Georgia Gwinnett College
CHEM 1211K – Principles of Chemistry I w/ Lab, Section 01
Course Syllabus - Spring 2010
Class Meetings:
Instructor:
Office:
E-Mail:
Phone Number:
Wiki page:
WF, 9.30 - 10.45am, A1180 (class); M, 8 - 10.45am, A1195 (lab)
Dr. Richard Pennington
A 1082
rpenning@ggc.usg.edu
678-407-5790 (office)
678-524-6872 (cell)
http://wiki.ggc.usg.edu/mediawiki/index.php/User:Rpenning
Course prerequisites:
Students must have successfully completed, have received official transcript credit for,
or exempted READ 0098 and ENGL 0099. They must have successfully completed,
have received official transcript credit for, or have exempted MATH 0099 and be
concurrently enrolled in MATH 1111 (College Algebra) or MATH 1113 (Pre-calculus) or
MATH 2400 (Calculus for Scientists) to take CHEM 1211K. Students can only continue
to CHEM 1212K if they complete both the class and lab portions of CHEM 1211K with
grades of C or better.
Course Description & Course Outcome Goals
CHEM 1211K is the first of a two-semester sequence covering the fundamental
principles and applications of chemistry designed for science and technology majors.
Upon completion of this course, students will:
(1) understand the scientific method and use it to answer questions of academic
scientific interest and real-world concern
(2) understand the metric system of measurement and use it to solve problems
accurately and precisely
(3) clearly communicate orally and in writing using the language and symbology of
chemistry and computational mathematics at an appropriate level of sophistication
(4) construct, interpret and analyze charts, graphs and tables
(5) know the physical principles which determine chemical structure, properties,
reactivity and energetic
(6) know standard laboratory policies, procedures and safety practices, and follow them;
(7) understand that modern chemistry has been developed through the contributions of
scientists from many social and ethnic backgrounds and value the diverse
approaches employed by the members of this class.
Welcome to Principles of Chemistry!
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties and transformations. Chemical principles
have broad applicability in the biological sciences, materials science, consumer science,
environmental science and to energy issues, etc. This course will address The
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American Chemical Society’s Division of Education’s Committee on Professional
Training diverse goals for a Principles of Chemistry course:
“The introductory or general chemistry experience plays a vital role in educating the
general public, science majors, and professional chemists. An introductory course
provides a common background for students with a wide range of high school
experiences. It also allows a maturation period for students, both in chemical topics and
in mathematical and laboratory skills. The purpose of introductory chemistry course
work for those students pursuing a degree in chemistry is preparation for the foundation
course work.”
Laboratory activities will support and extend the classroom experience in CHEM 1211K.
All lab activities will be formatted according to the scientific method, in which a question
is asked, and students begin by suggesting a hypothesis before performing the
experiment to answer the question. Students will be held responsible for proper
execution of techniques in addition to being evaluated on the accuracy of their results
and the conceptual integrity of their analysis.
Integrated Educational Experience Goals:
The IEE goals are a set of learning outcomes achieved in all GGC graduates. These
outcomes are achieved as a result of learning experiences across the academic and
student affairs programs. This course directly contributes to the goals bolded below.
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Clearly communicate ideas in written and oral form
Demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in inter- and multidisciplinary
contexts
Demonstrate effective use of information technology
Demonstrate an ability to collaborate in diverse and global contexts
Demonstrate an understanding of human and institutional decision making from
multiple perspectives
Demonstrate an understanding of moral and ethical principles
Demonstrate and apply leadership principles
Demonstrate quantitative reasoning
Text and Supplies:
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Textbook: Chemistry The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change (Silberberg, 5
edition); it will also be used for CHEM 1212K in the Spring and Summer semesters).
The chemistry faculty will be changing this text for the Fall 2010 semester.
Lab notebook comprised of “carbonless” duplicate pages (required - available from
the GGC bookstore)
Safety goggles/glasses (required - available from the GGC bookstore; also can be
found at Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Lowes); Bring your safety glasses to every lab
session! Wear them!
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Calculator; you are required to have a calculator for this course. Bring your
calculator to every class and every lab session. If you need help using your
calculator please ask! Be sure to bring your calculator to all hour exams and the
to the laboratory practical exam. Only individual calculators may be used during
the exams. Calculators may not be shared. Cell phones, laptops, or other noncalculator devices may not be used as substitutes for calculators on quizzes
or exams.
Grading Basis:
A: 90.0 % and above
B: 80.0 - 89.9 %
C: 70.0 – 79.9 %
D: 60.0 – 69.9 %
F: Less than 60.0 %
CHEM 1211K Graded Events
Graded Event
Number Points Total Points
Chapter Quizzes
12
30
300*
Hour Exams
3
100
300
Final Exam
1
200
200
Instructor Points
1
50
50
Prelab Quizzes
10
10
100
Lab Reports
10
20
200
Pb Paper
1
40
40
Lab Practical
1
60
60
Total Points
1250
Percentage
24.0 %
24.0 %
16.0 %
4.0 %
8.0 %
16.0 %
3.2 %
4.8 %
100 %
* The lowest two chapter quiz scores will be dropped at the end of the semester.
K Course Grading Policy
This K course is an integrated classroom and laboratory learning experience with a
single final course grade determined from the proportional weight of the classroom and
laboratory experiences. The grade received in CHEM 2211K includes 75% classroom
and 25% laboratory, however, students must earn a C or higher in both class and
laboratory to earn a single final course grade of C or higher. As an example single final
grade calculation, a student in CHEM 2211K earns a 95% (A grade) in the classroom
experience and a 55% (F grade) in the laboratory experience. Although the
proportional percentage is [(0.75x95) + (0.25x55)] = 85%, the student’s single final
grade will be a D for the course. Proportional percentages below 60% result in an
overall final grade of F in the K course. If a student requires a single final course grade
of C or higher to progress in a course sequence, meet pre-requisites, satisfy academic
program requirements, etc., they must earn at least a C in both the classroom and the
laboratory experience. In this case, if a D or F is earned in either portion and the
student must repeat the course to satisfy course sequence or academic program
requirements, the student must repeat both the classroom and laboratory experience.
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General Instructor Comments:
The most important thing you can do to improve your performance and grade in this
course is to keep up with the assigned reading and problems. In general:
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Read the textbook assignment / work the assigned problems before each class.
Attend class, take clear notes and get involved in the interactive parts of each
class!
After class, re-read the appropriate textbook pages and update your notes to
ensure clarity.
Work the assigned problems promptly as the material is covered.
Seek help if you do not understand the material or are unable to work a problem.
Study for the exams by going over the lecture notes, reworking the problem
assignments and quizzes, and using the textbook as a guide where needed.
Important Dates
Jan. 11
Jan. 17
Jan. 18
Feb. 26
Mar. 3
Mar. 13-17
May 3
May 4
May 5-10
May 12
First day of classes
Last day to add/drop a class
MLK Day – No Classes
Midterm grades due
Last day to withdraw with a ‘W’
Spring Break – No Classes
Last day of classes
Reading day for final exams
Final Exams
Final Grades due
Academic Enhancement Center
The Academic Enhancement Center provides free drop-in tutoring for GGC students.
Tutoring is available in many subjects including reading college texts, writing
assignments, grammar focus, research and citation, college algebra, calculus,
chemistry, and physics. The Academic Enhancement Center is located on the 2nd floor
of building B in B 2400 and B 2450. The hours for the AEC can be found in Jovo
(jovo.ggc.usg.edu) under the Support tab.
College Policies:
Health and Safety Policy:
Certain laboratories include use of strong acids, solvents and preservatives. Any
pregnant women, hypersensitive individuals, or immunocompromised would report their
condition to the instructor and to their physician, preferably before contact with the
materials (see lab exercises). Additional instructions for lab will be presented during the
first lab. Students are required to follow all instructions. Students failing to conform to
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lab rules and safety precautions will be first warned by removal from the lab. On second
offense students will be removed from both lecture and lab.
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement
If you are a student who is disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act
and require assistance or support services, Please seek assistance through the Center
for Disability Services. A CDS Counselor will coordinate those services.
Equal Opportunity Statement
No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age
or disability, be excluded from employment or participation in, be denied the benefits of,
or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by
Georgia Gwinnett College.
Affirmative Action Statement
Georgia Gwinnett College adheres to affirmative action policies designed to promote
diversity and equal opportunity for all faculty and students.
Academic Respect
The college exists to foster educational excellence. To this end, a classroom
atmosphere that supports learning must be maintained. Students are expected to be
active, attentive participants in the class. Students are also expected to abide by class
policies and procedures and to treat faculty and other students in a professional,
respectful manner. Students are expected to be familiar with the student conduct code
published in the Student Handbook.
Academic Integrity
Student Honor Statement: We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate the actions of
those who do.
Georgia Gwinnett College students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of
academic integrity and are expected to encourage others to do the same. Further,
students are expected to take responsible action when there is reason to suspect
dishonesty on the part of others.
Academic dishonesty carries severe penalties ranging from a grade of “0” on the
affected assignment to dismissal from Georgia Gwinnett College. Each faculty member
at Georgia Gwinnett College bears the responsibility for assigning penalties for cases of
academic dishonesty. Students may appeal a penalty as outlined in the Student
Handbook.
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School of Science and Technology Policies:
Make-up Exam Policy
Special arrangements to take a regular exam early must be made in advance in writing.
Early exams are available only at the instructor’s discretion and only under extreme
circumstances.
IF an emergency arises and you miss an exam you MUST notify your instructor on the
same DAY as the exam. Notification by email, text or phone message is acceptable. At
the instructor’s discretion, make-up work may have a different format or different content
from the regular assignment. Make-up work should be completed within two days of the
original due date.
Final Exam
The Final Exam will be given sometime during May 5-10. The date and time of the final
exam is set by the registrar and cannot be changed at the convenience of the student.
You should not plan to be absent anytime during that week. A make-up final exam will
only be given in cases of a verifiable excused absence.
Course Changes
This course syllabus provides a general plan for this course. The instructor reserves
the right to make changes to the syllabus, including changes to assignments, projects,
examinations, etc., in order to accommodate the needs of the class as a whole and fulfill
the goals of the course.
Technology Covenant
Technology will be used to deliver content, provide resources, assess learning, and
facilitate interaction, both within the classroom and in the larger learning community.
Course materials and Grading
You can expect to access the course materials and grades via blackboard. Students
should check WebCT regularly, as course changes will always be announced and
recorded on the course WebCT site.
Communication
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I want to have face-to-face conversations with you, whenever possible. However, we
may need to establish a time and place via email or by phone.
I prefer contact by email for most situations. Monday through Friday, expect me to
respond the same day, whenever possible. Communications received after 5pm will
CHEM 1211 – Principles of Chemistry I
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be returned by that time the next day. On the week-end or when I am away from
campus (i.e., at a conference), my response is irregular.
When corresponding by email, I will communicate with you using only your GGC
email. You should check your GGC email every day. Emails from other domains
(yahoo.com, gmail.com, hotmail.com, etc.) will not receive replies due to the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Expectations of Students
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All students at GGC need to have access to a computer. If you do not have one,
computer labs are available on campus.
I expect students to access course or individual communications within 1-2 days
excluding weekends.
Technology Changes
This covenant provides a general guideline for the course. I reserve the right to make
periodic and/or necessary changes to the covenant, including: technology use and
communication channels, in order to accommodate the needs of the class as a whole and
fulfill the goals of the course.
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