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Text:
Kotz, J.C.; Treichel, P.M.; Weaver, G., Chemistry and Chemical Reactivity, 6th ed., Thomson Brooks/Cole: U.S.A., 2006.

Click here for the Companion web site for the textbook.

Outcomes:
This course will introduce the student to the laws, theories, and principles of general chemistry.  Problem solving is strongly emphasized.  Upon successful completion of this course, a student should be able to:

•  Understand the scientific method and use it to solve problems.
•  Use problem-solving techniques to solve chemical and everyday problems.
•  Understand the make-up of the atom and how atoms combine to form molecules.
•  Name ionic and binary covalent compounds.
•  Predict the shape and polarity of molecules.
•  Predict the products of some chemical reactions and be able to balance all reactions.
•  Understand the use of moles and use them to calculate quantities of compounds.
•  Describe the current theory of electronic structure and its historical basis.
•  Qualitatively and quantitatively describe the interactions between matter and energy.
•  Describe how to prepare solutions and calculate their concentrations.
•  Communicate experimental findings verbally and in writing.
•  Work as a collaborative member of a group.

Assignments:
The student should read the relevant chapters of the text as given in the course outline. Each chapter in the text has examples of the types of problems encountered, followed by "Exercise" problems for the student to solve. These are a great opportunity to try out problems: the answers are given in Appendix N.

The Study Questions at the end of each chapter should be worked out. Answers to the blue-numbered Study Questions are given in Appendix O at the back of the text. I will not collect this homework but you must be able to do these problems to pass the tests. Tests and quizzes will depend heavily on these types of questions. I have included a list of recommended homework problems.

The CD-ROM included with the textbook contains interactive tutorials to help you understand fundamental concepts and help you problem-solve your way to understanding. The CD-ROM is an excellent resource - use it.

A chemical demonstration project is 10% of your grade and includes a pre-lab report, the performance of a chemical demonstration for 6th grade students, and the preparation of a poster to accompany the demonstration.

You are responsible for reading ahead in the textbook before we cover the material in class. I will call on students to answer questions. Be PREPARED.

HELP!
My office hours are listed on my home page.  If these are inconvenient for you, please make an appointment with me for another time.  You can come with specific questions or just to go over problems.  Don't let yourself fall behind before you seek help!!  You can also leave me questions at either of the e‑mail addresses given at the top of the page.  I check my mail every day so I will be sure to get your message and reply as soon as possible.  You can also use my e-mail to set up a time to meet or ask questions.  Other avenues: speak with your advisor about tutorial help or you can get free tutoring by signing up at the College skills center located in GA 2.

For tips on how to study chemistry, click here.

Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory.   Excessive absence can be cause for loss of a grade or failure. 

Grading:
There will be 3 scheduled exams and daily quizzes. The quiz average will count as one exam. The lowest exam grade (scheduled or quiz average) will be dropped. Exams and quizzes count for 50% of your final grade. A comprehensive final will count for 15%, a chemistry demonstration project will be worth 10%, and the laboratory grade makes up the other 25% of your total grade.

Final Letter Grading:

Tentative Schedule:

The comprehensive Final Exam will be scheduled by the Registrar sometime in the period from December 13-15.

LABORATORY

Laboratory Manual:  Cooper, M.M. Cooperative Chemistry Laboratory Manual, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill:  New York,  2006. 

Safety glasses must be worn at all times in the laboratory. Contact lenses should not be worn in the lab.  Please advise me if this is a problem.

Lab grading:

All laboratory work will be performed in a cooperative learning group. 10% of of your laboratory grade will depend on the assessment of your group members regarding your participation, cooperation, and contributions. Another 30% of your laboratory grade will be a group grade, given to the entire working group for summaries, proposals, and presentations.

Projects will be graded according to the following scheme:

Each project will be weighted according to the level of involvement required of the student :

Tentative Laboratory Schedule:

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