Great Basin College
Molecules and Life in the Modern World – CHEM 100
Section 1001 Online
Fall 2013 - 3 Credits
Professor
Caroline R Bruno
Phone
775-753-2204 (WebCampus
email preferred)
Office
Lundberg 109D
E-mail
WebCampus
Office Hours
M-F 8:00am-9:00am
Text:
Chemistry in Context: Applying Chemistry to Society, 7th edition
A Project of the American Chemical Society
McGraw-Hill
ISBN-978-0-07-337566-3
Catalog 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, chemical
reactions, stoichiometry, gases, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry - with an emphasis on
chemistry in the environment. A more specific outline of the topics to be covered and the tentative
schedule for the semester is attached. The outline should be considered a general guide only and
not an absolute schedule.
Objective:
The primary objective of this course is for students to understand concepts and interrelationships
involving chemical phenomena. With this understanding in hand, it is hoped that the student will
then use this understanding in problems of every day occurrence or move on to a higher level of
chemistry with more depth in problem solving and more laboratory experience. It is also an
objective of this course that the students understand the scientific method and its role in problem
solving.
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Method of Instruction:
This is a fast-paced, rigorous internet course. PowerPoint Presentations available on WebCampus
coincide with assigned reading material in the text and add clarification and examples to the
material in the text.
Learner Outcomes and Measurement:
The following table presents the expected learner outcomes for CHEM 100. Learner outcomes will
be measured each time the class is taught with a short, comprehensive final exam. Results from
the final will be analyzed. Instruction in future semesters will be altered based on the analysis.
Expected Learner Outcomes

Measurement
Demonstrate how chemistry is used to

Quizzes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Quizzes 4, 7, 8

Quizzes 9 and 10
understand and explain many of today’s
environmental problems.

Chemically analyze current and potential
energy sources.

Analyze how chemistry is applied in the
development of medicines, plastics and
polymers.

Analyze the chemistry of nutrition.

Quiz 11, Nutrition Gizmo

Analyze various types of chemical reactions

Quiz 8

Demonstrate and analyze how genetic

Quiz 12
engineering is used in our society.

Analyze and interpret graphs

Gizmo: Graphing Skills

Demonstrate knowledge of basic lab and

All Gizmos

Gizmos: Covalent Bonds, Ionic
measurement skills

Write Lewis Structures for molecules with ionic
and covalent bonds
Bonds
Evaluation:
Video Introduction:
To help develop presentation and ‘public’ speaking skills, students will be responsible for producing
a simple, two-three minute introductory video. Instructions for this assignment will be posted the first
week of the semester.
Chapter Quizzes:
Students are required to complete quizzes associated with each chapter. Generally, quizzes will
be available on Tuesdays through Sundays. Quiz availability will not be extended under any
circumstances. Take quizzes from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection.
Immediately contact the GBC Helpdesk if technical problems arise.
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Gizmos – Homework/Lab Assignments:
Gizmos – interactive online homework and lab assignments are required frequently throughout the
semester. These assignments will help you better understand chapter material as well as develop
and build lab skills. Go to ExploreLearning.com to register for your class. The CHEM 100 class codes
are UKNYPYDKRK and BJRV3ABCMY. You will submit your written Gizmo assignments through
WebCampus.
Gizmos will be graded by checking it for completion and grading 2 - 6 random questions
(depending on length of assignment) for correctness (the same questions will be selected for every
student). For example, a 10-point homework assignment will be graded according to the following
rubric: completed less than half of questions (question difficulty will be considered) attempted - 0
pts., incomplete but more than half of questions attempted – 5 pts., complete – 7 pts., complete+ 1
random question correct – 8 pts., complete + 2 random questions correct – 10 pts.
Short Comprehensive Final Exam:
A multiple choice final will focus on the expected learner outcomes outlined above.
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Grading:
Grading will be based on the Chapter quizzes, four writing assignments and the final exam. All
scores will be added together at the end of the semester, and the percentage of the total possible
points will determine the grade.
Extra credit opportunities are not available.
Grades will be based on the following divisions:
A
95-100%
A-
90-94%
B+
87-89%
B
84-86%
B-
80-83%
C+
77-79%
C
74-76%
C-
70-73%
D+
67-69%
D
64-66%
D-
60-63%
F
<59%
A student may receive a “W” grade only if withdrawal occurs by October 28, 2013. To withdraw,
the student must inform the instructor verbally or in writing 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 and
quizzes.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete assignments and assessments
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.

Although not required, be sure to complete all of the ‘Your Turn’ questions
throughout the chapter. These questions will help you prepare for the
weekly quizzes.

Although not required, take the recommended ‘End of Chapter’ Questions
seriously; they will help you prepare for exams!

ASK questions if you are confused. Your professor wants to HELP you!

‘End of Chapter’ Questions:
o Your success in this course depends on active participation and active
learning. Although the ‘End of Chapter’ questions will not be graded,
careful and accurate completion is necessary for success, as these
questions will be similar to quiz questions. Answers to the ‘End of Chapter’
questions will be posted online for students to review.
Additional Course Information:

The best way to contact the instructor is through WebCampus email.

In case your book hasn’t arrived by the start of semester, the first two
chapters on the schedule are available via WebCampus.

If you are unable to secure a book by the end of the third week of class,
the instructor recommends sharing a book with a fellow student or
withdrawing from the course and taking it another semester.

Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC
Helpdesk.

Extra credit opportunities are NOT available.
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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
professor in all communications.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to
be outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom
behavior (determined, as they would be in a regular classroom, by the instructor) will not be
tolerated”.
Pay particular attention to those last four words. Any student who behaves rudely to another
student or to the instructor will be dropped immediately.
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 tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the
student’s OWN work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s word, 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 information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references;
and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest
writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:



Another person’s actual words are quoted
Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in
the student’s own words
Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is
common knowledge
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
regulations, 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 775.753.2271”.
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CHEM 100 Course Schedule for Fall 2013:
Week
Topics
Assignments
1–August 26
Chapter 1: The Air We Breathe
Ch. 1 Quiz
2 – Sept 2
Chapter 1: The Air We Breathe
3 – Sept 9
Chapter 2: Protecting the Ozone Layer
4 – Sept 16
Ch. 2 Quiz
Gizmo: Covalent Bonds – Lewis Structures
Ch. 3 Quiz
Warming
Gizmo: Unit Conversions
Chapter 4: Energy from Combustion
6 – Sept 30
Chapter 5: Water for Life
8 – October 14
Gizmo: Balancing Chemical Equations
Chapters 3: The Chemistry of Global
5 – Sept 23
7 – Oct 7
Video Introduction
Gizmo: Ionic Bonds
Ch. 4 Quiz
Gizmos: Stoichiometry
Ch. 5 Quiz
Gizmo: Measurement
Chapter 6: Neutralizing the Threat of
Ch. 6 Quiz
Acid Rain
Gizmo: Titration
Chapter 7: The Fires of Nuclear Fission
Ch. 7 Quiz
Gizmo: Half Life
Chapter 8: Energy from Electron
9 – October 21
10 - October 28
11 – Nov 4
12 – Nov 11
Transfer
Chapter 8: Energy from Electron
Ch. 8 Quiz
Transfer
Gizmo: Graphing Skills
Chapter 9: The World of Polymers and
Ch. 9 Quiz
Plastics
Chapter 10: Manipulating Molecules
Ch. 10 Quiz
and Designing Drugs
Gizmo: Limiting Reactants
Chapter 11: Nutrition: Food for Thought
13 – Nov 18
Course Drop Deadline
Oct 26
14 – Nov 25
Chapter 12: Genetic Engineering
15 – Dec 2
Chapter 12: Genetic Engineering
16 – Dec 9
Ch. 11 Quiz
Gizmo: Nutrition
Gizmo: Mystery Powder Analysis
Ch. 12 Quiz
Gizmo: Building DNA
Final Exam available Dec 8 – 11, 2013
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Substantiation of the Incorporation of the General Education Objectives into Chemistry 100
Communication Skills (strong component): Gizmos assignments all 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 labs.
Critical Thinking (strong component):
Quantitative Ability (significant): Quizzes, Gizmos and the final exam will include
dimensional analysis which requires mathematic manipulation.
Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant): All Gizmos 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 Gizmos. Many quiz questions
require reasoning taken from the understanding and application of chemistry, not just the
memorization of terms.
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. Quizzes will require students to demonstrate how
consumer choices impact the chemistry of environmental problems.
Sense of the Past (moderate): The nature of the atom has been of interest to scientists
since the 1800s. This class will examine various models of the atom developed from the late 1800s
through the present. Notable experiments and people involved with the development of
chemistry as a science are discussed throughout the semester.
Sense of Accountability (significant): A common theme throughout much of this course is
the interaction between humans and nature, and the personal and social consequences of these
interactions. We discuss ethical and societal issues and needs relating to the use of industrial
chemicals and the environment. Quizzes will require students to demonstrate how consumer
choices impact the chemistry of environmental problems.
Appreciation of Fine Arts (some degree): The use of chemicals in art restoration is a hot
topic. For example, during the 1980’s and 1990’s, the cleaning and restoration of The Sistine
Chapel created controversy in the art community because many art historians believed that the
cleaning destroyed and/or distorted Michelangelo’s original work. The chapter 6 quiz will require
students to demonstrate their knowledge of acid rain degradation to sculptures.
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Personal Wellness (significant):
Personal safety is considered in the discussion of chemical hazards. Many of the environmental
issues discussed in lecture, such as the chemistry of the ozone layer, the chemistry of water, and
the chemistry of air, directly impact personal wellness. Quizzes will require students to demonstrate
their knowledge of how the chemistry of environmental problems may impact their health. The
Gizmo on nutrition will help students understand the nutrients they put in their bodies.
Technological Understanding (moderate):
Gizmos are an interactive online tool students will use throughout the semester. Students will use
WebCampus to access class materials.
Communications (moderate):
Online communication consists of emails, between students and the professor, writing is required
with all Gizmos. All communication is expected to be formal.
Critical Thinking (moderate):
Gizmos require students analyze topics and interpret research materials. Often, multiple choice
quizzes are considered a good exercise in deductive reasoning.
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