CHEM 100
Molecules and Life in the Modern World
Section 1001 online
Fall 2014
Great Basin College
Instructors: Drs. Mira T. Kurka and Gary Hanington Contact: WebCampus email preferred
Office:
Lundberg 123C
Phone: 775-753-2330
Office Hours: M-F 7:30-11am
Text:
Basic Chemistry, Fourth ed. 2014, Karen C. Timberlake & William Timberlake.
Pearson
ISBN-978-0-321-80928-5
Important: You MUST register for MasteringChemistry (all graded assignments, quizzes and
tests will be given here) at www.masteringchemistry.com . The Course ID is:
CHEM100FA2014MCKURKA.
Catalogue Description:
Introduction to chemistry in its many forms and applications, physical and organic, with
consideration of environmental and social issues. Includes online laboratory activities.
Prerequisite: MATH 096 or higher.
Course Description:
This is an introductory course in chemistry that may be used either as an introduction
before moving on to higher levels of college chemistry or as a fulfillment of general science
credit for any degree. The general headings of topics to be covered include measurement,
the structure and naming of atoms and compounds, the construction and use of the
periodic table of the elements, chemical quantities and reactions, stoichiometry, gases,
liquids and solids, reaction rates and chemical equilibrium, acids and bases and oxidation
and reduction. A more specific outline of the topics to be covered and the schedule for the
semester is attached.
Objective:
The primary objective of this course is for students to understand concepts and
interrelationships involving chemical phenomena. With this understanding it is hoped that
the student will then use it in problems of everyday occurrence or move on to a higher level
of chemistry with more depth in problem solving and more laboratory experience. It is
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also an objective of this course that the students understand the scientific method and its
role in problem solving.
Method of Instruction:
This is a fast-paced (not self-paced), rigorous internet course. We will be using the
Mastering Chemistry program provided by Pearson for all homework, quizzes and exams.
In addition, the WebCampus platform is our home base, where all announcements,
communication and weekly Modules can be found. The Modules will contain each week’s
activities and expectations.
Learning Outcomes and Measurement:
The following table presents the expected learning outcomes for CHEM 100. Learner
outcomes will be measured by the weekly quizzes and by a mid-term exam (Ch. 1-7), and a
final exam (Ch. 8-15).
Expected Learning Outcomes
Define chemistry and identify substances
as chemicals.
Explain the scientific method and review
math skills used in chemistry.
Determine and manipulate units of
measurement used in chemistry.
Use scientific notation, significant figures,
prefixes and conversion factors.
Define and classify matter, physical and
chemical properties and changes.
Convert between temperature scales.
Identify kinetic and potential energy.
Use specific heat to calculate heat loss or
gain.
Demonstrate recognition of elements and
their symbols.
Use the periodic table, describe the atom,
atomic number and mass, and isotopes.
Explain electronic structure, draw electron
configurations.
Use electron configurations to explain
trends in periodic properties.
Write formulas and name ionic compounds
(transferring electron).
Write formulas of polyatomic ions.
Measurement
Chapter 1 homework
Quiz 1
Mid-Term Exam
Chapter 2 homework
Quiz 2
Mid-Term Exam
Chapter 3 homework
Quiz 3
Mid-Term Exam
Chapter 4 homework
Quiz 4
Mid-Term Exam
Chapter 5 homework
Quiz 5
Mid-Term Exam
Chapter 6 homework
Quiz 6
Mid-Term Exam
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Write formulas and name molecular
compounds (sharing electrons), and
organic compounds
Define and calculate problems using the
mole, molar mass, mass percent
composition, empirical formulas and
molecular formulas.
Balance chemical equations.
Identify types of inorganic and organic
reactions.
Calculate quantities of substances using
moles and molar mass.
Identify limiting reactants, calculate
percent yield.
Measure energy in chemical reactions.
Draw electron dot formulas, predict shapes
of molecules.
Understand electronegativity and polarity.
Describe changes of state (gas, liquid,
solid).
Describe the properties of gases.
Determine the relationship between gas
pressure, temperature and volume through
the gas laws.
Define solutions, solutes and solvents.
Calculate quantities for chemical reactions
in solution.
Use solubility rules.
Describe how temperature, concentration
and catalysts affect rates of reactions.
Explain chemical equilibrium.
Describe and name Arrhenius acids and
bases, and organic acids.
Chapter 7 homework
Quiz 7
Mid-Term Exam
Chapter 8 homework
Quiz 8
Final Exam
Chapter 9 homework
Quiz 9
Final Exam
Chapter 10 homework
Quiz 10
Final Exam
Chapter 11 homework
Quiz 11
Final Exam
Chapter 12 homework
Quiz 12
Final Exam
Chapter 13 homework
Quiz 13
Final Exam
Chapter 14 homework
Quiz 14
Final Exam
Chapter 15 homework
Quiz 15
Final Exam
Balance oxidation-reduction equations
using half-reactions.
Identify spontaneous reactions.
Evalution:
Homework (15% of total grade):
All homework will be completed in MasteringChemistry. Problems, tutorials, and activities
have been carefully chosen for you to maximize your understanding and increase the
facility with which you solve problems.
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Chapter Quizzes (30% of total grade):
All quizzes will be completed in MasteringChemistry. Students will complete quizzes
associated with each chapter, and these will be available from Thursday through Sunday
(deadline 11:59 pm). Try to take quizzes from a computer with fast, reliable internet
connection, and do not wait until the last minute (in case technical difficulties arise).
Immediately contact the GBC Helpdesk (775-753-2167) if technical problems surface.
Exams (55 % of total grade):
The Mid-Term and Final Exams will be delivered in MasteringChemistry. They will be
short, comprehensive multiple choice exams; the Mid-Term will cover Chapters 1-7 and the
Final will cover Chapters 8-15. The Mid-Term will be available from Thursday to Sunday,
and the Final will be available from Thursday to Wednesday.
Grading:
Grading will be based on all activities, with the following weighting:
Homework
15%
Quizzes
30%
Exams
55%
Extra credit is not available.
A
95-100%
A90-94%
B+
87-89%
B
84-86%
B80-83%
C+
77-79%
C
74-76%
D+
67-69%
D
64-66%
D60-63%
F
<59%
A student may receive a “W”grade only if withdrawal occurs by October 27, 2014. To
withdraw, the student must inform the instructor by email why the withdrawal is taking
place, and must formally withdraw through student services. Anyone who does not
formally withdraw and does not complete the course will receive an ‘F’ grade. ‘I’ grades for
‘Incomplete’ will be given only under the most extenuating circumstances, and only with the
prior approval of the instructor.
Attendance Policy:
It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up to date with reading, assignments,
quizzes and exams. It is the student’s responsibility to complete work on time.
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Hints for Success:
 In order to pass this course you must actively participate in your education and
study!
 Keep up to date on reading.
 Do as many problems in the back of the chapters (in addition to the homework
assigned) as you need to feel comfortable with the material.
 Ask questions if you are confused. Make sure you understand material before
continuing to the next concept, because later chapters build on the earlier ones.
Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada
System of Higher Education (NSHE) outlined in the GBC Catalog. Students will specifically
be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other students
and the instructor in all communications.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by
the instructor and Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class,
academic suspension, or expulsion. All exams, quizzes, and homework must be the
student’s own work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s wore, ideas or data as one’s
own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas or data as one’s own.
When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source
of that material must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references;
and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well.
Students with Disabilities:
The college catalog states, “Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational
opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal
laws and regulation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of
disability. The ADA Officer, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with
disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and
services. For more information or further assistance, please call 777-753-2271”.
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Week
1 – Aug. 25
2 – Sept. 1
Topics
Chapter 1: Chemistry in Our Lives
Chapter 2: Measurement
3 – Sept 8
4 – Sept. 15
5- Sept. 22
6 – Sept. 29
7 – Oct. 6
8 – Oct. 13
9 – Oct. 20
10 – Oct. 27
11 – Nov. 3
12 – Nov. 10
13 – Nov. 17
14 – Nov. 24
15 – Dec. 1
16 – Dec. 8
Chapter 3: Matter and Energy
Chapter 4: Atoms and Elements
Chapter 5: Electronic Structure and Periodic Trends
Chapter 6: Ionic and Molecular Compounds
Chapter 7: Chemical Quantities
Chapter 8: Chemical Reactions
Chapter 9: Chemical Quantities in Reactions
Chapter 10: Properties of Solids and Liquids
Chapter 11: Gases
Chapter 12: Solutions
Chapter 13: Reaction Rates & Chemical Equilibrium
Chapter 14: Acids and Bases
Chapter 15: Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
Finals Week
Substantiation of the Incorporation of the General Education Objectives into Chemistry 100
Communication Skills (strong component): Homework assignments contain writing
components. Students are encouraged to communicate via email or other means with
other students and the instructor to discuss concepts covered in reading material and
tutorials.
Critical Thinking (strong component):
Quantitative Ability (significant): Quizzes, homework assignments and exercises,
and the two exams will include dimensional analysis which requires mathematic
manipulation.
Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant): All homework assignments
require reasoning and independent thought based on the interpretation of both qualitative
and quantitative information. Students will be required to formulate conclusions in the
assigned homework problems and exercises. Many quiz questions require reasoning taken
from the understanding and application of chemistry.
Scientific Understanding (significant): All principles taught in this course are based
on scientific reasoning. Interpretations are based on facts.
Personal and Cultural Awareness (moderate component):
Sense of the Individual in Society (some degree): This objective is also reflected
under the “Sense of Accountability” objective below. Different social attitudes toward the
use of chemicals in different cultures and industry are reviewed.
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Sense of the Past (moderate): The nature of the atom has been of interest to
scientists since the 1800s. This class examines various models of the atom throughout
history. In addition, cumulative knowledge and scientific breakthroughs have
revolutionized industry, human lives, and many fields of science.
Sense of Accountability (moderate): This textbook highlights some of the
environmental and health issues that directly and indirectly stem from chemistry, such as
air pollution, water pollution, ocean acidification and climate change. In addition, many
careers are disciplines involving chemistry.
Appreciation of Fine Arts (some degree): Chemicals such as chrome oxide green are
used to prepare paint pigments; acid rain degrades marble sculptures.
Personal Wellness (significant):
Personal safety is considered in discussions of chemical hazards. Many environmental
issues such as the chemistry of water and the chemistry of air, directly impact personal
wellness. In addition, many elements are necessary to health (Chapter 4) and can be found
in certain foods.
Technological Understanding (moderate): The MasteringChemistry program is a highly
interactive tool which the students will use intensively throughout the semester. Students
will use WebCampus to access class materials.
Communications (moderate):
Online communication consists of emails between students and the instructor.
Critical Thinking (moderate):
The homework problems and activities require students to analyze topics and interpret
concepts. Multiple choice quizzes are considered a good exercise in deductive reasoning.
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