CHEMISTRY 110
SURVEY OF CHEMISTRY
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Bob Crackel
OFFICE: Moore 333B
e-mail: Robert.crackel@minotstateu.edu
PHONE: 858-3852
OFFICE HOURS: MTuWThF 11-12
TEXT: Chemistry For Changing Times, 12th edition, Hill and Kolb
LAB MANUAL: Laboratory Manual To Accompany Chemistry 110/115, R.S. Winburn and N.R. Winburn
LAB INSTRUCTORS: Mrs. Naomi Winburn
OFFICE: Moore 330
e-mail: Naomi.winburn@minotstateu.edu
PHONE: 858-3687
FINAL EXAM: Monday May 10, 2010 at 8 am
This is a one-semester course that covers some of the basic topics in chemistry. It is not assumed that
students have a background in chemistry although it would be helpful. Since many applications of
chemistry involve calculations, it is assumed that the students will be capable of algebraic manipulations of
equations. It is strongly recommended that students have a scientific calculator to use in doing problems,
exams, and laboratory reports.
The goals for this class include:
1. Students obtaining a basic understanding of the field of chemistry,
2. Students understanding how the field of chemistry has developed over the years,
3. Students being able to apply the scientific method to analyze information and draw conclusions using
critical thinking,
4. Students being able to use the predictive power of chemical models, and
5. Students understanding how the field of chemistry is essential to current issues and topics, e.g. nuclear
energy, acid rain, global warming
In order to cover the material effectively, the course will consist of two complementary sections.
I. Lecture
In the lecture section, the instructor will cover various topics in chemistry. A few of the topics covered in
this class include: important historical developments in the field of chemistry, scientific method,
classification of matter, types of measurements, structure of the atom, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonds,
elements, compounds, chemical reactions and equations, properties of gases, acids and bases, energy,
and water. Outlines of the notes for each chapter can be found in a folder on ERES. Instructions on how to
access these outlines are attached. It is strongly recommended that students print off these outlines and
bring them to class. Students will be evaluated on their knowledge of the material through the use of
homework, hour exams and a comprehensive final. Homework problems will be given out in class. These
problems will be collected and graded. Usually the assignments will be given out on Wednesdays and due
on the following Friday. There will be 4 exams during the semester, with the lowest exam score being
dropped. The final exam will be comprehensive. The final exam score cannot be dropped. For extra
credit, four times during the semester students will be able to complete writing assignments on historical
and cultural aspects of chemistry. These will be graded and added in as extra credit in determining the
overall course grade. Attendance at lecture is extremely important in order to succeed in this class. In
lecture topics will be discussed, examples will be worked, assignments will be made, and exam dates and
other deadlines will be announced. If you miss one or more lectures you are still responsible for all the
material covered.
II. Laboratory
Since chemistry is an experimental science, this section is an essential part of the class. In the
laboratory, the students will examine for themselves some of the concepts covered in lecture. If a student
misses more than one laboratory period and fails to make up the experiments that student will fail
the course. Students are required to fill out and turn in report forms for each experiment. Each lab also
contains a pre-laboratory assignment. The pre-laboratory assignment is to be completed by the beginning
of the lab period. The lab reports (including the pre-lab assignments) are due one week after completion of
the experiment (i.e. in most instances at the beginning of the next lab period). If for any reason a student
has to miss a lab, it must be made up at a time designated by the lab instructor within one week of the
originally scheduled lab period. For laboratory safety, each student is required to have and wear safety
goggles or glasses in the laboratory. Students are expected to obey all safety guidelines when they are
working in the laboratory. In addition students are responsible for the equipment in their assigned drawer
in the laboratory. You must bring a combination lock for this drawer and provide the instructor with the
combination. A tentative lab schedule for the semester is attached.
Grading Policy
Grades will be determined by the performance on lab reports, exams, homework, extra writing
assignments and the final. The breakdown of grades is as follows:
3 highest exam scores
+ lab report average
+ homework average
+ final exam average
+ extra credit points from the writing assignments
= Total
Overall percentage = Total divided by 6
Grades will be assigned according to the following guidelines.
90% and above = A
78% to 89% = B
65% to 77% = C
50% to 64% = D
Since the lowest exam score will be dropped, make-up exams will not be given. If a student
notifies the instructor before the exam of a conflict it may be possible for that student to take the exam at a
slightly different time.