CHEMISTRY 221 – Frequently Asked Questions
Many students enrolled in this course are entering college for the first time and/or are at PSU for the
first time. Welcome!!! Naturally, you have lots of questions. I’ve compiled this document of FAQs to
help you navigate this course. I’m looking forward to a fun and educational term!
Dr. Lasseter Clare
1. I’M CONFUSED ABOUT THE THREE REQUIRED TEXTS!
Here’s what you need for the course:
1. Foundations of Chemistry, Edition: 4th, (Author: Hanson)
2. IClicker 2 Hybrid Remote (w/Iclicker GO Remote Reg Card), Edition: N/A
3. Chemistry: Molecular Approach (w/Access Card), Edition: 3rd (Author: Tro)
2.
WHICH BOOK ARE WE USING ?
We are using “CHEMISTRY: a molecular approach” 3rd edition by Nivaldo Tro, which can be
purchased at PSU’s Bookstore. There are few differences between the 2nd and 3rd edition, so you
can choose which edition you prefer. A used copy of the second edition is likely less expensive. We
are covering Chapters 1-10 in Chem 221. Depending on your major you may need to take only Chem
221. If that’s the case for you, probably the cheapest option is to buy the E-book that includes the
content of Chem 221 only (Ch 1-10) by purchasing it directly from the publisher (see item #4 below
and ask Paul Coleman for help, if needed). However, most students are planning on taking the
entire sequence (Chem 221, 222, 223) and so it is cheaper to purchase the entire textbook (either
hardbound or E-text) than to purchase the textbook in sections. Please know that in offering these
options I am trying to make sure that you get what you need (either the full year or just one term of
the text) and which option your prefer (paper or e-text).
If you prefer, you may purchase the textbook elsewhere. If you purchase the first edition or any other
textbook, you are responsible for finding any differences.
3.
WHAT ARE CLICKERS AND WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?
Clickers are handheld devices with five buttons (A-E) that you use to respond to multiple choice
questions that I ask in class. They are a neat way for you to participate in lecture and enable you (and
me) to check if you’re catching on in class. You earn class participation points using clickers. We’re
using a brand called “iClickers” and you can purchase one at PSU’s bookstore.
4. WHAT IS “MASTERING CHEMISTRY ” AND DO I NEED TO BUY IT ?
Mastering Chemistry is the online companion to the textbook. If you purchase the Tro textbook at the
PSU Bookstore, it will contain a card called an “Access Card”. Printed on a card is a unique registration
number for the course. The online homework is helpful in that it is interactive: when you get stuck, it
offers hints to guide you to the answer. You must purchase either “Mastering Chemistry” OR enroll in
a 1 credit workshop (find CHEM 299 in the course catalog to earn your homework credit. Alternatively,
if you purchased a used textbook, you can just purchase MasteringChemistry access for ~$66 by visiting
http://www.pearsonmylabandmastering.com/northamerica/
If you would like help in figuring out what or how to purchase access to MasteringChemistry or the
textbook, Paul Coleman, the Pearson rep will be available on Wednesday, September 23rd from 11:301:30 at CLSB in the lobby near the Starbucks stand. The link above requires about a dozen clicks before
you actually get to the place where you buy the access code, so if you’d like someone to help, please do
see Paul. (CLSB is the Collaborative Life Sciences Building Address: 2730 SW Moody Avenue. This is the
same building where the class meets.)
5. THE COURSE IS FULL , CAN I GET IN?
Courses capacities are determined by the number of seats in the classroom, therefore overloading the
course is not an option. However, many students shuffle their schedules around throughout summer
and during the first week of the term. You can get on the waitlist which will automatically add you to
the class if someone drops; or you can keep checking online course enrollment to see if a spot opens up.
IF there are any openings, I can sign enrollment forms (you can get a form in the Chemistry stockroom in
CLSB, Science Building 2, room 262) during the first week of the term. If you do enroll during the first
week, please know that you are responsible for all of the material, whether you were enrolled before
day one or not.
6. I’M STRUGGLING IN THE COURSE, WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
Chemistry courses generally require greater time and effort to succeed than many other college courses.
Learning styles differ for everyone and unfortunately, there’s no substitute for hard work. If this is your
first time in college or perhaps it has been some years since you last took chemistry, you may be feeling
a bit “rusty” or “in over your head”. There are several options for help. First, the MasteringChemistry
homework provides online tutorial problems OR if you’re enrolled in Workshop make sure that you’re
actively participating in group problem solving sessions. If you are not actively participating or doing
sufficient numbers of homework problems, it’s no wonder you’re struggling. Second, visit the Tutor
Room, located in Science Building 1, room 221. Here’s a link to the schedule: need to post updated link
when it is available, end of Sept. In the Tutor Room, you can ask a Teaching Assistant for help with
homework, study tips, lab questions and more. Third, you can stop by the Lead TA’s office hours or my
office hours for help. Emailing me questions regarding homework is generally not a good way to get
help, so please stop by my office for help.
7. WHERE IS CLSB?
https://www.pdx.edu/academic-scheduling/sites/www.pdx.edu.academicscheduling/files/CLSB_map.pdf