CHEMISTRY FUNDAMENTALS
CHEM 101
FALL 2011
Lecture Hours: MW 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Instructor:
Dr Silvia L. Porello
SPB 287
sporello@brynmawr.edu
Office hours: M, W 12-1 pm, F 9:30 – 11:30. The best way to get in touch with me is via e-mail; if the
normal office hours do not work for you, please schedule an appointment through Moodle or
contact me.
Welcome to the world of chemistry
This course is designed for students with little background in Chemistry. It will prepare you for
Chemistry 103 by covering problem-solving techniques, mathematics needed for chemistry, atoms,
molecules, chemical structures, chemical reactions and solutions. Depending on individual student’s
interest, there may be a topical focus such as drugs and doses, food and energy, environmental
chemistry, etc. The course includes individual student conferences and electronic resources. Enrollment
Prerequisite: Quantitative Skills requirement met or concurrent enrollment in a Quantitative Skills
course.
Text and Study Materials
General Chemistry, the essential concepts. Third edition. R. Chang.
All other materials will be provided by the instructor.
Electronic Resources
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Course information will be found on Moodle. Please log in promptly and check this page for announcements,
answer keys, lecture notes, and electronic links. If you have difficulties, please contact me as soon as possible.
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We will use selected modules of the Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative (OLI) program. The online
resourses available through this open source will aid students in understanding stoichiometry and develop
problem solving skills
Course Structure and Methods
Chemistry 101 will be organized as follows:
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Two 80-minute lectures/problem solving sessions in a week
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Two midterm exams will take place as indicated in the schedule.
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A quiz will be given every week on Wednesday (except the weeks in which we have an exam).
There will be a total of six quizzes and only five of them will count towards the final grade for
the course. There will be no makeup quizzes.
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One final project as scheduled indicated in the schedule.
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The course structure is flexible and will be adjusted depending on the class needs
Assignments
Homework
This year we will take advantage of a web based chemistry course to reinforce the materials covered in
class. This online learning tool was created by Carnegie Mellon University and it is an open resource.
Working with it will help you learn the material through interactive modules and lab exercises. I will
also help you assess your understanding by solving simple problems.
Please create an OLI (Online Learning Initiative) account and register for my course following the
instructions posted on Moodle (it is a very simple process). Follow the modules found in the course and
do the practice exercises due as indicated on the OLI schedule.
Quizzes
A quiz will be given every week on Wednesday, except the weeks in which we have an exam (See
schedule). There will be a total of five quizzes and only four of them will count towards the final grade
for the course. There will be no makeup quizzes.
Exams
There will be two in-class exams. Midterm exam dates are shown in the course schedule. The
successive exams will be cumulative. No makeup exams will be given
Participation
Since this course is geared towards developing quantitative and problem solving skills, there will be a
considerable amount of hands on activities in the classroom. It is important that you actively participate
in all the activities by getting ready for them, asking questions, working in groups, etc. Always bring to
class your calculator, pencil, and homework/problem set notebook.
Your level of engagement and participation in class will greatly reflect in your final grade.
Evaluation
Each student will be evaluated based on his/her performance in the assignments shown above as follows
Exams
240 pts (120 pts each)
OLI modules (Homework)
100 pts
Quizzes
120 pts (30 points each)
Final project
80 pts
Participation
60 pts
Total Points
600 points
Honor Code
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Students must work alone on exams
Students may consult each other in completing HW assignment, but must complete their own
work individually.
Simple scientific calculators must be used during exams and quizzes. The use of graphing
calculators during closed book exams and quizzes is not allowed.
Students are expected to comply with all aspects of the BMC Honor Code
Cancelled Classes
Cancelled classes will be announced in class and on Blackboard, a note will be put on the door to the
classroom in the event that class is cancelled due to an emergency.
Feedback
As always, I appreciate your feedback during, as well as at the end, of the semester (or half semester in
this case). You can let me know what things are helping you reach your goals and what things are not.
Remember, general chemistry coursers require a great deal of effort on my part as well as yours. The
goal is that you LEARN the subject matter. Teaching strategies are successful ONLY if they help you
learn. I need to know how the structure and the tools we are using in and outside of class work for you.
There are several ways you can provide feedback
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I always enjoy your visit in my office to discuss this and other issues that will help improve the
course and will aid in maximizing the benefits of your learning experience
I will have index cards in my office door so you can write your comments. You can do so
anonymously or not. Once you have written one, you can either place it in the same pocket, or
slide it under my door. I will try to address all comments either in class or through email.
Last but not least, I strongly encourage you to participate in the course evaluation questionnaire
at the end of the semester. It is your opportunity to express your opinion and to participate in the
constant adjustment of your classes to student’s needs and expectations which is essential for the
success of a higher education program.
CHEMISTRY FUNDAMENTALS SCHEDULE
FALL 2011
Week
Lecture topic
Relevant Problems
Assignments and exams
Oct. 24
1.5 Measurement and units (p 10-14), Scientific notation (p 14) 2.1 The
atomic theory
1.17-1.26, 1.44, 1.48, 1.55, 1.56, 1.61, 1.65
Quiz 1 (Wed)
2.2 The structure of the atom
2.3 Atomic number, Mass number, Isotopes
Oct. 31
OLI Modules (Due Friday)
2.4 Periodic table
2.11- 2.24, 2.11-2.24, 2.47, 2.49, 2.55, 2.58,
2.61, 2.62-2.64
2.5 Molecules and Ions
2.33, 2.34, 2.39-2.41
2.6 Chemical Formulas (pp 41) only part of this section will be covered.
3.1 Atomic Mass
Quiz 2 (Wed)
OLI modules due Friday
3.9 - 3.32
3.2 Molar Mass and Avogadro’s Number
3.3 Molecular Mass
Nov. 7
3.7 Chemical Reactions and Equations
3.59, 3.60, 3.65 – 3.76
3.8 Amounts of Reactants and Products
Nov.14
Exam I (Wed)
OLI modules due Friday
3.9 Limiting Reagents and Reaction Yields
3.79 – 3.82, 3.85 – 3.88, 3.92, 3.94
Quiz 3 (Wed)
4.5 Solutions and Concentration
4.47- 4.54
OLI modules due Friday
5.1 Substances that exists as gases
4.54 – 4.62, 4.65 – 4.68
Quiz 4 (Wednesday)
5.2 Pressure of a Gas
5.17- 5.26
4.6 Solution Stoichiometry
Nov. 21
5.3 The Gas laws
Nov. 28
5.4 The ideal Gas equation
Dec. 5
Individual Projects
5.31, 5.54
Exam II (Wed)
Quiz 5
Individual Projects
The course schedule is subject to change: Any changes will be announced in class and on Blackboard.
CHEMISTRY FUNDAMENTALS CONTENTS
FALL 2010
Chapter 1
1.5 Measurement and units (pp 10-14), Scientific notation (pp 14)
Problem set: Chapter 1 problems 1.17-1.26, 1.44, 1.48, 1.55, 1.56, 1.61, 1.65
Chapter 2
2.1 The atomic theory
2.2 The structure of the atom
2.3 Atomic number, Mass number, Isotopes
2.4 Periodic table
2.5 Molecules and Ions
2.6 Chemical Formulas (pp 41) only part of this section will be covered.
Problem Set: Chapter 2, Problems 2.11- 2.24, 2.33, 2.34, 2.39-2.41
Chapter 3
3.1 Atomic Mass
3.2 Molar Mass and Avogadro’s Number
3.3 Molecular Mass
3.7 Chemical Reactions and Equations
3.8 Amounts of Reactants and Products
3.9 Limiting Reagents and Reaction Yields.
Problem Set: Chapter 3, Problems 3.9 - 3.32, 3.59, 3.60, 3.65 – 3.76, 3.79 – 3.82, 3.85 – 3.88, 3.92, 3.94
Chapter 4
4.5 Solutions and Concentration
4.6 Solution Stoichiometry
Problem Set: Chapter 4, Problems 4.47- 4.62, 4.65 – 4.68
Chapter 5
5.1 Substances that exists as gases
5.2 Pressure of a Gas
5.3 The Gas laws
5.4 The ideal Gas equation
Problem Set: Chapter 5, Problems 5.17- 5.26, 5.31, 5.54