CHEM 105

Syllabus

Summer 2024

Chemistry 105 – Principles Chemistry I

Learning Objectives: A good chemist will be able to approach and solve complex problems using strong critical thinking skills and communicate these scientific findings to others. The development of these abilities as well as the attainment of a conceptual understanding of introductory chemistry including atomic structure, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics and dynamic chemical equilibrium. At the end of the semester, successful students will be able to apply the course material to problems that require logic, trial and error, and a systematic application of scientific models. Successful students will also be able to effectively communicate scientific concepts to others verbally through in-class paired discussions and through writing on exam questions.

Note on the summer course: The summer term moves extremely quickly and there is no reading period prior to final exams.  Therefore, it is extremely important that you spend time doing both the graded assignments and reviewing the course material everyday throughout the summer term. Please take advantage of office hours that are held every day.

Discussion boards: The best place to post questions about course content will be on the posted discussion boards. Other students (in addition to me) can respond to posted questions and the answers posted will be available to everyone. You are welcome to email and I will respond to the emails, but I will also post the question and responses to the discussion board for the benefit of all. I will not always check my email after 5:00 pm EST.

Reading: Readings will be assigned on a daily basis throughout the semester. Students are strongly encouraged to do all assigned readings prior to discussion in class. A reading (posted on Canvas) will specifically cover some ideas of learning chemistry and study skills that go into this pursuit and should be considered carefully. The topic of active reading an important skill for academic work is discussed  and should receive significant attention.

Canvas resources: The syllabus, previous exams and keys, lecture slides grouped by chapter, lecture guides, problem sets and keys, and practice problems will be posted on Canvas for student use.  I believe taking your own notes during the lecture period is an important part of the learning process and to encourage good note taking, lecture presentations will be posted at the completion of each chapter. For suggestions on good note taking skills, refer to the first reading assignment posted on Canvas.

Homework Assignments: The strongest method for developing problem solving skills is through practice. The homework assignments are designed with this in mind and strive to provide students with a wide variety of problems that will test and challenge them.  Assignments will be posted on Canvas and due (uploaded to Canvas) at the start of each lecture (10:30 am). Each problem set will be graded out of 2 points (2 points for all problems completed, 1 points for partially completed). Problem sets can be uploaded to Canvas as either annotated pdfs, scanned copies, or photos taken with a phone.

Canvas “Clicker” points: Canvas quizzes will be posted each day throughout the semester to encourage active participation while engaging with the posted content. Multiple attempts will be allowed on the daily Canvas quizzes and only the final score will be counted. Each question will be worth 1 point.  At least 10 points will be dropped from the total at the end of the semester and no extensions will be given.

Active learning Zoom groups: On most class days, an active learning group activity will be posted. You will work with the assigned groups via zoom breakout rooms. Completed recorder sheets will be posted on Canvas as an updated word document or PDF. The recorder sheet should contain the names of all group members who were present for the active learning and points will be assigned according to posted sheets. If assigned recorder is not present for zoom meeting, manager should take on recorder role.  Each submitted active learning worksheet will be worth 1 point for submission.

Group roles: Group roles will rotate for each active learning day.

Manager: Manages the team. Ensures that members are fulfilling their roles, that the assigned tasks are being accomplished on time, and that all members of the learning team participate in activities and understand the concepts. Your instructor will respond to questions from the manager only (who must raise his or her hand to be recognized.)

Reader: Reads the activity out loud to the learning team. The reader must monitor their volume so

that their team can hear them, but other learning teams are not disturbed. This helps to keep everyone in the team together. The Manager will tell the Reader when it is time to read the next part of the activity.

Recorder: Records the names and roles of the learning team members at the beginning of each activity. Records the important aspects of the learning team's discussions, observations, insights, etc. The recorder's report is a log of the important concepts that the team has learned.

This person is also responsible for reporting orally to the class when called for in class discussions.

Exams: The course will consist of 1 midterm exam and one comprehensive 2-hour final exam given on the last day of class.  Exams will be given via Canvas and you must have a device with a WebCam to utilize LockDown Browser and Monitor software.  Unless there is a prearranged excused absence (or for documented medical or family emergences), no exam make-ups will be given.

Grading:

Grades will be determined as follows:

Daily Problem sets: 10%

Daily Canvas Clicker quizzes: 8%

Active learning submissions: 2%

Midterm: 35%

1 Final Exam: 45%