Chem 110 Chemical Concepts with Lab
Syllabus F10
Instructor: Ruth Russo (Office 43, 524-5232, ruth.russo@wwcc.edu)
Office Hours: 1:30 to 2:30 pm, M, Th, F. Other times: if my office door is open, I’m happy to
talk with you. Some days you can come by the lab and catch me there. Please leave a message
on my door or email if I’m not in.
Place and Time: Room 222. M, W, Th, F 12:30 to 1:20 pm (lecture). T 12:30 to 2:20 pm (lab).
Texts: Essentials of General, Organic and Biochemistry. Guinn and Brewer, 2010. Laboratory
Manual packet in the bookstore. Also needed: a scientific calculator.
Prerequisites: Math 065, Introductory Algebra
Course Goal: To understand matter and its changes in contemporary chemical terms
Practical Chemistry
 Define terms and concepts, e.g. “the mole” or “electron” or “electrolyte”
 Describe chemical reactions in these terms, in prose
 Describe chemical reactions with chemical equations
 Memorize the SI system of prefixes and selected names and symbols of elements and
compounds
 Solve stoichiometry problems using algebra and scientific notation
 Recognize simple organic functional groups
Chemical Theory
 Describe the parts of modern atomic theory
 Describe covalent bonds in terms of potential energy, strength and length
 Explain behavior of gases and macromolecules in terms of the kinetic molecular theory
 Explain differences between proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids
Assigned Work
Exams (57%)
3 during the quarter, 1 non-comprehensive final
Homework (7%)
2 problems handed in per week (9 sets)
Lowest 1 score dropped
Labs (34%)
Prelabs, Reports, Postlabs (22)
Lowest 2 scores dropped
Participation/cleanup (6)
Quizzes (2)
Each
Total
100
400
6
48
6
6
35
120
48
70
Etiquette (2%)
14
Total Points
700
Exams: the dates are shown on the course schedule. If you have a legitimate scheduling conflict
you must make arrangements with me at least three days before the exam in order to receive an
alternate time. If you miss an exam due to illness or other emergency, you should try to contact
me THAT DAY by email to let me know you will need to make up the exam. Students who may
need academic adjustments due to a documentable disability should see Claudia Angus (5274262) to make arrangements as early as possible in the quarter.
Labs: due to space and time constraints, laboratories cannot be made up. The due date for
Prelabs, Results and Post-labs are on the schedule. Prelabs are always due at the beginning of
lab. Results and Postlabs are due either at the beginning of class on the Friday following lab, or
they are due as you leave lab. All pieces will be graded 6=correct, 4=mostly correct, 2=needs
work or 0=missing. No late work will be accepted, although I encourage you to complete them
nonetheless, since the material will be on the exams.
Lab Quiz: these will be short quizzes over laboratory material. They will involve more practical
questions such as identifications of compounds, equipment, and elementary techniques.
Graded Homework: the graded homework problems are due at the start of Monday’s class, as
listed on the schedule. They will be graded 6=correct, 4=mostly correct, 2=needs work or
0=missing. No late work will be accepted, although I encourage you to complete them, since the
exam problems will be similar to those on the homework problems.
Practice Problems: the practice problems are not to be handed in. I recommend that you do them
and check your answers in the back of the textbook. If you can answer these questions, you are
well prepared for the exams.
Etiquette: For breaches of courtesy, I will give an initial warning; after that, you will incur
penalties. 1) Please do not answer your cell phone or text during class. If you absolutely need to
be in contact for family or work reasons, set the phone to vibrate and take the call outside the
door. 2) Please do not be consistently late for class. If you have transportation issues, let me
know. 3) Please do your best for your lab partner. You are mutually responsible for the success
of the lab pair.
Grading Scale
Percent
93-100
90-92.9
87-89.9
83-86.9
80-82.9
77-79.9
73-76.9
70-72.9
67-69.9
60-66.9
0-59.9
Letter Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
4 point scale
4.0
3.7
3.3
3
2.7
2.3
2
1.7
1.3
1
0
Withdrawal Policy
You may withdraw from the course without a grade through Nov. 5. After this date, you will
receive a grade whether or not you continue to attend class.
Academic Honesty: cheating and/or plagiarism will incur a penalty ranging from F on the
assignment, to failing the course or being expelled from the college. See the Student Handbook,
which is at wwcc.edu under “current students” and “edapps”.
Schedule: we shall be following the attached calendar. It may be modified due to circumstances
beyond my control.