Chemistry 121
Section 5270 A
Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
Spring 2015
Class Time and Location
Lecture: TTh (7:30am-9:20am) Bldg. 15 Rm. 304
Lab: Section 5270 Section A M (7:30am-9:20am) Bldg.15 Rm. 324L
Instructor
Dr. Alan Hart
Contact Information
Office:
Telephone:
Email:
Office Hours:
Bldg 15, Room 332 (adjunct office area)
(253) 566- 5060 (best to leave message at Science Office on 1st floor)
ahart@tacomacc.edu
About 60 minutes before class in the adjunct office. Other times by appointment.
Also available online.
Course Description:
(For non-science and non-engineering majors.) Course includes the study of the metric system, atomic
theory, bonding, quantitative relationships, solutions, gases, acids and bases, salts, and nuclear
chemistry. Laboratory included.
PREREQUISITE(S):
 CHEM& 110 or High School Chemistry ; and either
 MATH 095 or higher (may be taken concurrently) or
 TMATH 100 (may be taken concurrently)
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to:
1. Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, RES).
2. Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and distinguish
between the scientific process and other human endeavors (COK, COM, CRT).
3. Communicate the primary principles and processes underlying at least one natural system (COK,
COM, CRT).
4. Perform and effectively communicate the results of scientific investigations, and explain how research
is done in science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
5. Demonstrate the safe and proper use of scientific instrumentation, measuring devices, chemical
reagents, media, and/or other tools of science in a laboratory or field setting relevant to specific
disciplines of science (COK, COM, CRT, IIT, LWC).
Detailed Course Outcomes
 1. Work safely in the laboratory and demonstrate the basics of safe chemical use and disposal. PLO:
4, 5
 2. Collect and analyze experimental data. PLO: 4, 5
 3. Work as a member of a team to perform chemistry experiments and to present the results. PLO: 4,
5
 4. Relate classroom and laboratory experiences to phenomena outside the classroom. PLO: 1, 5
 5. Describe the process of science. PLO: 2, 4
 6. Make measurements and perform calculations using the metric system and record the results with
the appropriate significant figures.
 7. Use dimensional analysis to solve problems.
 8. Distinguish between chemical and physical changes.
 9. Explain the structure of the periodic table. PLO: 3
 10. Describe the atomic nature of matter.
 11. Describe the structure of atoms, molecules, and ions in terms of protons, electrons, and
neutrons. PLO: 3
 12. Predict shapes and polarities of molecules.
 13. Describe the nature of solids, liquids, and gases. PLO: 3
 14. Identify and write chemical formulas (including those containing simple polyatomic ions).
 15. Write and balance chemical equations.
 16. Perform calculations using the concepts of moles, reaction stoichiometry, solution concentrations,
and the gas laws.
 17. Interpret oxidation/reduction reactions based on the transfer of electrons and oxidation numbers.
PLO: 3
 18. Explain the concepts of electrolytes, acids, bases, and buffers.
 19. Explain and apply the concept of equilibrium.
 20. Use pH and Kw in acid/base calculations and predict the products in acid/base reactions.
 21. Describe radioactivity, balance nuclear equations, and perform calculations using half-life.
Lab Safety
All students must follow the chemistry lab safety procedures and standard operating procedures
established by Tacoma Community College, the Science & Engineering Department, and the
instructor. Students who repeatedly or willfully violate these procedures may face sanctions, including
removal from the course, a failing grade, and referral to the college for action under the Code of
Student Rights and Responsibilities. The departmental safety procedures for chemistry are available
on the Portal at:
http://cms.tacomacc.edu/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/IntranetFile/Chem.%20Lab%20Safety,%20Proc
edures,%20Emergencies%20(student%20handout)ver032812.pdf
Instructional Methods Used
This class will primarily use lectures and at times small group work, as well as a lab component which will
involve teamwork.
NOTE: Attendance in lab is required!!! See the laboratory section for issues
concerning missed labs.
Textbooks & Supplemental Materials
1. Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry, Custom Edition for Tacoma Community College, by S.
Seagar and M Slabaugh, Cengage Learning, 2014,2011 8th edition
2. Lab Manual for Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry, Custom Edition for Tacoma Community
College, by S. Seagar and M Slabaugh, Cengage Learning, 2014, 2011 8th edition
3. A calculator. (Calculators with anything other than the basic scientific functions will not be
permitted during an exam. You may not use graphing calculators during an exam. If you
are in question about a particular calculator see me before the exam.)
4. A bound lab notebook such as a composition book which can be purchased at the bookstore
(no spiral or three-ringed binders accepted)
5. A dark blue or black ink pen for writing in lab notebook
6. Paper
7. The Student Guide and Selected Solutions Manual (OPTIONAL)
Older editions of the text may be used. The burden is on the student to harmonize pages and other text
references to the current edition.
Technology
This is a web enhanced course. Materials related to the course are available for study and the required
homework and quizzes are posted on Canvas on the TCC intranet. All grades are posted on Canvas. A
discussion forum is available on Canvas. Students are encouraged to use this to discuss homework and
other classwork or questions. Hints will occasionally be added to help with homework problems. If you do
not have access to a personal computer there are computers located on the first floor of the library
(Building 7) and the first floor of Building 16. There is a help desk on the first floor of Bldg 16 in the
computer lab. The staff will be happy to assist with any computer access or use issues. Students are
expected to be familiar with the course materials on Canvas stay current with all course announcements
on Canvas.
Accommodations
Students with Special Needs: All students are responsible for all requirements of the class, but the way
they meet these requirements may vary. If you need specific auxiliary aids or services due to a disability
or special need, please contact the Access Services office in Building 7 Room 112 (253-566-5328). They
will require you to present formal, written documentation of your disability/need from an appropriate
professional. When this step has been completed, arrangements will be made for you to receive
reasonable auxiliary aids or services. The disability accommodation documentation prepared by Access
Services must be given to me before the accommodation is needed so that appropriate arrangements
can be made.
Academic Assistance
I am one resource available to help you succeed in this class. Please do not hesitate to contact me. If
my office hours do not coincide with your schedule, contact me immediately before or after class, or
through email, and I will do my best to find a time that will work for us.
Other forms of assistance include:
1. Small study groups with your class members. This source of academic
assistance is encouraged for everyone enrolled in this class.
2. Writing and Tutoring Center. This is a FREE source, and I would suggest to anyone to take
advantage of the center if in need of assistance. The center is located in Building 7 on the
second floor. Appointments are necessary so do not wait until the last minute to seek help.
3. Counseling and Advising Center located in Building 7.
4. Websites; students have found the following websites useful. There are many other websites
available. If you found a website that you think useful, please share that information with your
classmates.
http://science.widener.edu/svb/tutorial/sigfigures.html
http://www.sciencegeek.net/Chemistry/taters/Unit0Sigfigs.htm
http://www.khanacademy.org/#Chemistry
http://www.brightstorm.com/science/chemistry/
Academic Dishonesty
“As stated in the TCC Catalog, ‘Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic
endeavors. Cheating, plagiarism, fabrication or other forms of academic dishonesty corrupt the learning
process and threaten the educational environment for all students” (pg. 31).
I encourage you to work in groups and collaboratively discuss any homework assignments, labs, and any
group projects that may arise during the quarter. Working in groups is defined as everyone in that group
contributing to the overall product. One person performing all of the work, while others copy is not group
work and may fall under the umbrella of cheating with a point deduction from that particular assignment.
Any work, other than your own, on a test or quiz, or supplying other students with work other than their
own is cheating and will result in a permanent zero for that test or quiz.
The complete Administrative Procedure for Academic Dishonesty is available on the TCC website at:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/resourcesforstudents/studentpolicies/administrativeprocedureforacademicdisho
nesty.aspx
Etiquette in the Classroom
I expect everyone in the class to treat everyone else on-line or in the classroom with respect. Every
student enrolled in this course comes to class for one common goal-to learn. Any student disrupting the
learning process and preventing others within the class from reaching their goal, will be ask to leave the
class for the duration of the class period.
While I expect respect, this class is not your only obligation, therefore:
 If you arrive late, enter quietly as to not disrupt the learning process. You may not enter lab
late.
 If you must leave early, sit near an exit during class and leave quietly so that others are not
distracted
 Electronic devices (this includes cell phones) are not allowed in the classroom or lab.
If you use such a device without prior approval you will be asked to leave and receive a zero
for all coursework for that period.
 I will take attendance for the first couple of weeks to help me with all of your names.
Attending class regularly will behoove you not only for your own personal gain of knowledge,
but also for information on future test questions and for unannounced quizzes (attendance is
required for students who receive financial aid).
 Guests are allowed in the classroom, but they are of your responsibility and must have my
approval before attending the class. If a guest is disruptive to the learning process, you and
your guests will be asked to leave the classroom. Guests are not allowed in the
laboratory.
 Food and beverages are acceptable in the classroom as long as they do not interfere with the
learning process.
 No food or beverage is allowed in the lab at any time. No visible drink or food containers
are allowed in lab.
Student Suggestions and Concerns
I welcome your ideas on ways to improve learning in this class. If you have concerns about this class,
please contact me to discuss them. The classroom is usually not an appropriate venue for such
discussions. If we are unable to resolve your concerns, you may meet with Prof K. Gulliford, the
Department Chair. You should see her in her office in Building 15 Room 335.
Withdrawals and Incompletes
Withdrawing from this class, if you so choose, is your responsibility! Check the current academic
calendar for the last day to withdraw without affecting your grade and the last day for withdrawal with a
“W” on your transcript. I do not give out WI or V’s for students who attend half way through the quarter
and then decide not to attend for the duration of the class. If you fail to withdrawal before the deadline,
and stop attending class you will receive an E for your final grade.
.
Grading
The grading for this course will not be on a curve. This means that you are not in competition with one
another and should help each other learn the material. The approximate course points are as follows:
Homework (hardcopy)
Quizzes (Canvas)
Exams (3)
Labs (8 x 30)
200 points
100
300
240
Final
200
Total
1040 points
Note: The number of assignments (both in lecture and lab) are subject to change and this may result in
a change in the total points possible for the quarter. There may be unannounced quizzes, which may
result in more than 1040 total points.
I encourage you to be aware of your progress and standing in the course. You should occasionally
check your grade on Canvas to ensure a precise and accurate record. At any time you can calculate
your grade by the following equation:
Total points you have earned so far
X 100
Total points thus far in the quarter
A (93 – 100%)
A- (90 – 92.9%)
B+ (87 – 89.9%)
B (83 – 86.9%)
B- (80 – 82.9%)
C+ (77 – 79.9%)
C (73 – 76.9%)
C- (70 – 72.9%)
D+ (67 – 69.9%)
D (60 – 66.9%)
E < 59.9%
Consistent class attendance is essential to ask questions; each lecture and lab contains
important information that is critical to helping you become successful in this class.
I may give random in-class quizzes. These in-class quizzes may be given during the lecture or lab. They
will be short and based on the previous lectures, text and other problem sources. (Note: You must work
alone on quizzes) Quizzes enable us to know if the current material is being assimilated and understood.
There will be no makeup quizzes. Quizzes will usually be given promptly at the beginning of class. If
you arrive after the quiz has begun, you have missed it. There will be no makeup.
Assignments
Homework is mandatory. The homework problems are posted on CANVAS. It is submitted online. Exams
will be based partially on the assigned homework. After the due date there is no makeuo homework.
Exams
There will be three exams during the quarter. They are tentatively scheduled for the dates shown on the
course calendar and will tentatively cover the chapters indicated: exam #1 will cover chapters 1, 2, and 3;
exam #2 will cover chapters 4, 5, and 6; exam #3 will cover chapters will cover chapters 7, 8, and 9. The
course is cumulative so each exam will have some material from previous chapters. The final exam will
be comprehensive and include chapter 10. These are subject to change as the quarter progresses.
No breaks (bathroom or otherwise) are allowed during exams. You leave the room and your exam is over.
Quizzes are online in Canvas. Once opened there is a stated time in which the must be completed.
Quizzes are available for approximately one week and must be done during that time. All quizzes are
closed book and notes. They are to be done individually. You have about 5 days to take the quiz. Find
the time. If you are late you have missed it. There are no makeup quizzes.
There will be no make-up exams for any missed exams. It is your responsibility to be here at the
scheduled date and time of each exam.
Grades will not be adjusted for grading errors after 7 days after work (exam, HW quiz, report) has
been graded and returned.
The Laboratory (please also read the letter on lab safety in the laboratory module))
The laboratory component is an integral part of this course. Anyone can read about a particular subject,
but in order to truly identify with that subject, one must participate in it. Due to time and space
constraints, it will not be possible to makeup labs.
BEFORE you come to lab, you must study the experiment so that you are prepared when you enter the
laboratory. You will not be able to use the loose papers of your lab manual during lab; therefore
make sure that your lab notebook is prepared before you come to lab. This involves making a quick
outline of the lab procedure to help you understand the experiment better, as well as any notes that you
may need to write down for your own benefit. Also in your lab notebook are the pre-lab questions from
the manual and your answers to those questions. If you do not come to lab prepared with your
procedure written in your lab notebook, or if you are late, you will not get to participate in the
laboratory experiment.
All students must follow the chemistry lab safety procedures and standard operating procedures
established by Tacoma Community College, the Science & Engineering Department, and the
instructor. Students who repeatedly or willfully violate these procedures may face sanctions, including
removal from the course, a failing grade, and referral to the college for action under the Code of
Student Rights and Responsibilities. The departmental safety procedures for chemistry are available
at
http://cms.tacomacc.edu/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/IntranetFile/Chem.%20Lab%20Safety,%20Proc
edures,%20Emergencies%20(student%20handout)ver032812.pdf.
Food, drink, candy and/or gum are never allowed in the laboratory. If you have a medical condition
requiring some support, provisions can be made to have it nearby. Goggles are always worn when there
are open chemicals in the lab. If your goggles fog and require cleaning, step out to do it. Goggles are
stored in a sanitizing cabinet; however, they should always be cleaned before use. Appropriate body
covering attire is always required. Shorts do not adequately protect the lower leg. This also
means shoes that cover the entire foot and have adequate soles must be worn. You will not be
allowed to be in the lab unless properly attired. Part of good work practice is ensuring the lab is safe
for the next workers. Your work station should be neat, clean and all equipment stored before you have
completed any experiment and leave. A dirty work station is unsafe and will result in lost points.
If you miss a lab due to an illness (with a doctor’s note) or bereavement, you are responsible to contact
me immediately. Due to limited space and materials there are no makeup labs.
If you arrive to a lab late or are improperly attired, you will not be able to participate in the lab.
Lab Preparation and Reports (please also read the letter on lab grading in the Laboratory module)
In this lab you will work in pairs. Lab partners will write a joint lab report that must contain each person’s
signature on it. The lab reports are split into two sections. The first part will be due prior to beginning
each lab, and the second part will be due at the beginning of the following lab. No late reports will be
accepted. Each person within the group must contribute to the work done in lab and the overall lab report.
Failure to do so is considered cheating. A lab report example is on CANVAS and a discussion of lab
expectations, a quick outline of it is given below.
Pre-Lab Preparation (To be completed prior to each lab) (10 points)
1. Prelab questions will be answered on Canvas before coming to the lab
In the lab notebook will be the following
2. Objective
In a few sentences explain why the lab is important and what you should learn from each
particular section of the lab (why are you doing the lab experiment and what should you
be able to take from it?).
3. List any and all safety precautions listed in the lab manual. Include any and all
procedures for proper hazardous waste disposal given in the lab.
4. Procedures
Outline the steps you will follow to perform the experiment and the data to be collected.
You will not be able to use your lab manual at the work station, only the notebook.
Post-Lab Report (To be completed and submitted 1 week after completion of lab) (10 points)
1. Objective
Why was this experiment performed.
2. Procedure
Write a summary of how the experiment was conducted. Use general terms, not detailed
step by step instructions. Do not just recopy pre-lab! This is history and written in
past tense.
3. Results/Data
For this part of the report, you will need to write a few paragraphs on all the information
that you gathered during the experiment. Include what you observed, the data that you
obtained.
4. Data Analysis/discussion of data
Explain or interpret the results you observed. Show any calculations (show all steps)
that you made during the lab. (Don’t forget to attach: graphs, charts, tables, pictures, and
equations – all with labels). How do the results fit with the objective? Write about the
data and observed or possible errors. How did the experiment illustrate the lecture
material?
5. Additional Questions (may be an attachment at the end of the report)
You will need to answer post-lab questions from the lab manual in this section.
6. Research
Did you look on the internet to learn about calculations or ask a tutor?
7. Conclusions
Was the objective met? Why or why not? What else should be done to meet the
objective?
These sections (1-7) must be typed and submitted to me (with both partner’s names and
signatures, primary author first) one week after a lab experiment has been performed. In other
words, the report will be turned at the beginning of the next lab. Also, don’t forget to include a
title and a date on all lab reports.
Summary Lab Grading Scheme
Lab Safety, Experimental Conduct, Cleanliness
Pre – Lab Questions and Lab Notebook (organized and
0 -10 Points
0 – 10 Points
legible procedure written prior to class, individual is ready and
prepared for the experiment)
Post – Lab Report
Total
0 – 10 Points
30 Points
Lab Notebooks
 Use a composition book (found in the bookstore)
 Use dark blue or black ink (no markers or pencils)
 Do not tear out pages
 Print must be clear and readable. If I can’t read it, you do not get credit for it.
 Each page must have the date written at the top
 All numbers written must have a unit
 Begin each new lab on a new page
 Do not paste copied material in lieu of writing pre-lab
Caveats
This syllabus and schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. If you are
absent from class, it is your responsibility to check for announcements made while you were absent.
No late work will be accepted. If you are late or improperly attired
or not prepared for the assigned experiment you will not be allowed
into laboratory. There are no makeups.