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CHEMISTRY 40 (Introductory Chemistry)
Professor: Kamran Golestaneh
Spring 2016
Office location: 7- 2108D
SECTIONS
LECTURE TIME, (LOCATION)
LAB TIME (LOCATION)
42249
MW 12:00-2:05 pm (7-2114)
Lab - W 8:00-11:10 am (60-3609)
Email: kgolestaneh@mtsac.edu (Use email for primary means of off-campus communication)
Office phone: 3483 – Use this extension for calls during office hours only– Do not leave a message! Use
email to communicate. Office Location: 7-2108D
Office hours: Please note these office hours.
MW 2:10-2:40 pm
TTH 1:00-2:30 pm
Note: It is important to have access to the Internet and a printer. Various computer labs in school can
provide such access. You should be able download and print posted documents in “pdf” file type. You
should also check your posted grades frequently.
Instructor’s Web Page: http://www.chemvision.net
DETAILED COURSE RULES, POLICY & INFORMATION
Course Description
Introduction to measurements, structure and properties of matter, writing/balancing equations, stoichiometry, properties and
behavior of gases, and properties of solutions. Most students who take this course are science/ engineering majors preparing for
admission into General Chemistry I (CHEM 50). Source: College Catalog: http://www.mtsac.edu/catalog/
Course Measurable Objectives:

Please Refer to the instructor’s web page to review a chapter-by-chapter detailed measurable
objective that you can use for as an exam study guide. The following are among few measurable
objectives that students should be able to do after completing this course.
1.
Apply scientific notation and significant figures to properly report measured data and perform unit conversion
calculations.
2. Calculate the percent composition, molar masses, empirical and molecular formulae of compounds from
appropriate data.
3. Explain subatomic structure, isotopes, isotopic notation, average atomic mass, and the contributions made by
various scientists, using modern atomic theory.
4. Determine the names or formulae for simple inorganic compounds formed from common ions (including acids,
bases, salts) and for common molecular compounds.
5. Complete, balance, and classify chemical equations.
6. Explain observations of quantized energy levels of electrons, using theories of electromagnetic radiation.
7. Distinguish between ionic and covalent bonding in compounds.
8. Use the postulates of the kinetic-molecular theory to account for the behavior of gases.
9. Summarize the formation and behavior of solutions.
10. Determine and classify the types of intermolecular and interparticle forces.
11. Implement safe laboratory procedures explained by the instructor and in the lab manual.
12. Record data and observations using standard chemical conventions including use of significant figures.
13. Demonstrate use of laboratory equipment.
14. Perform chemical laboratory techniques.
15. Explain concepts, record and summarize observations, formulate conclusions in grammatically correct
paragraphs.
Source: http://webcms.mtsac.edu/webcms/Display.asp?outline_id=5663&sFormID=PUBLICCOURSE
For Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) refer to: http://www.mtsac.edu/instruction/outcomes/sloinfo.html
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Required Items for the Course (get these ASAP!)
1. Textbook: Introductory Chemistry, 7th edition, 2014, Author: Charles Corwin (If purchasing your
textbook from Mt SAC bookstore, purchase the package without Mastering Chemistry on-line
homework system. We will not be using Mastering Chemistry in this course. All homework will be
assigned from your textbook and extra homework from the instructor’s web page.
2. Chemistry 40 laboratory Manual; Purchase Spring 2016 version from Mt SAC bookstore.
3. Ball Point pen (permanent ink, black or blue) for lab data recording and a red pen for grading
classmate quizzes.
4. No. 2 Pencil for quizzes and exams.
5. 1 dedicated 50 or 100-page Spiral bound notebook for homework problems (you may need more
notebooks later).
6. Scientific Calculator (Do not program for text or formulas!). Please purchase an inexpensive and
convenient-to-use calculator such as Casio fx-260-solar or equivalent.
7. Scantrons (form #882 a-e responses) for exams. Pages will be provided for the written section of
exam.
8. Safety Goggles (Purchase from Mt. SAC bookstore or it must be approved by your Instructor).
9. A clear centimeter ruler for measuring lengths and graphing
Grading Policy
Exams (3) 15% each
Final exam
Quizzes
Homework
Class participation & Preparation*
Attendance
45%
20%
6%
4%
1%
1%
(Both written and multiple-choice sections)
(Cumulative, 2 parts)
(as scheduled)
(Assigned and checked regularly)
(Based on instructor’s subjective evaluation)
(Students lose points for being late or absent)
Laboratory (23%):
Laboratory Tests**
Laboratory Reports
Laboratory Final Exam
Lab skills demonstration
Pre-lab assignments/activities
8%
7%
5%
2%
1%
Total
100.%
(Covers lab skills, problems solving and concepts)
(Due at the beginning of the following lab session)
(Covers safety, equipment, measurements, lab skills)
(based on instructor’s observation during lab)
(Checked and graded at the beginning of lab)
* All students are expected to participate in class. Class participation involves relevant group discussions,
laboratory collaboration, and willingness to do problems on the board when asked to do so as well as
preparing for the chapter content before each class session. Students are expected to read the chapter
contents and posted handouts and do the assigned homework problems.
**Lab tests cover all laboratory activities (concepts, skills, problem-solving) related to the experiments
performed. Lab tests are also related to concepts covered in the course as well as your homework. Review
the instructor’s lecture (take good notes) as well as your experiment, lab report, questions, problems,
procedures and reactions.
NOTE: Your ability to follow instructions is very important in this course. You can lose up to 20% of
points deducted from any assigned work for being late or not following any instructions that are
provided during the lab and lecture or posted on the course web page.
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Your course performance will be updated regularly and posted on the web page. It is your responsibility to
check your record of grades against the posted grades and notify the instructor in case of a discrepancy
within one week.
You will receive a final letter grade will be according to the following percentile distribution.
A:100.-90.0% B:89.9-80.0% C:79.9-70.0% D:69.9-60.0% F:59.9-0%
Medical Conditions and Disabilities
Note: If you have a medical condition or disability which may prevent you from compliance with the
course rules, you must indicate that in writing to the instructor and see a Disabled Student Services
counselor as soon as possible. Disabled students will be accommodated only if students are registered
and approved for accommodations and services through the Disabled Student Services.
Class Attendance (mandatory)
You must notifying the instructor through the office phone/email (located on page 1) in case of an
emergency absence immediately. Provide supportive paperwork as soon as possible (ex. doctor’s note):
Policy: You are subject to being dropped from the course at any time, for the following unexcused number
of absences.
If you miss 1 class sessions (lecture, lab or discussion) during the first week of semester.
If you miss 3 consecutive class sessions or 4 hours after the first week.
If you are late or leave early from 3 consecutive class sessions (considered disruptive behavior).
If you miss more than 2 weeks of course attendance (regular semester) or more than 1 week of a short
session (summer or winter sessions) for any reason (even if beyond your control) you will be subject to
being dropped from the course due to the fact that you have missed a significant portion of the lab and your
future attendance will pose a safety threat to yourself and/or other students you may be working with in the
lab.
Regular and timely attendance counts toward your course grade (refer to attendance grade breakdown).
Any unsupported cases of being absent, late or early departure from lectures will drop your attendance
grade to 0%. Students who are frequently late may not be allowed in the class. Students who engage in
disruptive behavior (ex. talking or cell-phone use during class sessions) will be dismissed from the class
which will result in a 0% attendance grade. If you happen to miss class for any reason, you may also miss
important and time-sensitive information that may negatively impact your course grade. Therefore, timely
attendance is very critical in this course. If you happen to miss class, email the instructor immediately and
explain your reason for being absent. Next, contact a fellow classmate to obtain the information that you
missed. It is recommended that you exchange phone numbers with a classmate.
If you have any intentions of dropping the course you must do so as soon as possible and prior to the “W”
deadline. If you stop attending class before the “W” deadline, you may receive a failing
grade for the course. It is both highly recommended, and your responsibility to drop the
course. However, the instructor can drop you for absences (without email communication)
and non-compliance.
Homework (No success is ever possible without doing your homework honestly
and diligently!)
Students’ name should be written in pen on top of each homework page. All homework should be in a
spiral bound notebook in chronological order. Use pencil to do your homework. All homework must be
your own work. You are not to copy the solution from a solution manual or a classmate’s work otherwise
you will receive a zero grade for the entire homework grade. If you don’t understand a problem, don’t give
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up easily and work at it. If you have to move on to other problems, leave some blank spaces for solving the
problem later and ask questions during lectures or at the end of lab session if you have extra time.
Homework is graded for completion and typically scored as: 2 (full points earned), 1 (incomplete) or zero
(very incomplete). Students who come late to the class, or miss class for any reason, will get a zero on their
homework score. Students should always be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of the homework
problems they solve correctly at the time they show their work or they may get a zero for the work shown.
Examinations
Exams are given according to the most revised version of the course schedule posted on the web page.
Exams are intended for evaluation purposes, belong to the instructor and are kept by the
instructor during the entire semester after which it will be destroyed. Instructor will offer an
opportunity for the entire class to review their graded exam and record their topic weaknesses. Do not miss
that opportunity. Exam questions should not be recorded during student review periods. Students are
allowed to note down the topics that they have lost points on and work quickly to learn these topics by
doing homework problems related to their weakness area. Your final exam is cumulative.
All exams will be closed book and covers material from the textbook, lectures, homework, assigned
activities/problem solving and problems posted on the course web page. You will be given appropriate
reference materials including a periodic table and a list of conversion factors and constants. You will also
need a scientific calculator with log and exponential (scientific) notation but other electronic devices
including cell phones will not be allowed during exams. You may not share calculators during an exam.
No make-up exams will be offered. Students who miss an exam due to a valid and substantiated reason
(ex. medical emergencies and car accidents) have the option to use their final exam grade to substitute for
one midterm exam. If more than one exam is missed, the final exam score will be substituted for one
missed exam and the other missed exam(s) will receive a score of zero.
All exams will be cumulative.
Cell-phones, recording devices and electronic dictionaries are not allowed during a test and should be kept
away from the student in their backpack. All backpacks must be placed on the floor or backpack cabinets in
the laboratory entrance. Students are not allowed to use the calculator feature of their cell phones. Use
restrooms prior to taking the exam. Students are not allowed to share calculators! Students are not to
leave the classroom during an examination for any reason until the exam is turned in. Urgent
requests to leave the classroom to use restrooms WILL cause points (-10% per incident) to be
deducted from your exam grade and the student is expected to return to their seat as quick as
possible. All exam paperwork and student’s cell phone must be given to the instructor while the student is
away. Each student’s face should be fully visible during an examination period. (ex. no baseball caps). All
exam grade disputes should be brought to the instructor’s attention immediately after the exam
review session (typically 1 week after exam date). All grade disputes should be requested in writing
dated and stapled to the exam papers. Incidents of cheating on exam is never tolerated and will result
in a failing grade for the work and reporting of the incident to the appropriate college office.
Problem Solving Format and Grading
All logical steps must be shown for all calculation type of problems to receive credit for correct steps.
Draw a rectangular box around the reported answer(s). All answers should include proper units and
significant figures for complete credit. Use pencil for problem solving and show your work in a neat and
logical manner to receive credit. If instructor can not follow your work, you will not receive any credit for
the work even if the answer is correct. If you are partially correct in setting up a problem, you can get up to
50% partial credit. Typically for a 4 point problem, mistakes in significant figures, wrong or no units and
round off errors will cost you -0.5 points deduction from each category. If steps to solving a problem are
unclear to the instructor, or they are written in a disorganized and messy way you will not receive any
partial credit. You will not receive any points if you place a correct answer without showing all steps (in a
clear way) leading to the answer.
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Academic Integrity & Courtesy & other important Policies

Cheating is a serious offense that can ruin your academic record and future success. You are not to give
your work (homework, exams, lab reports, etc.) to anyone other than your instructor. If someone asks
you to for your work, do not share your work with them or you are involved in cheating and will get a
zero for your work as well.
 Refer to the Mt SAC College catalog for important policies such as student misconduct
and cheating.
 In cases of dishonesty and cheating, a report of mischief will be filed with the college
administration. You are graded on your individual work in this class unless stated
otherwise in writing. In cases of cheating you (and all other individuals involved) will
receive a zero(0) grade for the presented work. Examples of dishonest acts and cheating:
a) Looking over someone else’s exam papers (with or without copying their work).
b) Not following any of the examinations guidelines listed earlier under the Exams section.
c) Using any text, voice or picture recording devices without getting the instructor’s approval in
writing.
d) Copying someone else’s lab report and lab data if you are not authorized in writing to do so.
e) Receiving any information regarding exam contents in any form (email, etc.) and not informing
your instructor about the incident.
f) Doing the lab for someone else or sharing your data with them if you do not have the instructor’s
authorization in writing..
g) Communicating test and quiz contents with another student of your class or any other class.
h) Any form of copying without giving credit and listing the source is plagiarism and considered
cheating.
i) Having someone else take the course or any form of assessments (on-line or in-class) for you.
What are some of the common types of disruptive behavior that will cause you to be dismissed from
the lecture or lab:
 Talking to you classmate during lecture
 Socializing in the lab by discussing any topic which is not directly related to your lab work or
communicating with a noise level that can distract other people and/or instructor’s focus.
 Using a cell-phone to send, receive or read any text messages during class sessions.
 Joking and/or laughing around during lab or lectures
 Being frequently late for a lecture session. If you happen to be late enter quietly from the far-side door
and sit in the back of the class.
 Impolite and disrespectful response and attitude toward your instructor and other students.
 Coming to class without your textbook, calculator and Chemistry and lab notebook.
 Sleeping during lectures.
 Refusing to follow course-related instructions given by your instructor.
Please refer to the current schedule of classes to check important semester
dates including deadlines for dropping a course with and without a
“W” on your record.
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What does it take to succeed in this course?
1. Attend all lecture and lab sessions on-time and take complete notes.
2. Review your notes and your textbook immediately after lecture/lab
sessions.
3. Start your assigned homework as early as possible and check your answers.
Don’t use the solution manual or depend on it. You don’t need to buy it!
4. Get into study groups of (1-3) if possible and if group works productively.
5. Bring your problems to instructor office hours and lecture/lab sessions.
6. Review your lab introduction procedures carefully before each experiment.
7. Do the lab calculations/analysis right after completion of each experiment.
8. Exercise your body, Socialize in moderation, eat healthy and learn to
release your stress through moderate level of exercise.
You can learn a significant portion of chemistry through developing your logic and reasoning
skills. Learning through logic and reasoning will make you smarter than rote memorization.
Review your math skills!.
Important Note. Please read:
This detailed course information is serves as “binding contract” between you (the student) and I (the
instructor). If you disagree with any part of this contract and refuse to abide by it, this course may not
be suitable for you at this time. You need to express your comments in writing and submit it to me as
early as the first week of the semester via campus email (kgolestaneh@mtsac.edu) and express your
concerns in writing. If you decide to stay in this course you should do so with a clear understanding of
all details stated in this course information. You should have a clear understanding of instructor
expectations and high academic standards of this course after careful examination of this course
information.
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LABORATORY INFORMATION
Bring the course information section to the First Lab Session!
Grading:
Laboratory (23%):
Laboratory Tests*
Laboratory Reports
Laboratory Final Exam
Lab skills demonstration**
Pre-lab assignments/activities
8% (Covers lab skills, problems solving and concepts)
7% (Due at the beginning of the following lab session)
5% (Covers safety, equipment, measurements, lab skills)
2% (based on instructor’s observation during lab)
1% (Checked and graded at the beginning of lab)
*Lab tests cover all laboratory activities (concepts, skills, problem-solving) related to the previous session's
experiment and report. Lab tests are also related to concepts covered in the course as well as your
homework.
**Note : If your lab report grade falls below 90.%, your lab skills grade will be reduced to the overall
average of your lab report grade plus any additional deductions that may apply based on one of undesirable
skills listed below and instructor’s subjective evaluation during the lab.
Laboratory Objective:
The purpose of the laboratory is to offer you a practical context to learning chemistry. In the laboratory, we
will revisit lecture concepts that apply to a carefully selected number of experiments in order to gain a more
effective understanding of abstract concepts. In the laboratory, you will have the opportunity to engage in
lecture discussions, chemistry applications, problem solving, as well as executing valuable laboratory
techniques that will help you carry out such experiments. You will practice the scientific method by
forming hypothesis and learning to analyze and interpret the laboratory data in order to test your
hypothesis. Additionally you will be performing quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis. All data
should be reported with correct units and precision in appropriate data tables and/or lab reports. You will
also be practicing with proper recording of your laboratory data.
Desirable Behavior in Lab
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Practicing safe lab techniques
Being aware of your surroundings in safety
and proper waste management practices.
Taking active part in doing the lab
Performing correct laboratory techniques
Focusing on the experiment
Keeping your work area clean
Working with optimum speed
Taking care of your lab equipment
Conservative use of chemicals
Undesirable! (Lab skills grade deduction)
Unsafe practices (may also be dismissed from lab)
Not knowing what is going on around you
or how others handle waste and chemicals
Watching others do the experiment
Showing poor lab techniques
Being confused or socializing with others
Waste papers and chemicals on your bench
Working slow (Poor time management)
Losing or breaking any lab equipment
Wasteful use of chemical
Instructor’s Specific Role During Lab:
Your instructor’s role is to:
 Deliver a lecture on applied laboratory concepts with examples involving chemical reactions, data
analysis and calculations. Instructor will demonstrate important lab procedures and techniques.
 Be present at all times in the laboratory. Students can not perform any laboratory experiments
without instructor’s presence and guidance in the laboratory. Instructor will walk around and
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


observe students. Students who do not follow instructions and/or ignore instructor’s feedback will
lose points from their class participation and/or laboratory skills grade. Students who violate safety
rules are expelled from the laboratory with a lab report grade of zero.
Help students understand safety aspects of handling a number of laboratory chemicals.
Issue unknowns for quantitative and/or qualitative chemical analysis.
Grade your laboratory work.
Additional Rules which will impact your laboratory grade. Your lab report grade is
likely to be impacted by these incidents.
1. (points deduction) If a student is late and misses most of the lecture or the safety-related portion
of the lab lecture, he or she will not be permitted to do the lab due to safety reasons. This will
result in a zero lab grade for the report or a significant reduction in the report’s grade if the
experiment extends over multiple lab sessions.
2. (point deduction) Lab reports are due a week from the experiment’s completion date. Reports
are promptly due at the beginning of the laboratory/class period BEFORE instructor takes role.
Late Reports (even if late for a few minutes) lose 20% credit, if turned in late on the same day
the report is due and marked down 20% for each additional day passed the due date.
3. (point deduction) Raw data (data recorded from a measuring instrument or your laboratory
observation) must be recorded in permanent ink. Do not obliterate your incorrect (presumed)
laboratory data. If you make a mistake Draw a single line over the data and write above the old
data.
4. If a student misses a lab it may be possible to do a make up lab (or other arrangement(s) set by
the instructor) provided that the absence is clearly beyond the student’s control (accident,
sickness, etc.) and verified (ex. A doctor’s note). Students must provide the instructor with
paperwork as soon as they return to school. Make up is allowed only if the experiment is
currently performed in other lab sections and the other lab instructor allows it. Otherwise,
student will receive a grade by averaging other lab reports. Only one (1) make up lab is allowed
for a legitimate and substantiated reason.
5. (points deduction) Each student should read the entire experiment, and be prepared before the
start of the experiment. When applicable, students who do not complete their lab notebook prior
to the lab can not start their experiment before completing their notebook. If they run out of time
to do the lab, a grade of zero(0) will be issued for that lab.
6. (points deduction) Students must clean up their work area with a wet towel before leaving the
lab. Sinks should be kept free of matches, paper towel or broken glass. All groups working near
a dirty sink will lose lab points.
7. (points deduction) Students must return their cleaned glassware back into their drawers before
leaving the lab. Those who leave behind their lab equipment and glassware on the lab benches
will lose points.
8. (Points deduction) Students who request more unknown from the instructor will lose points.
9. (points deduction) Instructor must initial a student’s laboratory data before leaving the lab.
10. (points deduction) If a student does not record data during the experiment and relies on a partner
to copy their lab data, such data will not be valid.
11. (points deduction) It is each student’s responsibility to finish the assigned experiments in a
timely manner. Students who do not finish their experiment, will not be given additional lab
time beyond the scheduled lab activity.
12. (points deduction) Students are not allowed to leave the laboratory without notifying the
instructor for any reason other than checking out equipment from the stockroom. Notify the
instructor upon your arrival to the lab.
13. (points deduction) Treat the stockroom personnel with respect when you deal with them. If you
experience any problems, notify the instructor immediately and let your instructor resolve any
issues.
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-
It is very essential that you have a safe Chemistry Laboratory experience. To do so, all
students must adhere to the following rules:

Safety goggles, that provide a complete, snug seal around the eyes, must be worn in the laboratory
at all times.

Students should come to the lab properly attired. This means wearing closed-toe shoes that cover
the entire foot, tying long hair back, and removing dangling jewelry. Avoid loose fitting clothing,
bulky sweaters, synthetic fabrics (due to flammability concerns), and clothing that expose bare
skin such as mid-drifts, short skirts or short shorts.

Eating or drinking in the laboratory is not allowed in the lab areas. Avoid skin contact with
chemicals. While in lab, avoid touching your face (eyes, mouth and nose). At no time should
students taste chemicals and, absolutely no pipetting by mouth. Remember to always wash your
hands when you leave the lab.

Avoid trip hazards. That means keeping your book bags, sweaters or other personal off the floor
and out of the walkways and storing them in the cubbies where provided. Make sure that locker
drawers are kept closed when not in use.

When conducting laboratory activities, be sure to carefully read labels on all reagent bottles, notify
your instructor of all accidents no matter how small, and report and clean-up all chemical spills.
Do not pour excess chemicals back into the reagent bottles. Never perform unauthorized
experiments.

Good housekeeping is part of safety and good laboratory practices. This includes keeping your
immediate area clean and clutter free, avoiding drips, drizzles and spills when transferring liquid
chemicals, and maintaining a professional attitude. Dispose of chemical wastes, broken glass, and
paper towels in appropriate containers.

Take extra precaution when using glassware and heat. When heating test tubes, be careful not to
point the test tube at yourself or another student. Protect your hands with paper towels and use
lubrication when inserting thermometers and tubing into stoppers.

Lastly, as part of good safety practice, all students must know the location of safety items such as
the safety shower, eye wash stations, first aid kit, fire extinguishers, material data safety sheet
(MSDS), chemical-spill kits, and exits. In addition, students should know proper procedures for
using the safety shower and eye wash station, and know what to do in case of an accident.
Every student must also follow these laboratory safety procedures and rules!
Keep this page for your records
1. Approved and proper safety goggles must be worn at all times while being present in the
laboratory. Students who refuse to wear safety goggles are dismissed from the laboratory (after 2
warnings) and considered absent from the activity. Do not wear cosmetic or prescription contact
lenses in the lab.
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2. If you have a special medical condition that prevents you from following any of these instructions or
requires special care during a medical emergency, notify your instructor as soon as possible and
provide a doctor’s note to your instructor.
3. Report any personal injury immediately to your lab instructor. You are required to fill out an accident
report.
4. KEEP yourself safe in the lab. Students with long hair should tie back their hair in order to avoid
chemical and fire exposure hazards. DO NOT wear sandals to the lab. Wear closed-toe shoes.
5. Each student is responsible to know the location of emergency equipment such as the emergency
shower/eye wash station, fire blanket and fire extinguisher. Ask you instructor or lab technicians if you
are not sure. In case of eye contact, rinse your eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes with water.
6. DO NOT remove any chemicals from the laboratory fume hood. These chemicals must be dispensed
and processed under the laboratory fume hood.
7. In case of an earthquake do NOT panic and run. Keep calm and stay in a safe location. Evacuate the
laboratory only if it is safer to be outside the laboratory than inside.
8. In case of a laboratory fire, activate the fire alarm and use emergency exits to evacuate the
laboratory/building. All students should remain on-campus and immediately report to the nearest and
safest area outside the classroom and wait for proper instructions from the fire department personnel or
the campus-assigned building marshal(s).
9. No Food or drinks are allowed near the laboratory benches. Keep all food and water sealed in your
backpack.
10. Unauthorized persons such as children and non-enrolled students should not be present in the
laboratory. If you have to leave the lab for any reason, notify the instructor upon leaving and arrival.
11. Dispose of all chemical waste in properly labeled waste containers. Careless waste disposal practices
(overfilling a waste container, filling a waste container with a a wrong waste, etc.) are not permitted and
the student will be immediately dismissed from the laboratory. Check with your instructor if you are not
sure to find the proper waste container.
12. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy during the semester, ask for a list of chemicals you may be
exposed in the laboratory.
13. DO NOT perform an experiment that is not scheduled as the lab activity. If you do not have your own
written procedures for a lab experiment you can not do the lab.
14. DO NOT joke or play around in any form with others in the lab.
15. DO NOT touch, taste or smell any chemicals. If you accidentally get some chemicals on your skin,
wash your hands immediately with tap water. Wash your hands regularly in the lab.
16. Know the location of tap and pure water, also known as distilled or deionized (DI) water.
17. KEEP lab balances clean and let the instructor know if you find them dirty with chemicals.
18. DO NOT take more than what you can use of a chemical. Never return unused chemicals to the original
bottle to avoid the risk of contamination.
19. If you spill any chemicals immediately notify your instructor and your lab technician.
20. If you break a mercury thermometer, everyone must evacuate the lab. Notify the instructor
immediately. You may get a zero grade for that lab.
21. If you break glassware, notify the instructor. Do not place any broken glass in trash cans. Place all
broken glass in special broken glass containers.
22. After you finish working with a gas burner, be sure the main gas valve is properly turned off.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Keep the above copy for your reference and sign and turn in the duplicate copy
included in this packet.
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Student Academic and contact information
(for course-related purposes only!)
Course:_____________
Instructor: Kamran Golestaneh
Semester: (circle one) Fall
winter
Spring
Summer
20___
First Name:________________ Last Name: _________________
Email:______________________________ Are you less than 18 years old?_____
Address:________________________City, State, Zip:______________________
Cell Phone:______________________
declared major:_______________________
Ultimate Career Goal:_________________________
Number of units carried this semester:________________
List other science courses you taking: 1) ____________ 2) ____________ 3) ___________
Number of hours per week you are working:________________
Academic Information
Number of years at Mt SAC:_____
Last High School Attended:___________________________ City:____________
Year of Graduation or Last Attendance:___________________
CHEMISTRY Courses Taken
Courses at this college:
Introductory (beginning) Chemistry
When___________
Instructor__________________
Grade_____
General Chemistry (first semester):
When___________
Instructor__________________
Grade_____
Chemistry courses taken at other colleges or universities:
Course:___________ When_____ Instructor ____________ Grade_______
Course:___________ When_____ Instructor ____________ Grade_______
Mathematics Courses (State the highest math course taken and passed at any time in your
academic career:
Course:___________
When_____ Instructor ____________ Grade_______
Currently taking math Course _______________ Instructor _____________
Page 12 of 14
Are you ready for Introductory Chemistry?
Please write the words “agree” or “disagree” on the space provided for each.
1) _________ I am in a position to spend about 10 hours per week of my time
(excluding class and laboratory time) in order to study and complete the required
work. Please be aware that taking more than a total of two 5-unit science courses
(Chemistry and one other 5-unit course) makes it difficult to do well in Introductory
Chemistry assuming that you have a weak (or no background) in Chemistry. This is
especially true for those who have to work more than 15-20 hours per week. Please
note that taking two science courses and doing 20 hours per week of work means that
you are already spending 40 hours per week on work and study outside the class
time!
2) _________I am willing to take an active and productive role in my learning. This
means that I will be:
a) engaging and focusing my attention while doing my homework problems;
b) asking questions during class and during the instructor’s office hours;
c) respectful and attentive to the participation and questions of my classmates;
d) coming to lecture and lab sessions on time, and fully ready to engage in
learning;
e) willing to form into student groups for the purpose of learning and discussing
assigned topics during lectures;
f) avoiding any side conversations with other students in order to stay totally
focused during lecture periods while taking notes.
Name:__________________________ Signature:________________________
Date: _________________ Contact email: _________________________
Please answer the following questions:
1) Does your current semester’s course load allow you to put in the study time (10
hours/week) necessary to do well? Yes _____
No _____
2) How many hours per week are you planning on working? ______
3) Does your current semester’s work load allow you to put in the study time (10
hours/week) necessary to do well? Yes _____
No _____
4) How many units are you taking this semester? ______
5) How many other science courses (that have lab) are you taking this semester? _____
6) My goal for this course in to earn a grade of (circle one or more) : A
B
C
Page 13 of 14
Every student must follow these laboratory safety procedures and rules!
1) Approved and proper safety goggles must be worn at all times while being present in the
laboratory. Students who refuse to wear safety goggles are dismissed from the laboratory (after 2
warnings) and considered absent from the activity. Do not wear cosmetic or prescription contact
lenses in the lab.
2) If you have a special medical condition that prevents you from following any of these instructions
or requires special care during a medical emergency, notify your instructor as soon as possible and
provide a doctor’s note to your instructor.
3) Report any personal injury immediately to your lab instructor. You are required to fill out an
accident report.
4) KEEP yourself safe in the lab. Students with long hair should tie back their hair in order to avoid
chemical and fire exposure hazards. DO NOT wear sandals to the lab. Wear closed-toe shoes.
5) Each student is responsible to know the location of emergency equipment such as the emergency
shower/eye wash station, fire blanket and fire extinguisher. Ask you instructor or lab technicians if
you are not sure. In case a of eye contact, rinse your eyes for a minimum of 15 minutes with water.
6) DO NOT remove any chemicals from the laboratory fume hood. These chemicals must be
dispensed and processed under the laboratory fume hood.
7) In case of an earthquake do NOT panic and run. Keep calm and stay in a safe location. Evacuate
the laboratory only if it is safer to be outside the laboratory than inside.
8) In case of a laboratory fire, activate the fire alarm and use emergency exits to evacuate the
laboratory/building. All students should remain on-campus and immediately report to the nearest
and safest area outside the classroom and wait for proper instructions from the fire department
personnel or the campus-assigned building marshall(s).
9) No Food or drinks (and water) are allowed near the laboratory benches. Keep all food and water
sealed in your backpack.
10) Unauthorized persons such as children and non-enrolled students should not be present in the
laboratory. If you have to leave the lab for any reason, notify the instructor upon leaving and
arrival.
11) Dispose of all chemical waste in properly labeled waste containers. Careless waste disposal
practices (overfilling a waste container, filling a waste container with a a wrong waste, etc.) are not
permitted and the student will be immediately dismissed from the laboratory. Check with your
instructor if you are not sure to find the proper waste container.
12) If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy during the semester, ask for a list of chemicals you
may be exposed in the laboratory.
13) DO NOT perform an experiment that is not scheduled as the lab activity. If you do not have your
own written procedures for a lab experiment you can not do the lab.
14) DO NOT joke or play around in any form with others in the lab.
15) DO NOT touch, taste or smell any chemicals. If you accidentally get some chemicals on your skin,
wash your hands immediately with tap water. Wash your hands regularly in the lab.
16) Know the location of tap and pure water, also known as distilled or deionized (DI) water.
17) KEEP lab balances clean and let the instructor know if you find them dirty with chemicals.
18) DO NOT take more than what you can use of a chemical. Never return unused chemicals to the
original bottle to avoid the risk of contamination.
19) If you spill any chemicals immediately notify your instructor and your lab technician.
20) If you break a mercury thermometer, everyone must evacuate the lab. Notify the instructor
immediately. It is likely that you will get a zero grade for that lab.
21) If you break glassware, notify the instructor. Do not place any broken glass in trash cans. Place all
broken glass in special broken glass containers.
22) After you finish working with a gas burner, be sure the main gas valve is properly turned off.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read and understood all of the above safety rules and procedures and agree to abide by them.
Signature: _______________________________
Print name: ________________________________ Date:_________
Page 14 of 14
Intentionally Left Blank!