CHEM 200 –General Chemistry I, 4 units
Southwestern College, Spring 2021, Section 03
Instructor:
Email:
Office Hours:
Craig A. Cavanaugh, Ph.D.
ccavanaugh@swccd.edu
Monday & Wednesday 11:45 to 12:45 PM
Course Meeting Times & Locations:
All lecture, labs, and office hours will be held via Zoom. The link will be on the ‘Zoom’ tab of the course
Canvas site.
Lecture:
Lab:
10:10 to 11:35 AM
1:20 to 4:30 PM
Monday and Wednesday
Monday and Wednesday
Canvas: Our canvas course site will host all the material & homework & Zoom meeting
links/recordings. Login via https://my.swccd.edu/ if you have any technical difficulties, we have a
host of resources available to help! The Online Learning Center and Canvas Support (1-844-6296835), and I can also attempt to assist with technical questions (when possible). The Canvas Guides
are an excellent resource for you as well.
Discord: This will be the core of our Learning Community! Please join the server at
https://discord.gg/UVeAMjj
and send a message to your colleagues in the genchem200 text channel using @gen_chemist1
Important Dates:
Last day to drop without a W: Monday, February 15, 2021
Last day to drop and receive a W (Students attending after this date must receive
a grade): Friday, April 30, 2021
Final Exam: Wednesday, May 26, 2021 (1:10 – 3:10 PM)
Course Description & Objectives:
Covers methods of chemistry, formulas and equations, chemical calculations, states of matter,
periodic law, atomic structure and chemical bonding, gases, thermochemistry, equilibrium, and acids
and bases. Laboratory stresses quantitative methods, including gravimetric analysis and titrimetry, use
of instrumentation, including spectrophotometers, pH meters, mulimeters, and error analysis. [D;
CSU; UC; C-ID CHEM 110] For complete course objectives and outline see:
http://catalog.swccd.edu/associate-degree-certificate-programs/chemistry/#coursestext.
Upon successful completion of this course:
 Student will demonstrate and apply an acquisition of a chemical vocabulary.
 Student will describe and apply the methods of science, including approaches to gathering both
qualitative and quantitative information and the correct reporting of data.
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Student will demonstrate and apply knowledge of nomenclature and formula writing; by
writing, balancing and interpreting chemical equations.
Student will analyze and solve stoichiometric problems, including those involving gases and
solutions.
Student will analyze reactions to predict precipitates, balance redox reactions, and recognize
and balance acid/base reactions.
Student will calculate and solve heat problems using heats of formation, Hess's Law, and
calorimetry.
Student will define and apply the principal laws governing the behavior of gases, explaining the
assumptions and limitation of those laws and calculate various quantities using these laws.
Student will identify and analyze the essential features of atomic structure, including the
historical evidence that led to the current understanding of those features, and relate the
structure to the periodic table.
Student will analyze and describe an electron in an atom using quantum numbers and use
Molecular Orbital Theory to describe an electron in a diatomic molecule.
Student will draw and interpret Lewis diagrams and compare alternate theories of chemical
bonding.
Student will analyze and correlate molecular models with their two- and three-dimensional
representations, discussing how molecular geometry influences chemical properties.
Student will analyze and solve problems in general equilibria and acid-base equilibria, and use
Le Châtlier's Principle to predict a shift in equilibria.
Student will analyze and solve mathematical problems relating to systems in equilibrium.
Student will identify and describe acids and bases according to Arrhenius, Broensted-Lowry,
and Lewis theories.
Student will measure and calculate the pH of aqueous solutions of acids, bases, salts, or
combinations of these.
Student will demonstrate and apply operations involving the use of such equipment as
balances, pipets, burets, and filtering apparatus, spectrophotometers, pH meters, and
multimeters.
Student will collect data, evaluate experimental results, and write conclusions based on those results.
Sources of error will be evaluated.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to . . .
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Clearly explain qualitative chemical concepts and trends. Describe, explain, and model
chemical and physical processes at the molecular level in order to explain macroscopic
properties.
Perform laboratory techniques correctly using appropriate safety procedures. Analyze the
results of laboratory experiments, evaluate sources of error, synthesize this information, and
express it clearly in written laboratory reports.
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Solve quantitative chemistry problems and demonstrate reasoning clearly and completely.
Integrate multiple ideas in the problem-solving process. Check results to make sure they are
physically reasonable.
Course Prerequisite: Chem 170 or equivalent; Math 72, or MATH 62, or MATH 70 or the equivalent
skill level as determined by the Southwestern College Mathematics Assessment or equivalent. It
is further assumed that the student can read, write and understand English at a technical level
equal to that found in the texts for the course.
Required Materials:
1. SWC Email Account
2. Reliable, high-speed internet access:
i. Lecture & Lab will be taught via Zoom
ii. Exams will be administered via Zoom and/or Proctorio
2. Canvas Access: via “MySWC.” All materials, grades, and announcements will be posted
online. It is your responsibility to check Canvas often.
3. Text: Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change Edition (7e/8e9e) by Martin
Silberberg (McGraw Hill) available at SWC Bookstore and online. A hard copy or an electronic
copy of the Silberberg textbook is also required for this class.
4. Lab Manual: Chemistry 200 Lab Manual is found completely online on Canvas.
5. Simple or scientific calculator: Graphing calculators, cell phones, and any other electronic
device will not be permitted during quizzes and exams.
6. Microsoft Word and Excel: Get Office 365 free with your SWC email address. Follow Link.
Note… it will take 24 to 48 hours for access, plan accordingly!!!
7. Scanner App (or similar): Exams and lab reports will be handwritten and turned in via scan
Optional Materials:
1. Laboratory notebook: with numbered, duplicate pages
2. Student Solutions Manual for text
3. Web camera: This class will be best when you participate and interact!
4. Access to Discord Server: https://discord.gg/UVeAMjj
Attendance & Participation:
Regular attendance and class participation is as vital in an online class as it is in a traditional
classroom. Your presence will be counted not by taking roll but by your regular contributions to
discussions and activities. Attendance in an online course is determined by participation in
academically related activities. You will be considered present if there is evidence of your
participation in required course activities including, but not limited to, submitting an assignment,
taking a quiz, participating in an online discussion, and working in a group. You will be considered
absent if there is no evidence of your participation in the academic activities of this course.
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Students who do not complete the first week’s online assignments or are absent for two weeks or
more of this 16-week course may be dropped. However, if you choose to drop the course you will
need to do so officially through Admissions and then notify your instructor.
Grading Policy (tentative, subject to change):
Passing this course requires a grade of 60% or better in both lecture and lab. Students are
encouraged to calculate their grades based upon Canvas. Pass/No Pass is not an option for this
course. No Incompletes will be given. All graded assignments MUST show complete work. NO
credit will be awarded for assignments containing answers only.
Your final semester grade will be determined by the following breakdown (subject to change):
Lecture exams (three exams):
45%
Final Exam (cumulative):
15%
Homework:
10%
Lab Assignments/Quizzes:
15%
Poster/Presentation:
10%
Attendance/Participation:
5%
The final course letter grades will be assigned as follows (subject to change):
90-100%
A
80-89%
B
70-79%
C
60-69%
D
<60%
F
Late Policy: The best way to avoid this issue is to start assignments ahead of time!!! I am also not
unreasonable, so the second best thing is to make sure to communicate as early as possible if you
suspect an issue! Beyond that, all assignments (except for exams and presentation) will lose 0.5%
per hour, until a maximum score of 60% is possible.
Lecture exams: Each exam will cover 3 to 4 chapters! There will be NO make-ups for missed
exams. In the event of extenuating circumstances, you MUST notify me BEFORE the exam begins
AND provide valid proof of your situation. Only under these 2 conditions will I consider (but cannot
guarantee) alternate arrangements. No exam scores will be dropped.
Final Exam: The final exam will be cumulative and required.
Homework: Homework will primarily be in the form of Canvas quizzes based upon the assigned
practice problems from the textbook. Please keep a record of your written work, it may be asked
for as proof of assignment completion.
Lab Assignments: The breakdown of the 20% for your lab assignments is as follows:
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7% = Pre-lab & Post-lab assignments
8% = In-lab assignments and lab exercises
Note: Attendance is crucial, a zero will be given if absent for an in-lab assignments
Poster Presentation: A presentation to be completed individually or in small groups (maximum 3)
will be required as part of the lab portion of the course. A portion of this grade will be peerassessed! Further information will be given in class! (I think this will be fun!!!)
Participation: Participation will mainly be assessed by answering concept questions, activity during
group problem-solving exercises, and attendance.
Extra Credit: There are three ways to earn extra credit in this class. (max 5% of overall grade)
(1) Answer extra credit problems on exams (max 5% of an exam)
(2) Attend advertised events, provide proof, and a short (suggested 1 page)
summary of why you attended and what you learned. (max 1% added to
overall course grade, 0.5% per each)
(3) Participate in Canvas Discussions and/or Discord (max 2% of overall
grade, depends upon the # of discussions in which you participate and
quality of posts/responses)
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Again… keep a record of all written work (whether it is specifically requested with the
assignment or not). Upon request, you must be able to provide evidence of your own work
for any graded assignment. NO credit will be awarded for assignments containing answers
only.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
1. Read your textbook.
2. Participate: Regular attendance and class participation is as vital in a remote class as it is in a
traditional classroom. Your presence will be counted by taking roll in lab and by making a note
of your presence in lecture. Your regular contributions to discussions and activities will have a
direct impact on your confidence and mastery of the material.
3. Problems, problems, and more problems! I cannot emphasize this enough. Keep up with the
textbook problems, as exam problems often come directly from the textbook. If you have
difficulties with any of them, please let me know. I will be happy to go over them with you and
for the entire class.
4. Actively Seek Help!!!! Talk to me, other faculty, tutors, and our online learning community at
https://discord.gg/UVeAMjj
Student Support Services
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Student support services are available both on campus and online. For a complete list of
services, including the library, tutoring, and counseling, visit the Student Services and Campus
Resources webpage.
Learning Assistance Services (LAS) is now offering free, live, online tutoring via Canvas. Enrolling
is easy via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ybqosynf For more information and hours of
operation, please visit the LAS website at www.swccd.edu/tutoring.
When you have questions about Canvas and online learning at SWC, the Online Learning Center
is ready to assist you.
A wide range of well-being and supportive services are available to students through SWC Cares.
Southwestern College Services and Other Requirements
Tutorial Services: You will find the link for this service on the Southwestern College home page, click
on Student Services, then Services, and then Academic Tutoring. There is a tab on left for eTutoring.
Academic Success Center Referral: Online learning materials and Online Writing Lab (OWL) are
available at www.swccd.edu/~asc. The tutorial services at Southwestern College will serve you
best if you attend regularly.
Disability Support Services (DSS):
Southwestern College recommends that students with disabilities or specific learning needs
contact their professors during the first two weeks of class to discuss academic accommodations.
If a student believes they may have a disability and would like more information, they are
encouraged to contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at (619) 482-6512 (voice), (619) 207-4480
(video phone), or email at DSS@swccd.edu. Alternate forms of this syllabus and other course
materials are available upon request.
With the transition to an online format, I have made every effort to make this course accessible
to all students, including students with disabilities. If you encounter a problem accessing
anything in this course, please contact me immediately by email so that I can support you. You
may also contact Disability Support Services at dss@swccd.edu.
Other Student Services:
Dreamers Center
Jag Kitchen Food Pantry
Veterans Resource Center
Jaguar Justice Legal Center
Attendance and Tardiness:
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Each student is expected to arrive on time and attend all class meetings. In the case of absence,
it is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor.
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Mandatory First Day of Class: Instructors must drop students who fail to notify their
instructor of their absence or who fail to attend the first class meeting if the class is at
maximum enrollment and other students are waiting to enroll.
Dropping for Absences: Per SWCCD Policy 5075, After the add period of the term, instructors
may drop a student from a class if the student’s total hours of absence for any reason exceed
twice the number of hours the class meets per week. Students will be dropped and receive a
“W” or an “F,” depending the date dropped.
Dropping for Tardiness: Instructors may drop a student for excessive tardiness. Excessive
tardiness is defined as arriving late to class or required class activity more than three times
after the first two weeks of each semester or the first week of a short session. If the
instructor intends to drop the student after the third tardiness, the instructor shall warn the
student verbally or in writing. Following such a warning, the instructor may drop a student
from class upon the next instance of tardiness. Dropping students for being tardy will be in
accordance with SWCCD Policy 5075 stated above. Arriving late or leaving early is a problem
for both the students and the instructor. Students are expected to be on time and in class for
the entire class period.
Late Adds: (There is no longer an option for Late Add – this process is only for clerical
errors.) All students must submit add codes and pay for classes prior to the close of the add
period. After the add period concludes, a student may be added only if there is a clerical
error and if (1) the instructor certifies that the student has been in attendance since the
beginning of the term and (2) the request is approved by the Dean of MSE and the Dean of
Student Activities.
Diversity Statement & Respectful Conduct:
I would like our class to be a supportive learning environment that values and builds on the richly
diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences of our group. Please help me develop this
environment by honoring the diverse identities of your classmates and letting your instructor know
(via anonymous surveys or email, for example) if an assignment, comment, etc. makes you feel
uncomfortable.
Both in the readings and in discussions, you will likely encounter cultures, ideas, and values that
differ from your own. These are valuable opportunities to learn more about different perspectives
and where they intersect with yours. We all see the world from a point of view informed by our
experiences and backgrounds, and what we read and discuss can open new windows through which
to understand both our texts and world around us. You are encouraged to contribute your ideas
about our readings freely, but please remember to demonstrate respect for the works as well as
your classmates and instructor. We all have unconscious biases that stem from our experiences, and
recognizing and discussing them can lead to unexpected insights.
Conversely, disrespectful or threatening responses tend to shut down conversation and insight,
and so these kinds of comments will be promptly addressed by your instructor. To keep our
interactions safe and productive, please know that anyone who repeatedly engages in disrespectful
or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be locked out of the discussion for the week and/or face
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student misconduct charges. Please join me in creating a comfortable and productive learning
environment for us all.
Netiquette:
Your decision to enroll in this class constitutes an implicit agreement to the following:
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You will conduct yourself so that the classroom is a positive learning environment for all by
treating everyone with respect and consideration.
You will plan to attend every class meeting and stay for the entire class period. You will not
be absent more than the maximum number allowed during the course of the semester. Once
you have missed the maximum number of classes, we will drop you. Do not assume that you
will be dropped if you do not attend classes. To ensure that you are withdrawn, you must
officially withdraw online, in person, or by telephone. Failing to drop a class in a timely
manner may earn you a failing grade in the class.
You will do the assigned work and be responsible for all class work or assignments even if you
miss school for a legitimate reason. It is not acceptable to return to class following an
absence and claim that you did not know about some assignment, class activity, or exam.
Find out what you missed before returning and get caught up.
You accept the expectation to spend a minimum of two hours outside of class for every hour
that the class meets during the week and will plan your schedule accordingly. This means
that a 4-unit class requires 8 hours of work outside of class. More or less time may be
required depending on how quickly and thoroughly you work.
You will come to class on time. Excessive tardiness may result in you being dropped from the
class. Excessive tardiness is defined in the section on attendance although you may be asked
to speak to the Dean if excessive tardiness becomes disruptive to the class.
You will turn on your cameras (if available) during class and mute your microphone when you
are not speaking.
Misconduct: Faculty may require a student who disrupts the classroom to meet with the Dean of
MSE prior to the next class meeting. Also, instructors may exclude a student for misconduct on the
day of the disruption and an additional day if needed. Further disciplinary action may be pursued by
the instructor or college administration. Additional forms of misconduct include, but are not limited
to:
● Disruption of instructional activities or administrative procedures. Continued disruptive
behavior, continued willful disobedience, habitual profanity or vulgarity, or the open and
persistent abuse of college personnel.
● Use, sale, possession on campus or campus premises, or under the influence of alcoholic
beverages, narcotics, other hallucinogenic drugs or substances, or any poison classified as
such by schedule “D” in Section 4160 of the Business and Professions Code.
● Alteration or misuse of college documents, including acts of forgery and furnishing false
information.
● Acts or threats of damage to or theft of property belonging to or located on collegecontrolled property or facilities.
● Acts or threats of physical abuse of any person. Assault or battery upon any student, college
personnel, authorized college guest, or any other person.
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● Violation of college regulations or state laws.
● See Southwestern Community College District Procedure No. 5550 or college catalog for
more information.
Academic Cheating and Plagiarism. Academic dishonesty of any type by a student provides grounds
for disciplinary action by the instructor or college. In written work, no material may be copied from
another without proper quotation marks, footnotes, or appropriate documentation. Academic
dishonesty of any type such as cheating and plagiarism can result in one or all of the following: a
failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade in the class, and/or formal disciplinary action by the
college. Both the giver and receiver of information may receive a zero grade on the assignment or
exam.
● By enrolling in this course, you agree that you are the person accessing and completing the
work for this course and will not share your username and password with others.
● Plagiarism is the act of using another person's words or ideas as if they were your own.
Sources of quotations, paraphrases, and summaries must be properly documented according
to MLA format. This applies to all writing, discussions, and answers to questions. Plagiarism is
considered academic theft because it is stealing someone else’s words or ideas, but the
plagiarizer robs himself or herself as well. This course will provide you with the opportunity
to improve your thinking and writing skills—don’t rob yourself of that chance.
● While I cannot catch all cheating and plagiarism, acts that are caught will result in a zero for
that assignment and jeopardize your ability to pass the course.
PLEASE SIGN THE ACADMIC INTEGRITY CONTRACT FOUND ON CANVAS
Disciplinary Action Procedures:
1. When a student conduct violation has occurred, the first attempt to resolve the
misconduct will be an informal consultation between the student and the instructor (or
college staff member).
2. If the situation is unresolved, the Dean will meet with the instructor and the student(s)
involved.
3. If the situation remains unresolved, the instructor will complete a “Report of Student
Misconduct” and file the report with the Dean of Student Services.
4. In situations involving safety or if the College Police have become involved, steps 1 and 2
need not be adhered to.
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CHEM 200: Tentative Schedule, Spring 2021
Dates highlighted in red correspond to important deadlines (add/drop/withdrawal)
Week Date Lecture
Lab
1
2/1
2/3
2/8
2
2/10
3
F
2/12
M
2/15
2/17
2/22
4
5
6
7
Canvas Tour, Discord Tour, Significant Figures
Ch. 2 – Components of Matter
Workshop: Study Skills
Ch. 2 – Components of Matter
Workshop: Statistics
Ch. 3 – Stoichiometry of Formulas & Equations
Workshop: Excel & Standard Curves
Holiday! Enjoy!
Holiday! Enjoy!
Ch. 3 – Stoichiometry of Formulas & Equations
Ch. 4 – Major Classes of Chemical Reactions
3/3
Exam 1 Review
3/8
Ch. 5 – Gases & Kinetic-Molecular Theory
Poster Presentation Work
3/10
Ch. 5 – Gases & Kinetic-Molecular Theory
Workshop: Ideal Gases and KMF
3/15
Ch. 6 – Thermochemistry
Experiment 2: Ideal Gases & ΔHvap
3/17
Ch. 6 – Thermochemistry
Experiment 3: Enthalpy Simulations
Ch. 6 – Thermochemistry
Workshop: Thermochemistry Problems
Ch. 7 – Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure
Experiment 4: Synthesis of a Complex Nickel
Salt
3/1
3/24
Ch. 4 – Major Classes of Chemical Reactions
Experiment 1: Statistical Analysis of Density
Data
Poster Presentation Intro & Work
Ch. 21.1 – Balancing Redox Equations Using
Half-rxn Method
Workshop: More Practice with Redox & Halfrxn method
Exam 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
2/24
3/22
8
Intro & Ch. 1 – Scientific Method, Matter &
Energy, Measurements & Error
Ch. 4 – Major Classes of Chemical Reactions
9
Spring Break! Have Fun!!!
Ch. 7 – Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure
Experiment 5: Analysis of en Content (Exp 4)
4/7
Ch. 8 – Electron Configuration, Chemical
Periodicity
Experiment 6-7: Analysis of Water Content,
Beer’s Law, & Abs Spectroscopy (Exp 4)
4/12
Ch. 8 – Electron Configuration, Chemical
Periodicity
Experiment 8: Analysis of Nickel Content (Exp
4)
Exam 2 Review
Exam 2: Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8
Ch. 9 – Models of Chemical Bonding
Summary Exp 4-8/Calculations/Write-up
Ch. 9 – Models of Chemical Bonding
Poster Presentation Work
4/5
10
11
4/14
4/19
12
4/21
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4/26
13
4/28
5/3
14
5/5
5/10
15
5/12
5/17
16
5/19
Ch. 10 – Shapes of Molecules
Workshop: Molecular Modeling
Ch. 10 – Shapes of Molecules
Workshop: Lewis Structure
Ch. 11 – Theories of Covalent Bonding
Ch. 11 – Theories of Covalent Bonding
Ch. 11 – Theories of Covalent Bonding
Workshop: Valence Bond & MO Theory
Ch. 12.1 - 12.3 – Intermolecular Forces
Ch. 12.1 - 12.3 – Intermolecular Forces
Ch. 13 – Colligative Properties
Poster Presentations
Poster Presentations
Poster Presentations & Exam 3 Review
Exam 3 & Final Review
Exam 3: Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13ish
5/24
Review for Final: 10:40 to 12:40 PM
5/26
Final: 10:40a – 12:40p
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