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Instructor: Cindy Strong
Office: West Science 317A
Phone: (office) x4316
(home) 895-6506
Office hours : M 11:00-12:30; T 2:00–3:15; W 2:00-3:00; Th 3:00-4:30; F 2:00-3:00
These office hours are a minimum; I am often in my office at other times, and you are welcome to come in for help. You may also call me at home in the evening before 11:00 pm. If you are stuck on a problem, calling to ask a question can save you a lot of time and frustration!
Text:
Chemistry: The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change , 3rd edition, by Martin Silberberg. In addition, a bound (not spiral) notebook is required for lab; these are available in the bookstore. Lab goggles are also required; they are available in the chemistry stockroom for $5.00.
Class schedule:
Class will meet from 9:00 to approximately 11:00 am Monday through Friday; we will also meet from 1:00 to 3:00 pm on Mondays. If you have questions about the problem set assignment, come early: we will work on those questions from 8:45 to 9:00. Lab will meet from 12:30 to 3:00 on Tuesday and Thursday OR Wednesday and Friday afternoons. Andrea Pionek, the Chemistry Laboratory Instructor, will teach the lab portion of the course.
About Chem 161:
Chem 161 begins with a review of some basic ideas about elements, compounds, and chemical reactions. We will deal with stoichiometry, three major types of chemical reactions, and the physical properties of gases. Next, we consider atomic structure, the periodic table, and the bonds that form between atoms. A discussion of the shapes of molecules leads into the study of forces between molecules and the physical properties of substances and solutions. In the second half of the class, we consider qualitative and quantitative aspects of chemical equilibria as applied to gas phase reactions, acid-base reactions, and solubility. We will study thermodynamics and relate thermodynamics to chemical equilibria. Finally, we will consider the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions.
I hope that, in addition to learning about chemistry, you will advance in at least some of the following areas: learning to read a textbook, using math to solve scientific problems, working with other students in the classroom and lab, formulating problem-solving strategies, and developing your chemical intuition.
Course notebook: In addition to your lab notebook, you will be required to keep a course notebook in a 3-ring binder. I will collect and review the course notebooks while you are taking the exams. Your course notebook should include:
- Problem sets. The answers for most of the assigned problems can be found in the back of your book; I will provide answers for the rest. You are responsible for checking the answers to problems, correcting errors, and seeking help when you do not understand the answer. I will check to see that problems have been completed, but I will not correct them.
- Corrected exams and quizzes. Correct any errors on exams and quizzes using a different color of pen or pencil (or a different sheet of paper), and include these in your notebook.
- An exemplary course notebook will include some of the following: solutions to the follow-up problems (after each sample problem), additional study problems, and/or any other materials that you find helpful in your studying.
Everything in your course notebook must be written by hand. Course notebooks will be turned in on the first Thursday, the second and third Mondays, and the last day of the block. The first Thursday will be just a preliminary check; I will look to see that everyone is keeping up with the problem sets, but I will not assign points.
Remember that I will not be correcting your problem sets; I will be checking to be sure that they are complete. You are responsible for checking the accuracy of your answers and making corrections. A course notebook with all problem sets and corrected exams included will earn 90% of the possible points; exemplary work (see #3 above) will earn up to 100%.
Grading:
Your grade will be based on your scores on the quizzes, two exams, and the comprehensive final exam, as well as the quality of your lab work, your course notebook and your participation in in-class group work.
Three quizzes 12%
Two exams 32%
Lab work 20%
Course notebooks and participation 10%
Final exam 26%
Other policies:
I encourage you to work together as you study the material and work the problems. Examples of inappropriate cooperation would be copying from a current or former student's lab notebook or course notebook, or sharing information during a test. Please be aware that these actions constitute cheating and will be handled in accordance with the policies in the student handbook.
A student who wishes to drop the course on the 15 th day must have completed all the work for the course and must have attended class faithfully.
Schedule, reading assignments, and problem sets
Notes on the reading assignments
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