Joseph check SLC Wed, 1:40-2:55 Veronica, Mary check SLC Sun, 1:00-2:30 Joseph check SLC
CHIPS:
CHIPS (Chemistry Interactive Problem Solver) is an interactive, computer-based problem solving aid for General Chemistry students. I hope you will find it useful in learning chemistry and preparing for quizzes and exams. It is installed on the computers in the SLC, or you can download chips_setup.exe and run it to install CHIPS on your own computer.
Grading:
Points Approximate
Grade ScaleHomework (12 @ 10 pts) 120 90% A Clicker Questions 100 88% A- Quizzes (4 @ 25 pts) 100 85% B+ Exams (3 @ 100 pts) 300 75% B Final Exam1 180 73% B- Laboratory2 200 70% C+ Total3 1000 60% C 55% D
1 The Final Exam is in two parts: The first half will be over the new material from Chapters 12-14, and the second half will be comprehensive over the first three exams. Please note: If you are going on to Chem 106, the Final Exam for that course is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that is comprehensive over both semesters.
2 Pay close attention to the policies in the Laboratory Syllabus. If you accumulate three scores of zero in the lab, you will receive an F for this entire course.
3 There is no extra credit available from reports, papers, projects, or presentations. Your grade is determined exclusively by your performance on homework, clicker questions, quizzes, exams, and lab.
Quiz and Exam Policies:
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make-up quizzes or exams will be given. If you know in advance that you must miss a quiz or an exam, we will arrange for you to take it in the
Testing Center at some time prior to the scheduled exam period. You must have a documented excuse such as a university function, professional conference, jury duty, etc., and you must fill out an
Test Accommodation Form, turn it in to me at least one week prior to the time you wish to take it,
and make an appointment with the Testing Center
(MH 105, 255-3354). - You may miss one quiz or exam without prior notice due to illness, accident, or emergency, and I will give you a grade based on the average of your other scores, but a documented excuse (doctor's note, etc.) will be required. Absences for other reasons (family trip or vacation, for example) are not excused. Any further quizzes or exams missed or unexcused absences will result in a grade of zero.
- Please note that in this H1N1 flu season I will not require a doctor's note for an influenza-like illness. The CDC recommends that ill individuals with influenza symptoms self-isolate in their homes or dorm rooms and not attend class or work until 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the help of medicines such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen). This can sometimes take as long as seven days.
- If you have a fever along with flu-like symptoms and feel like you need to speak to medical personnel, you should call the Student Health Center at 719-255-4444 (x4444 from an on-campus phone). Staff will determine if you need to come in for further evaluation, or if you should remain at home or in your dorm room and rest.
- Any quizzes or exams missed without a documented excuse will receive a grade of zero.
- Returning quizzes and exams: Graded quizzes and exams are usually returned during the next scheduled class period. Papers not picked up will be available in a box outside the SLC.
- Regrading: If you feel an error has been made in grading your exam, you may submit it for regrading within one week after it has been returned. Aside from obvious errors of omission in grading, if you are seeking partial credit or differ with the grader's interpretation of your answer, then I will be happy to regrade your entire exam.
- Academic Honesty: Cheating will absolutely not be tolerated. The consequences of cheating range from a warning to a failing grade for this course, or even possibly expulsion from the University, depending on the severity of the infraction. Please read the UCCS Academic Honor Code.
Classroom Courtesy:
- The important point is not to disrupt your classmates. Many of them are here to learn, and disruptive behavior hampers their ability to do so effectively.
- You should be in your seat and ready to begin class on time and stay the entire class period. Straggling into class late, leaving early, or packing up your belongings prior to the end of class is disruptive to others around you and to me.
- Steady conversation with neighbors while I am lecturing makes it extremely difficult for those around you to concentrate on what I am saying, and is very annoying to me as well. Individuals who continue to talk while I am lecturing will be asked to leave.
- Cell phones and other electronic communication devices must be turned off during class. Such devices may be confiscated and held until the end of the semester if they disrupt the class.
- Students who continue to disrupt a class will be referred to the Dean of Students.
The Science Learning Center:
The Science Learning Center provides drop-in tutoring, supplemental instruction, computer modules, Blackboard access, and other academic support to students in chemistry, physics, biology, and other science classes. Students who use the SLC earn higher grades. Stop by the SLC in Science Room 145 to find out how you can become a better student.
Disability Services & Testing Center:
UCCS is committed to providing equal educational opportunity for all students who meet the academic admissions requirements. The purpose of Disability Services is to provide comprehensive support to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities.
If you need to take a quiz or exam early, fill out the Test Accommodation Form and bring it to me. You must also make an appointment with the Testing Center (MH 105, 255-3354).
Military Students:
If you are a military student with the potential of being called to military service or training during the course of the semester, you are encouraged to contact your UCCS course instructor no later than the first week of class to discuss the class attendance policy. Please see the Military Students website for more information.
Is CHEM 103 Right for You?
During the second class period you will take a "Reality Check" (a 25-question diagnostic test) to help you determine if you have a sufficient background for this course. If you find that you do not do well on this diagnostic text or you are struggling in the material CHEM 103 you may want to consider the following options:
Reality Check review...
If you feel that redoing the problems in the Reality Check will help you get prepared for this course, go to the SLC and rework the problems. Please get help from the SLC staff to understand the problems that you are having difficulty.If you struggled with the math problems in the Reality Check...
You may finding that taking the following math course helpful before taking Chem 103.MATH 104-3. College Algebra. An in-depth study of algebraic equations and inequalities. Comprehension of the underlying algebraic structure will be stressed as well as appropriate algebraic skills. The study will include polynomials, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions as well as systems of equations/inequalities. Prerequisites: Score 12 or more on algebra diagnostic exam.
If you had trouble with the chemistry concepts in the Reality Check...
You may find that the following chemistry course will prepare you for Chem 103/106 series. If you wish to transfer from 103 into 115 during the current semester, you must do so within the first five weeks. (Alternatively, you can take it another semester.) Please note that this is a 4-credit class, so you will drop one credit in transferring from 103 to 115.CHEM 115-4. Preparatory Chemistry. Lecture and lab. Preparatory chemistry lecture for students who have not taken high school chemistry. Prepares students for general chemistry (CHEM 103-106). Credit is granted only if no other college chemistry credits have been earned. Does not count towards the LAS natural science area requirement. Prerequisites: One year high school algebra or concurrent enrollment or completion of MATH 104.
To make this transfer, please contact Susan Epperson, sepperso@uccs.edu, SENG B331, x3638.