Great Basin College
Molecules and Life in the Modern World – CHEM 100
Section I01
Spring 2012 - 3 Credits
Instructor Caroline R Bruno
Phone
775-753-2204 (WebCampus
email preferred)
Office
Lundberg 109D
E-mail
WebCampus
Office Hours
M, T, W, Th 8:30-9:45am
Online Course
Text:
Chemistry in Context: Applying Chemistry to Society, 7th edition
A Project of the American Chemical Society
McGraw-Hill
ISBN-978-0-07-337566-3
Catalog Description:
Introduction to chemistry in its many forms and applications, physical and organic,with
consideration of environmental and social issues. Includes online laboratory activities. Prerequisite:
MATH 096 or higher.
Course Description:
This is an introductory course in chemistry that may be used either as an introduction before
moving on to higher levels of college chemistry or as a fulfillment of general science credit for any
degree. The general headings of topics to be covered include measurement, the structure and
naming of atoms and compounds, the construction and use of the periodic table, chemical
reactions, stoichiometry, gases, organic chemistry, and nuclear chemistry - with an emphasis on
chemistry in the environment. A more specific outline of the topics to be covered and the tentative
schedule for the semester is attached. The outline should be considered a general guide only and
not an absolute schedule.
Objective:
The primary objective of this course is for students to understand concepts and interrelationships
involving chemical phenomena. With this understanding in hand, it is hoped that the student will
then use this understanding in problems of every day occurrence or move on to a higher level of
chemistry with more depth in problem solving and more laboratory experience. It is also an
objective of this course that the students understand the scientific method and its role in problem
solving.
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Method of Instruction:
This is a fast-paced, rigorous internet course. PowerPoint Presentations available on WebCampus
coincide with assigned reading material in the text and add clarification and examples to the
material in the text.
Learner Outcomes and Measurement:
The following table presents the expected learner outcomes for CHEM 100. Learner outcomes will
be measured each time the class is taught with a short, comprehensive final exam. Results from
the final will be analyzed. Instruction in future semesters will be altered based on the analysis.
Expected Learner Outcomes

Demonstrate how chemistry is used to understand and explain many of today’s
environmental problems.

Chemically analyze current and potential energy sources.

Analyze how chemistry is applied in the development of medicines, plastics and
polymers.

Analyze the chemistry of nutrition.

Analyze various types of chemical reactions

Demonstrate and analyze how genetic engineering is used in our society.
Evaluation:
Chapter Quizzes:
Students are required to complete quizzes associated with each chapter. Generally, quizzes will
be available on Tuesdays through Sundays. Quiz availability will not be extended under any
circumstances. Take quizzes from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection.
Immediately contact the GBC Helpdesk if technical problems arise.
Discussion Posts:
Students are required to post substantial responses to discussion topics and thoughtfully respond to
fellow student posts. Three discussion topics will be posted throughout the semester.
Writing Assignments:
Four writing assignments are "gateway" requirements for this course; to receive a passing grade in
this course, all writing assignments must be handed in and receive a passing grade (A, B, or C). If
any of the four writing assignments are not handed in or do not receive a passing grade, a failing
grade will be issued for the course. If any writing assignment is handed in but does not receive a
passing grade, the student will have one week to revise the lab to a passing grade (C only). If a
writing assignment is handed in late, the highest grade possible is a 70%. For every additional day
the assignment is late, the highest possible percentage will drop by 10%.
Short Comprehensive Final Exam:
A multiple choice final will focus on the expected learner outcomes outlined above.
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Grading:
Grading will be based on the Chapter quizzes, four writing assignments and the final exam. All
scores will be added together at the end of the semester, and the percentage of the total possible
points will determine the grade.
Extra credit opportunities are not available.
Grades will be based on the following divisions:
A
95-100%
A-
90-94%
B+
87-89%
B
84-86%
B-
80-83%
C+
77-79%
C
74-76%
C-
70-73%
D+
67-69%
D
64-66%
D-
60-63%
F
<59%
A student may receive a “W” grade only if withdrawal occurs before the end of the thirteenth week
of the semester (April 28, 2012). To withdraw, the student must inform the instructor verbally or in
writing why the withdrawal is taking place, and must formally withdraw through student services.
Anyone who does not formally withdraw and does not complete the course will receive an ‘F’
grade. ‘I’ grades for ‘incomplete’ will be given only under the most extenuating circumstances,
and only with the prior approval of the instructor.
Attendance Policy:
It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up to date with reading, assignments and
quizzes.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete assessments on time.
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Hints for Success:

In order to pass this course you MUST actively participate in your
education and study!

Keep up to date on reading.

Although not required, be sure to complete all of the ‘Your Turn’ questions
throughout the chapter. These questions will help you prepare for the
weekly quizzes.

Although not required, take the recommended ‘End of Chapter’ Questions
seriously; they will help you prepare for exams!

ASK questions if you are confused. Your professor wants to HELP you!

‘End of Chapter’ Questions:
o Your success in this course depends on active participation and active
learning. Although the ‘End of Chapter’ questions will not be graded,
careful and accurate completion is necessary for success, as these
questions will be similar to quiz questions. Answers to the ‘End of Chapter’
questions will be posted online for students to review.
Additional Course Information:

The best way to contact the instructor is through WebCampus email.

In case your book hasn’t arrived by the start of semester, the first two
chapters on the schedule are available via WebCampus.

If you are unable to secure a book by the end of the third week of class,
the instructor recommends sharing a book with a fellow student or
withdrawing from the course and taking it another semester.

Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC
Helpdesk.

Extra credit opportunities are NOT available.
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Student Conduct Policy:
Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the Nevada System of
Higher Education (NSHE) outlined in the GBC Catalog. Students will specifically be held
accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other students and the
professor in all communications.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to
be outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom
behavior (determined, as they would be in a regular classroom, by the instructor) will not be
tolerated”.
Pay particular attention to those last four words. Any student who behaves rudely to another
student or to the instructor will be dropped immediately.
Academic Honesty:
Academic dishonesty, in any form, such as, cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated by the
instructor AND Great Basin College. Academic dishonesty can result in failing the class, academic
suspension, or expulsion. All tests, quizzes, laboratories, and other assignments must be the
student’s OWN work. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s word, ideas or data as one’s
own. When a student submits work that includes the words, ideas, or data of others, the source of
that information must be acknowledged through complete, accurate, and specific references;
and if verbatim statements are included, through quotation marks as well. In academically honest
writing or speaking, the students will acknowledge the source whenever:



Another person’s actual words are quoted
Another person’s idea, opinion or theory is used, even if it is completely paraphrased in
the student’s own words
Facts, statistics, or other illustrative materials are borrowed, unless the information is
common knowledge
Students with Disabilities:
The college catalog states, “Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational
opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and
regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The ADA
Officer, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the appropriate
and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information or further
assistance, please call 775.753.2271”.
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CHEM 100 Course Schedule for Spring 2012:
Week
Topics
Assignments
1–Jan 23
Chapter 1: The Air We Breathe
Ch. 1 Quiz available
2 – Jan 30
Chapter 1: The Air We Breathe
Jan 31-Feb 5
Ch. 2 Quiz available
3 – Feb 6
Chapter 2: Protecting the Ozone Layer
Feb 7 – Feb12
Discussion Post #1 Due Friday, Feb 10
4 – Feb 13
Chapters 3: The Chemistry of Global
Ch. 3 Quiz available
Warming
Feb 14 – Feb 19
Assignment #1 Due Friday, Feb 24
5 – Feb 20
Chapter 4: Energy from Combustion
Ch. 4 Quiz available
Feb 21 - 26
Ch. 5 Quiz available
6 – Feb 27
7 – March 5
8 – March 12
Chapter 5: Water for Life
Feb 28 – March 4
Ch. 6 Quiz available
Chapter 6: Neutralizing the Threat of
Acid Rain
March 6- March 11
Discussion Post #2 Due Friday, March 9
Ch. 7 Quiz available
Chapter 7: The Fires of Nuclear Fission
March 13 – March 18
Chapter 8: Energy from Electron
9 – March 19
Transfer
Assignment #2 Due Friday, March 23
Spring Break March 26 - 31
10 – April 2
11 - April 9
12 – April 16
13 – April 23
Chapter 8: Energy from Electron
Transfer
Discussion Post #3 Due Friday, April 6
Ch. 8 Quiz available
April 3 – April 8
Chapter 9: The World of Polymers and
Ch. 9 Quiz available
Plastics
April 10 – April 15
Chapter 10: Manipulating Molecules
and Designing Drugs
Assignment #3 Due Friday, April 20
Ch. 10 Quiz available
April 17 – April 22
Chapter 11: Nutrition: Food for Thought
Ch. 11 Quiz available
Course Drop Deadline April 28
April 24 – April 29
14 – April 30
Chapter 12: Genetic Engineering
15-May 7
Chapter 12: Genetic Engineering
16-May 14-18
Finals Week
Assignment #4 Due Friday, May 4
Ch. 12 Quiz available
May 8 – May 13
Final Exam available
May 14 – May 16
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Substantiation of the Incorporation of the General Education Objectives into Chemistry 100
Communication Skills (strong component): Four writing assignments are required. Students are
encouraged to communicate via email or other means with other students and the instructor to
discuss concepts covered in reading material and labs.
Critical Thinking (strong component):
Quantitative Ability (significant): Quizzes and the final exam will include dimensional
analysis which requires mathematic manipulation.
Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant): All writing assignments require
reasoning and independent thought based on the interpretation of both qualitative and
quantitative information. Students will be required to formulate conclusions in writing assignments.
Many quiz questions require reasoning taken from the understanding and application of chemistry,
not just the memorization of terms.
Scientific Understanding (significant): All principles taught in this course are based on
scientific reasoning. Interpretations are based on facts.
Personal and Cultural Awareness (moderate component):
Sense of the Individual in Society (some degree): This objective is also reflected under the
“Sense of Accountability” objective below. Different social attitudes toward the use of chemicals in
different cultures and industry are reviewed. Quizzes will require students to demonstrate how
consumer choices impact the chemistry of environmental problems.
Sense of the Past (moderate): The nature of the atom has been of interest to scientists
since the 1800s. This class will examine various models of the atom developed from the late 1800s
through the present. Notable experiments and people involved with the development of
chemistry as a science are discussed throughout the semester.
Sense of Accountability (significant): A common theme throughout much of this course is
the interaction between humans and nature, and the personal and social consequences of these
interactions. We discuss ethical and societal issues and needs relating to the use of industrial
chemicals and the environment. Quizzes and writing assignments will require students to
demonstrate how consumer choices impact the chemistry of environmental problems.
Appreciation of Fine Arts (some degree): The use of chemicals in art restoration is a hot
topic. For example, during the 1980’s and 1990’s, the cleaning and restoration of The Sistine
Chapel created controversy in the art community because many art historians believed that the
cleaning destroyed and/or distorted Michelangelo’s original work. The chapter 6 quiz will require
students to demonstrate their knowledge of acid rain degradation to sculptures.
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Personal Wellness (significant):
Personal safety is considered in the discussion of chemical hazards. Many of the environmental
issues discussed in lecture, such as the chemistry of the ozone layer, the chemistry of water, and
the chemistry of air, directly impact personal wellness. Quizzes will require students to demonstrate
their knowledge of how the chemistry of environmental problems may impact their health.
Technological Understanding (moderate):
Writing assignments will be produced using appropriate word processing and spreadsheet
software. Students will use WebCampus to access class materials.
Communications (moderate):
Online communication consists of emails, between students and the professor, discussion boards
and writing assignments. All communication is expected to be formal.
Critical Thinking (moderate):
Writing assignments require students analyze topics and interpret research materials. Often,
multiple choice quizzes are considered a good exercise in deductive reasoning.
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