Chemistry 1311 General Chemistry I
Fall 2013
COURSE SYLLABUS
I. Instructor’s Information:
Instructor: Lourdes C Alba
Office:
LOH 306 adjunct area
Phone:
(210) 486 4370
Email:
lalba2@alamo.edu
II. Office Hours:
Consultation by appointment
Email help at any time
Help is also available at:
Science Tutoring Center (LOH-230): Mon-Thu 8:00 am-7:00 pm
III. Prerequisite: Successful completion of MATH-1314
IV. Course Dates and Times
Aug. 26, 2013 – Dec 14, 2013
MW 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
NVC Live Oak Hall Academic Ctr 340
V. Important Dates
Aug. 26
Sept 2
Sept 11
Oct 30
Nov 22
Dec 7
Dec 9-14
Dec 14
Classes begin
Labor Day College closed
Census Day - Last day to withdraw without a recorded grade of "W"
Employee Development Day – Evening classes will go on
Last day to withdraw
Last day of classes
Final Examinations
End of Fall 16-week Session
VI. Course Goals
This course provides an introduction into elementary chemistry and is suitable for science majors
and students pursuing related degrees. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to
 Methods and measurements in chemistry
 Description of matter and its components
 Stoichiometry: introduction to chemical calculations
 Chemical reactions
 Gases in chemical system: gas laws and kinetic molecular theory
 Thermochemistry: energy flow in chemical reactions Atomic structure: quantum model of
the atom
 Electron configuration, periodicity, and chemical properties
 Chemical bonding: principles of ionic and covalent bonding
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Shape and structure of molecules
Covalent bonding
This course covers Chapters 1- 10 in your Text. The course is Math Intensive (MI). Successful
completion of MATH-1314 and a strong working knowledge of math are required.
If you have not taken any previous chemistry courses, either in high school or in college, it is highly
recommended that you take a semester of Intro Chem I (CHEM-1305) before you take General
Chemistry I (CHEM-1311).
VII. Course Material
 "Chemistry" by R. Chang; McGraw-Hill, 11th Edition; ISBN-13: 9780077386573 (hardcover
edition for General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II) Publication date: 1/19/2012
OR
 A Northwest Vista College customized paperback version of the textbook is available in 2
volumes directly from the publisher for a significantly lower price:
o CHEM1311: Vol. 1:
o LSC COL9 (NORTHWEST VISTA COLLEGE TX) CHEM 1311:PPK VOL.1
CHEMISTRY and Connect Plus 11th Edition By Raymond Chang
Publication Date: Jan 9, 2013
ISBN:0077724267 / 9780077724269
Available here: http://shop.mcgrawhill.com/mhshop/store/NVC/productDetails?isbn=0077724267
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This is a Web-enhanced course. Access to a computer and the Internet is required.
ACES will be for communications CANVAS will be used for lecture materials, assignments
(homework and/or quizzes), monitoring the calendar of class events, and access to grades.
Accessing your class on line:
o Go to http://www.alamo.edu/nvc
o Click on the ”ACES” link
o Log on and follow the instructions
o Click on “My Courses”
Accessing the class website online:
o http://albachemistry.weebly.com
Scientific calculator
Binder to store your handouts
Reading Assignments
o You should read each chapter before it is discussed in class.
o The lectures will be presented assuming that you have already seen the material.
o Because the class material builds on itself, you cannot afford to get behind.
VIII. Methods of Assessment
Graded Homework, Quizzes, Exams, and Final Exam
Homework
 Homework will be assigned for each chapter. A list of required problems will be provided at
the end of each chapter (see HW Assignment Sheet), and will also be posted on CANVAS.
 Unless otherwise indicated, homework answers must be given on a separate sheet/s of paper.
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Homework assignments must be submitted as indicated and if late, must not be later than the
first class of the following week. Late work will be discounted by 10% per day late, unless
prior arrangements have been made
Please be sure to show ALL the work on paper whenever calculations or reasoning are
required. Follow the instructions on the homework assignment!
Numeric answers without calculations will not receive credit.
Working with other students to solve homework problems is encouraged, but you must turn
in work you have written yourself. You must make sure that you understand the work you
have turned in and be able to answer spot questions in class.
Very Important: Copying another student’s homework assignment or quiz answers is
considered a violation of academic integrity, and will be dealt with accordingly (see below:
Academic Integrity). Both students involved will get an “F” for that assignment and will be
reported to the Vice-President of Student Success.
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Quizzes
 In-class quizzes will be given after each chapter or set of topics in a section.
 Quizzes need to be taken within the accorded time period. Late quizzes will not be accepted.
 There are no make-up quizzes
Exams
 Three in-class tests will be given during the term (see lecture schedule).
 In-class exams will be given during the regularly scheduled class period.
 The final exam is a comprehensive exam that will cover all content material discussed
during the term.
 The final exam is taken in the classroom on campus during the last day of the course on the
indicated day (see lecture schedule)
 Under exceptional circumstances other arrangements may be made at the discretion of the
instructor if requested at least TWO WEEKS in advance.
 Remember
- No make-up quizzes will be given.
- Make-up exams may be given only under exceptional conditions
- Unless otherwise indicated, all work done is “For Credit”
- No “Extra Credit” work will be assigned.
Grading
 Homework: 25-50 points/assignment
 Quizzes: 20-30 points/quiz
 4 Exams: 100 points each (lowest to be dropped)
 Final Exam: 200 points
The final grade will be based on the total points that you score during the course, consisting of the
assigned homework, quizzes and exams and your attendance (maximally 5% bonus). Final grades
will be assigned based the following schedule
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A: 90-100%
B: 80-90%
C: 70-80%
D: 60-70%
F: < 60%
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IX. Attendance Requirements
The student should review the college policies regarding attendance; excessive absences and
classroom conduct in the on-line catalog (http://mynvccatalog.alamo.edu/).
Attendance in class, for the entire class period is mandatory. Attendance will be taken at the
beginning of each class period. Arriving later than 15 minutes after the class has started and/or
leaving before the end of the class will be considered an absence, unless prior arrangements have
been made or you speak with the instructor immediately after class.
Your attendance during the course will add up to 5% to your final grade. Reminder: excessive
absence may result in the student being dropped from the course. The student is responsible for
approaching the instructor as soon as possible about missed assignments, preferably before the
missed class, or the class period immediately following.
Cell Phones, Disruptions and Other Distractions
The use of cell phones for calls and texting, iPods and other electronic entertainment will not be
allowed in class. Turn off and put away your cell phones, iPods, PDAs, etc. before the start of
class. Disruptive students (see student handbook) will be asked to leave the classroom. Any
student who is asked repeatedly to leave the classroom for disruptive behavior may be removed
from the course at the discretion of the instructor.
X. Academic Integrity
At Northwest Vista College, students and faculty value academic achievement, lifelong learning,
diversity, and personal and social responsibility. We embrace our values out of commitment to
families, peers, neighbors, and ourselves. Integrity, one of our core values, is characterized by
honesty and fairness, and is essential for an open exchange of ideas, and to the collaboration
necessary for learning.
In upholding integrity, academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
Cheating on assignments, plagiarism (unauthorized use of another person’s work, or inadequate
documentation), and collusion through unauthorized or deceitful collaboration will result in
serious penalties ranging from failing grades on assignments to expulsion. All cases of violating
academic integrity (i.e. cheating) will be reported to the Vice-President of Student Success and
will become part of Northwest Vista’s student records.
For direct effect on your grades, see above (Homework).
Please go to http://www.alamo.edu/nvc/students/learning/acadinteg/default.htm#about ,and read
all the policies and procedures regarding academic integrity.
XI. Special Needs Information. As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973
and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, if an accommodation is needed, contact
the ACCESS office at 210. 486-4466 or by e-mail at NVC-Access@alamo.edu
XII. Attitude, Skills, Knowledge
At Northwest Vista College, we strive to educate the whole person, and to instill in our students
the Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge (ASK) they will need to succeed in the world. This effort
goes beyond teaching the essential academic foundations, into such areas as critical thinking,
teamwork, ethical behavior and a quest for lifelong learning. Specifically, the Attitudes, Skills
and Knowledge we focus on are:
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Attitudes
 Practice personal integrity and social responsibility
 Commit to lifelong learning and wellness
 Accept the reality of change, nuance and uncertainty
 Accept the reality of diversity and differences in people and ideas
Skills
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Communicate effectively
Cooperate and collaborate effectively
Think critically and creatively
Use technology appropriately and effectively
Knowledge
 Understand how individual disciplines investigate and interpret the world
 Become competent in math and statistical methods
 Understand how the past has determined our interdependent world
XIII. Student Responsibilities
1. Regular and punctual attendance is expected. Attendance is taken at the start of every lecture.
Arrival after the class has started and attendance has taken and leaving before the end of the
class will be considered an absence. Excessive absences and lack of progress as judged by the
instructor may be grounds for dropping a student from the class with a “W”.
2. If the student decides to drop the course and stops attending class, it is his/her responsibility
to obtain and complete the appropriate drop forms, available at the NVC Student Success
Center or from the departmental secretary. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade and
an “F” will appear in his/her records.
Dropping a class needs to be discussed with and approved by either Dr. Nair or Mr. Casanova
(drop counseling) to advise you of the possibilities to continue the course and the
consequences of dropping a class. The student needs to realize that when a lecture class is
dropped, the corresponding laboratory course needs to be dropped as well, as the lecture is a
pre- or co-requisite for the lab.
3. There will be no exceptions to the rules of attendance, in other words: there are no make-up
exams or other make-up assignments. In addition, it is not the instructor’s responsibility to
provide the student with any notes, assignments, or reviews missed due to student absence.
Any of these materials may be obtained by visiting the instructor during student conference
hours at his office, or can be downloaded from the class BlackBoard Vista or PALS site.
4. Students who do not attend any classes will be dropped the day before Census Day.
Reinstatement requires action by the student, not by the instructor.
5. Expected absences must be notified to the instructor at least 24 hours in advance.
Arrangements must be made to obtain any information/materials needed for the following
lecture period.
6. No extra credit will be accepted in lieu of any one of the proposed evaluations (see Methods
of Assessment). Exams should be taken when scheduled.
7. The student is responsible for staying informed of any announcement of examination or
changes to the lecture/examination calendar produced during his/her absence. This is best
done via Blackboard from either the course homepage or contacting other students.
8. Expectations and suggestion to maximize success in the course:
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Attend lecture regularly (all the time!).
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Read the assigned chapter before coming to class.
Ask questions and participate in discussions.
Complete the assigned homework problems promptly, and turn in on time.
Prepare flash cards with new vocabulary and reaction.
Allow sufficient time to study the course material and study regularly (see below).
Study with your fellow students in study groups.
Discuss any problem that could be hindering your progress and performance
immediately with your instructor.
XIV. How to study for this course
The study of chemistry requires discipline, effort and commitment.
You will be introduced to many new concepts and ideas that you need to master fully in order to
complete the course successfully.
It is recommended that you study 40 to 50 minutes 6 days a week during the semester that you
take this course. This time block should be completely uninterrupted and you should be totally
focused. It is important that you take notes during class to get the most out of this method.
Refer to the Handout given in class: “How to Study Chemistry Successfully”
XV. Smoking
Please note that Northwest Vista College is a tobacco-free campus. Campus police will ticket
smokers, regardless whether they are staff, students or faculty. Tickets will show up on your
record. The only place where you are allowed to smoke is in your car.
XVI. Recycling
Northwest Vista College is a Green Campus. Everything that can be recycled will be recycled.
Recycling bins are located all across campus. Please do your part and recycle using the
appropriate recycling bins.
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