Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE – NORTH EAST
PHYSICAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT
CHEMISTRY DIVISION
FALL 2016
GENERAL CHEMISTRY I: CHEM 1411 – 011
CRN#: 17761
Duration: 08/22/2016 - 12/11/2016
North East Campus– T/Th 2:00PM-5:00PM
Room: Tuesday Science and Technology 202
Thursday Science and Technology 210
Instructor: Harshpreet Suchdeva
Email: harshpreet.suchdeva@hccs.edu
Please contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. Do not wait until
you have received a poor grade before asking for assistance. Your performance in this class is very
important to me. I will be available before/after the class by appointment.
Course Description CHEM 1411 is a college level chemistry course which:
1. is intended to show students the importance of chemistry in their major area of study as well as its
applications to their daily lives.
2. provides the necessary background for specialist studies.
3. includes appropriate experiments to reinforce theoretical concepts
Prerequisites: ONE YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY OR MATH 1314
Course Goals:
Have science and engineering majors able to translate the theoretical concepts of chemistry into concrete
terms.
Student Learning Outcomes The student will be able to:
1. Name chemical compounds – chemical nomenclature.
2. Determine molecular/formula weights of compounds.
3. Balance chemical equations and stoichiometry.
4. Calculate the heat change in a chemical process
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
Learning Objectives
1. Examine historical development of the atomic theory.
2. Master problem-solving and think through problems logically and systematically.
3. Understand the decoding of the Periodic Table.
4. Understand the First Law of Thermodynamics.
Core Curriculum Statement
Science and engineering majors study atomic structure, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, electron
configuration, stoichiometry, chemical bonding, molecular structure, gases and states of matter. This
course satisfies the following core requirements:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Speaking
4. Listening
5. Critical Thinking
6. Computer Literacy
Textbook & Laboratory Manual for CHEM1411
TEXT BOOK: Chemistry, The Central Science by Brown & LeMay
LABORATORY TEXT- Chemistry 1411 Laboratory Manual,
Houston Community College
Useful Website
Companion Website: http://cengagebrain.com
YouTube Learning Site: www.khanacademy.org
Attendance Policy
The HCCS attendance policy is stated in the Schedule of Classes Spring 2013 on page 13: “Students are
expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for materials covered during their absences,
and it is the student's responsibility to consult with instructors for make-up assignments. Class attendance is
checked daily by instructors. Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has full authority to drop a student for excessive absences.
A student may be dropped from a course for excessive absences after the student has accumulated absences
in excess of 12.5% of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).”
Note that 12.5% is approximately 4 classes or labs for a 4 semester hour course, such as this one, which
meets twice per week in a 16 week semester. If circumstances significantly prevent you from attending
classes, please inform me one week before. I realize that sometimes outside circumstances can interfere
with school, and I will try to be as accommodating as possible, but please be aware of the attendance policy.
LABORATORY POLICY Laboratory rules and safety instructions will be reviewed and observed. Eye
protection is very important. During wet labs, eye glasses or goggles must be worn at all times during
the laboratory period. Any student not wearing safety glasses at any time after the experiment has begun
may be given a zero for that experiment. Laboratory reports are due one week after the experiment. Each
report will be graded on a 20 point basis, of which, 5 points will come from pre-lab or post lab-quizzes.
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
HCC Policy Statement - ADA Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities must
contact the Disability Services Office at 713-718-5422. Faculty is only authorized to provide the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been
learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is
responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students
compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and
enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty,
found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the
rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College
System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but
is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion
Last Day for Administrative and Student Withdrawals
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy If you feel that you cannot complete this course; you will need to
withdraw from the course prior to the final date. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the
time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be
able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very
important. Beginning in Fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering
freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining
a certificate and/or degree.
Last day for administrative and student’s withdrawal: October 28, 2016. I urge any student who is
contemplating withdrawing from the class to see me first. You may be doing better than you think. Either
way, I want to be accessible and supportive. I do not believe in "weed out" classes, and I consider you to be
much more than just a name or number. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact me, I'm here to
help.
Instructor will not withdraw a student from the class. It is the responsibility of the students to withdraw
themselves.
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Students who repeat a course three or more times may soon face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC
and other Texas public colleges and universities. If you are considering course withdrawal because you
are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study
habits, reading and writing homework, test-taking skills, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
HCC Policy Statements Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class
regularly is the best way to succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important
factor in student success is attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to
succeed. You are expected to attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials
covered during your absences. Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to
drop a course for nonattendance, the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is discussed
in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after accumulating absences
in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. Note that 12.5% is approximately 4 classes or labs for a four
semester hour course! You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making
the decision not to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if
this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class. Poor attendance
records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the first week, you are
responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would be
willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
Class attendance equals class success.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because
of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your
professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you –
online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic
performance.
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
Repeat Course Fee: The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to
repeat failed classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass
their courses and to graduate. Effective Fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students
registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because
you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your
study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Classroom Behavior As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to
develop and maintain a positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this
responsibility very seriously and will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for
him/her to carry out this task. As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of your
classmates and assist your instructor achieve this critical goal.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices As a student active in the learning community of this course;
it is your responsibility to be respectful of the learning atmosphere in your classroom. To show respect of
your fellow students and instructor, you will turn off your phone and other electronic devices, and will
not use these devices in the classroom unless you receive permission from the instructor. Use of
recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories,
faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students with
disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office
for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations
Instructor Requirements As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
• Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived
• Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures
• Description of any special projects or assignments
• Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up
• Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or
assignments
• Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required To be successful in this
class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
• Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
• Read and comprehend the textbook
• Complete the required assignments and exams:
• Ask for help when there is a question or problem
• Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments
Disability Support Services (DSS)
HCCS is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of
1973 (section 504) "Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric,
vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability
Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty are authorized to
provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office”
If you have any special needs or disabilities which may affect your ability to succeed in college classes or
participate in college programs/activities, please contact the office of disability support services at the
college. Upon consultation and documentation, you will be provided with reasonable accommodations
and/or modifications. Please contact the DSS office as soon as you begin the term. For questions, contact
Donna Price at (7130 718- 5165 or the Disability Counselor at HCC-Southwest: Dr. Becky A. Hauri at
(713) 718- 7909; also see the Schedule of Classes for additional DSS numbers
USE OF CAMERAS OR RECORDING DEVICES:
Use of recording devices, including camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms,
laboratories, faculty offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students
with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation should contact the
Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding reasonable accommodations.
Please visit the ADA web site at: http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/index.htm. Faculty
Handbook/ Faculty Orientation is also available at
http://www.hccs.edu/students/disability/faculty.htm.
HCCS Sexual Harassment Policy
HCC shall provide an educational, employment, and business environment free of sexual
harassment. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination that is not tolerated at HCC. Any
student who feels that he or she is the victim of sexual harassment has the right to seek redress of
the grievance. HCC provides procedures for reviewing and resolving such complaints through its
Grievance Policy. Substantiated accusations may result in disciplinary action against the offender,
up to and including termination of the employee or suspension of the student. In addition,
complainants who make accusations of sexual harassment in bad faith may be subject to equivalent
disciplinary action.
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
Lab Dress Code:
Open toed shoes, sandals, flip-flops and any similar style shoes that do not fully cover the foot are not
allowed in lab. Long hair must be secured such that it does not fall toward the face. No scarves or other such
clothing that could fall onto the lab bench or Bunsen burner allowed. Long pants are recommended. Anyone
inappropriately dressed for lab will not be allowed to participate in lab. Participating in lab knowing you are
not appropriately dressed will result in a zero for the lab. Safety glasses are provided or you can bring your
own.
Communication: My primary form of communication with the class will be through emails
Note that this is an on campus class; class participation is encouraged, as I call on my students during
lecture and lab session.
Cell phones and other internet or electronic devises: Cell phones must be set to silent mode. No texting
allowed during class. If I see you texting you will be asked to leave the class/lab. In case of an emergency
you may use your phones out in the hallway at your own discretion. If you are in the lab, be considerate of
your partner. Laptops may be used for class activities only. If you use a computer during class time for
activities not related to our class work, you will be asked to leave. No extraneous electronic devises are
permitted in class or lab; this includes IPods. Cell phones or other electronic devices are not allowed during
exams. Use of any such devise during an exam will result in a zero for the exam.
Assignments: All assignments must be turned in timely manner to get proper credit. Regular visits to
course site are mandatory and are part of the final grade.
Lab grades are based on Lab Procedure Summary, participation or/and reports.
Helpful Advice and Expectations:
Chemistry is a very interesting field, ranging from the study of simple inorganic Compounds to enormously
complex molecules such as enzymes and nucleic acids in living organisms. In this course, the major topics
we will be covering are Nomenclature of chemical formulas, reactions, and stoichiometry calculations,
chemical thermodynamics, electron configuration and chemical bonding, gas laws, and solutions. As you
might suspect, it can be easy to fall behind and, as a result, to not be ready for the exams. Following are
some general tips that may be helpful:
Time Management: Procrastination is the enemy! The great temptation for the student is to delay
the work as long as possible. I cannot stress enough that this is a recipe for failure. Staying current
with your work is essential to get success in this course.
If you don't understand anything then please ask questions.
Course Load: if you are a working student, think carefully before enrolling in too many classes. Your
job performance and your scholastic performance will both suffer if you are overburdened, so be
honest with yourself about how much you can accomplish. Do not forget to leave time in your
schedule for study outside the class hours and class preparation. Consult your 2010-2011 HCCS
Student Handbooks for additional details.
When beginning a new chapter, I recommend that you read through it quickly the first time, just to
give yourself a good feel for what it is about. I you are really on the job you will have done this before
the class lecture on the chapter! You will understand what's going on in class much better if you do
this.
Study Skills: Good study skills are essential for college study. Reading all assigned material is key
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
to your success. Do not deceive yourself into believing that you can do well in this course if you do
not read the assigned material. Please ask me any questions you might have as you work through the
subject. Consider me a resource! Also, see www.dushkin.com/online/ for additional study skills. A
Remember that college level work requires a commitment of time and effort. The more you put into
it the better the results should be. Always treat this as you would a job!
Get a good, scientific calculator that has scientific notation ("EE" or "EXP" key), log, ln, x2, √, etc.
Review simple basic math Concepts.
Study groups can be very helpful. Keep the group small though, no more than three or four people.
Finally, keep a positive attitude! Chemistry can be hard, but with the right attitude and approach, you
will succeed in mastering it!
I hope you find chemistry to be an interesting and rewarding subject which will not only be useful in your
academic major, but will give you a better insight into the many scientific challenges we are facing today. I
look forward to working with you this semester!
Laboratory Policy
On the first day of lab a safety video will be shown (about 35 min long). Each student will then sign a
statement affirming his or her commitment to following safe procedures in the laboratory, and turn the form
in to the instructor. You should be especially aware of the need for adequate eye protection in the
laboratory. Goggles must be worn at all times during the laboratory period (even if you wear glasses).
Any student not wearing glasses or goggles after the experiment has begun may be given a zero for that
experiment! Experiments will be performed in groups of up to three students each. Before you leave the
lab, be sure to show me your report so I can review and initial it
Grading Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to determine
how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills)
outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to
reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a discussion on what you
discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your
performance.
The overall score is based on the following:
Three regular exams 60% (lowest regular exam score or missed regular exam is replaced by final
exam score if it is higher)
Laboratory 20%
(Mandatory) Final exam 20%
The overall score is calculated as follows:
Overall Score = 0.6(Average of three regular exams) + 0.20(Laboratory grade) + 0.20(Final Exam)
Final Average
Letter Grade
90 - 100
80 – 89
70 – 79
60 – 69
A
B
C
D
< 60
F
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Fall 2016 CH 1411 Syllabus, H arshpreet Suchdeva, M S
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System At Houston Community College,
professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During
a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related
to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and
division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston
Community College Student System online near the end of the term.
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