Passaic County Community College
Master Syllabus
2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR
Department Chair: Prof. Martin Baranowski
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Course Code: CH 111
Course Title: General Chemistry I
Department/Program: Science
Semester Offered: Fall, Spring and Summer 1
Catalog Description/Course:
For science, pre-professional and engineering majors. Covers basic concepts and introductory inorganic
chemistry. Topics include: stoichiometry, solubility, atomic and molecular structure, gases, solid structure, quantum
mechanics, chemical formulas, reactions, solutions, enthalpy and bonding theory. Solutions to numerical problems are
stressed throughout. Laboratory experiments reinforce theoretical principles.
Prerequisites: Registered students must be at the college-level in reading, writing and mathematics on the first day of
class.
Credits: Four (4)
Lecture Hours: Three (3)
Lab/Studio Hours: Three (3)
Clinical/Fieldwork Hours: None
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REQUIRED TEXTBOOK/MATERIALS:
Lecture: Chemistry: The Central Science, 13th ed. by Brown, LeMay et al.
Laboratory: Modular Experiments for CH 111. Available only in the PCCC bookstore.
Each individual student must have his/her own lab manual. No Xerox copies will be accepted.
You will also need your own calculator that will handle scientific notation and logarithmic functions.
ADDITIONAL TIME REQUIREMENTS: None
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
 Identify atomic structure.
 Identify periodic trends.
 Name basic inorganic compounds.
 Explain chemical behavior in terms of structure.
 Explain chemical behavior in terms of quantum mechanics
 Explain chemical behavior in terms of thermodynamics.
 Utilize standard laboratory techniques.
GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES
 Draw conclusions from the analysis of data and evidence, using the scientific method.
 Apply scientific theories and principles to the solving of problems.
 Demonstrate an understanding of basic terminology, major concepts, principles and fundamental theories in
science.
GRADING STANDARD:
The points available in this course are divided as follows:
4 Exams (100 pts. each)
Cumulative Final
Laboratory
Total
400 pts.
200 pts
265 pts
865 pts
At the conclusion of the course, your points from all exams and the lab will be totaled and your final grade will be
decided using the point values below. There is no extra credit and no scores will be dropped.
A = >796 pts.
A- = 795-761 pts.
B+ = 760-727 pts.
B = 726-692 pts.
B- = 691–675 pts.
C+ = 690-640 pts.
C = 639-605 pts.
D = 604-519 pts.
F = <519 pts.
There will be no make-up exams given in this course for any reason. If you are unable to attend an exam, your
final exam will be scaled to 300 points and your grade calculated. DO NOT ASK FOR A MAKE-UP FOR YOUR
SPECIAL REASON. THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS POLICY. YOU HAVE ALL THE EXAM
DATES NOW SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY. No exceptions will be made for conveniently sick children, sudden work
assignments or deceased relatives. Missing a second exam will result in a grade of zero for both of the exams you missed.
COURSE CONTENT:
Lecture Schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Chapter
1
2
3
4
5
6
Title
Matter and Measurement
Atoms, Molecules and Ions
Stoichiometry
Reactions in Aqueous Solution
Thermochemistry
Atomic Structure
Exam
1 (Ch. 1,2,3)
2 (Ch 4,5,6)
7
8
9
10
11
Periodic Properties
Chemical Bonding
Molecular Geometry
Bonding Theories
Gases
Intermolecular Forces
3 (Ch 7,8,9)
4 (Ch 10,11)
Final Exam - All Chapters
All exams will be given in the week scheduled. Although the instructor will attempt to provide sufficient notice,
it is the student’s responsibility to be ready for the exam.
Lecture Policies
CELL PHONES: The possession of a cell phone during class is a violation of the PCCC Student Code of Conduct. All
cell phones are to be turned off during class. Any student using a cell phone in class will be told to leave. Any student
leaving to take a call will not be permitted back into the room at the instructor’s discretion. If you consider a phone call
more important than class, please stay out.
EXAM POLICIES (applies to both lecture and lab):
A. Your instructor will discuss with you the general format for the exams.
B. No scrap paper is permitted during the exam.
C. You may use no materials other than those specifically given by the instructor, a pen/pencil and a naked
calculator.
D. Students may be asked to change seats at the discretion of the instructor. Do not take this personally.
E. Students may be asked to place all coats, hats, pocketbooks, bags and any other materials at the front of the
room before the exam. Do not bring anything you are afraid to leave at the front of the room.
F. CELL PHONES: Any student who has possession of a cell phone during an exam will immediately have
his/her exam terminated. You may not so much as take it out of your pocket.
G. Each student must have his/her own calculator. There can be no sharing of calculators during an exam and
you may not use a cell phone calculator.
CHEATING: Academic integrity is covered by both the Student Code of Conduct and Science Department Policy as
shown in the last page of the syllabus. Students caught cheating will generally receive a grade of “F” for the course.
ASSIGNMENTS: A number of problems located at the end of each chapter of the textbook or from other sources will be
suggested by the instructor. These problems will not be collected nor will they be discussed in lecture. Chemistry must
be practiced and it is suggested that you do as many problems (assigned and unassigned) as possible. Your instructor will
advise you on how to obtain the solutions to these problems.
TUTORING: If you need additional help in any part of the course, tutoring is available as a courtesy through the Science
Department. The schedules are posted on the lab doors and bulletin boards
ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken in both lecture and lab for financial aid purposes. There are no points for
attending lecture; this is a college course and you are expected to be there. See the laboratory syllabus for policies
regarding lab attendance. You may not bring your children to either lecture or lab.
LATE POLICY: Chronically late students may not be admitted to the lecture at the discretion of the instructor. Students
who are late to an exam may be allowed to begin the exam but will receive no extra time. Please see the lab syllabus for
late policies regarding labs.
INCOMPLETE GRADES: The grade of incomplete is only given at the discretion of the instructor and does not erase
the work done in the course to that point. All exam and assignments dates have been provided on the first day of class.
No “incomplete” grades or consideration will be given for plane flights, family reunions or any other reason. A grade of
incomplete for a valid medical reason will only be granted after sufficient documentation is provided. You must attend
the final and all other exams on the dates scheduled. You have the exam dates now, so plan accordingly.
REPEATING THE COURSE: Students who are repeating the course must repeat both the lecture and the laboratory.
Please discuss what to do about the lab handouts with your instructor. You may not white-out old reports and resubmit
them.
IMPORTANT DATES: The dates for automatic withdrawl from the course and for withdrawing with the permission of
the instructor are located on the PCCC website at www.pccc.edu.
AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY FINAL EXAM
The ACS Final exam is a national standardized exam that is given to students in General Chemistry throughout
the United States. It is designed to test basic chemical knowledge and covers the topics in the course. Any student who
scores better than 65% on this exam will have the option of being exempt from the course final exam or of accepting 40
extra-credit points. Students who score less than 65% on the exam will receive 1 extra-credit point for every correct
answer up to a maximum of 40 points. The final exam exemption policy will not apply to any student who has not
completed all 4 lecture exams; these students must take the course final.
Laboratory Schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Exp. #
383
603
517
349
478
1001
368
428
361
341
Title
Check-In
Density
Two component mixture
Water in a Hydrate
Standardization of NaOH
Titration of Antacids
Lab Midterm (Weeks 2-6)
Redox Titration of Iron
Heat of Neutralization
Calorie Content of Peanuts
Spectroscopy of Food Dyes
Synthesis of Strontium Iodate Hydrate
Lab Final (Weeks 8-12)
ACS Final Exam
Laboratory Policies
Attendance: Any student who arrives after the quiz begins will not be permitted to take the quiz and will receive a grade
of zero but may wait for the lab to begin. Any student not present when the instructor begins the lab instructions and
shuts the door will not be permitted in the lab and will receive a grade of zero for the lab. A student who misses a lab may
not obtain the data from his/her partner and hand it in.
The Lab Report Sheet
Each lab will contain a report sheet which must be turned in before the quiz begins. Any report sheet that is
handed in after the quiz begins but before the next lab quiz will receive a 50% penalty deduction. No lab report will be
accepted one week after the lab is performed and will receive a grade of zero.
All lab report sheets must be completed in ink. Pencil may not be used. If you make an error, a single line is to
be drawn through the error so it is still readable and the new value written next to it. Points will be deducted for failing to
follow these procedures.
When you have completed your lab: If any lab time remains after you complete your work, this is an excellent
opportunity to ask the instructor questions. Questions on homework, how to use the calculator or a clarification of
something from lecture are all excellent questions.
Lab Midterm and Final: The lab midterm and final exam will cover the labs as specified above and will each be worth
50 points. The exams may be written or may include a practical section in which you are asked to perform a procedure.
Your instructor will specify the format of each exam.
Final Lab Score: Your lab score will be obtained by totaling all of the points from your lab quizzes, report sheets and the
two lab exams. YOU MUST OBTAIN A SCORE OF 160 POINTS IN THE LAB TO PASS THE COURSE REGARDLESS
OF YOUR LECTURE TOTAL.
PASSAIC COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ADDENDUM
The College’s Academic Integrity Policy is strictly enforced by the Science Department. All students are expected to
familiarize themselves with the Academic Integrity Policy printed on page 25 of the 2009/2011 Academic Bulletin. The
Policy clearly states that:
“All members of the academic community at Passaic County Community College must maintain a constant
commitment to academic integrity. Academic integrity is central to the pursuit of education. For students at PCCC,
this means maintaining the highest ethical standards in completing their academic work. By completing their
academic goals with
integrity and honesty, students can reflect on their efforts with pride in their
accomplishments.”
The Academic Integrity Policy goes on to list examples of actions that violate the principle of academic integrity.
These actions fall into one of two major categories: cheating and plagiarism. All students are expected to familiarize
themselves with the definitions of cheating and plagiarism in the Student Code of Conduct printed on page 38 of the
2009/2011 Academic Bulletin. Please be advised that not being aware of College policies in no way excuses violations.
In addition to the aforementioned policies, the unique activities, conditions, and potential dangers in science
laboratories require that supplementary rules, regulations, and protocols are strictly followed. Therefore:
-students are expected to be familiar with and strictly abide by all laboratory safety procedures
-no food or drinks are allowed in the laboratory
-backpacks, purses, and other personals must be placed underneath lab tables
-all laboratory tables and counters must be cleaned upon arriving and again before leaving the lab
-all dissection remains and chemicals must be discarded in appropriately labeled containers
-all dissection tools must be washed, dried, and returned to designated areas
-prepared slides must be removed from microscopes and returned to correct trays
-microscopes must be returned to the proper shelf with cord wound and number facing out
-all equipment and models must be returned to designated areas with parts properly attached
-unless otherwise informed by the instructor, students are not permitted to use and/or share electronic devices
of any kind during examinations and classroom activities.
-unless otherwise informed by the instructor, students will complete and submit individual lab reports and
assignments even if activities are conducted and data is collected in groups
Please be advised that in accordance with the College’s Academic Integrity Policy, sanctions for violations
“may be an academic sanction (reduced grade, a grade of “F” for the assignment, a grade of “F” for the course), or referral
to the Student Affairs Office for a recommended disciplinary sanction (e.g., probation, suspension, or expulsion), or both.
COLLEGE POLICIES:
For Information regarding the following policies consult the College Catalog and/or Website and PCCC Student
Handbook
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PCCC’s Academic Integrity Code
Student Conduct Code
Student Grade Appeal Process
Intensive Writing Requirements

Panther Alert: The College will announce delayed openings, closings, and other emergency situations through
the Panther Alert System. Students are encouraged to sign up for the Panther Alert Notification. Students can
sign up once they log into their Campus Cruiser Portal account through the PCCC website at www.pccc.edu.

Cell Phone Policy: Use of cellular telephones, audible pagers, or other forms of audible electronic devices in all
academic learning environments (including but not limited to, laboratories, testing centers, classroom, library,
learning centers, theater, and so forth) is prohibited unless previously approved by the instructor or other
authorized administrator.
Please refer to the PCCC Student Handbook and PCCC Catalog (Academic Bulletin).
NOTIFICATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
If you have a disability, and believe you need accommodations in this class, please contact Disability Services staff at
973-684-6395, or email ods@pccc.edu, to make an appointment. You should do so as soon as possible at the start of each
semester. If you require testing accommodations, you must remind me (the instructor) one week in advance of each test.
More information @ pccc.edu/ods.
Contact Information
Course Instructor:
Department Course Coordinator: Dr. Fred Safarowic
Office: A340 (Paterson Campus)
E-mail: fsafarowic@pcccc.edu
Phone: (973) 684-6835
Office hours and contact information for the Course Coordinator and the Department Chair can be found on the
Science Department website.