Course Syllabus - Spring, 1999
CH 176 - Practical Chemistry
3 credits
Instructor:
Dr. Mark Turski
phone - x2749;
email - markt@oz
http://oz.plymouth.edu/~sci_ed/Turski/
Required Texts:
Chemistry in Context
(2nd edition), A. Truman Schwartz, ed., Wm. C. Brown Publishers,
1997.
Chemistry in Context Laboratory Manual,
R.G.Silberman, ed., Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 1997.
Required Materials:
calculator, 3 1/2 inch floppy disc, loose-leaf binder
Course Description:
The course was designed by the American Chemical Society as an
introduction to chemistry
using a thematic approach.
http://www.inform.umd.edu/UMS+State/UMD-Projects/MCTP/Courses/PhysicalScience/Chem121HomePage.html
Course Rationale:
The course will introduce you to the range of chemistry concepts as they
apply to
the world around us. In this way, you should gain an understanding of the
fundamental
laws that govern the universe and develop an appreciation for the nature
of chemistry
research.
This course is based on several fundamental learning outcomes. After
studying chemistry,
you should
(1) have gained a knowledge of facts, concepts, and principles related to
major topics
in chemistry, in other words, become scientifically literate in some of
the key concepts;
(2) be able to use and understand methods of science (science processes)
as ways to
acquire new knowledge;
(3) communicate the key concepts through the use of mathematical
relationships, including
tables, graphs, and algebraic expressions;
(4) be able to process chemistry information and make responsible
decisions regarding
science and technology issues;
(5) be aware of how chemistry affects other areas such as law, politics,
and the economy
of a nation; and
(6) develop skills in reading scientific information, writing reports,
using library
research skills, and using a microcomputer for report writing, data
reduction and
analysis, and as an interactive tool in the laboratory.
Class Requirements:
1. Attendance is up to you. However, you are responsible for what ever
happened while
you were gone. (But before you skip see 3 below.)
2. Specific requirements include textbook reading, and short writing
assignments (which
will count as quiz grades).
3. Quizzes are unannounced, there will be approximately eight (8) of them.
If you
have decided to not attend class that day you will get a zero (0). (No
questions
asked, no excuses accepted). At the end of the semester I will drop one zero (0) or your lowest quiz grade. Quizzes will start 2 minutes after the beginning of class; if you are late you will not be allowed to take the quiz and will be given a zero. (No questions asked, no excuses accepted)
4. Long term illnesses require documentation from a physician.I consider a long term illness to be one that requires a stay in a hospital, infirmary or prolonged bed rest. I DO NOT want notes from the Health Center when you miss a class or
assignment.
5. Hour Exams:
Three (3) Hour exams and a comprehensive final will be given according to
the course schedule.
6. Laboratory:
Most of the labs will be taken from the lab manual. Students should
prepare for the
lab by reading the lab materials before coming to the lab. Students will
work in
small groups and will generally write group lab reports. However,
students should
keep individual lab notes for each lab. Attendance is mandatory. If you
miss a lab, due
to illness, you must attend another lab section during the
same week
and you will be required to hand in an individual lab report. You must
have your
lab notes signed and notated by the lab instructor. Failure to do so will
result
in a grade of zero. Individual laboratory instructors will give you their
evaluation
policies in the lab sections. You will receive one grade for the lab and
one grade for the
lecture.
Student Evaluation:
Quizzes 30%
4 one hour long Exams 70%
Final 20%
Total 100%
I do not scale tests
There is no extra credit
.
Final Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
100 - 95 - A 79.9 - 77 - C+ 62.9 - 60 - D-
94.9 - 90 - A- 76.9 - 73 - C <60 - F
89.9 - 87 - B+ 72.9 - 70 - C-
86.9 - 83 - B 69.9 - 67 - D+
82.9 - 80 - B- 66.9 - 63 - D
Tentative
CH 176 Course Schedule:
Week Topic (text chapter)
1 The Air We Breathe, Ch 1
2 Ch 1 (cont)
Ch. 2 - Protecting the Ozone Layer
3 Ch 2 (cont)
4 Ch 3 -The Chemistry of Global Warming
Feb 25
Hour Exam 1, Chapters 1 & 2
5 Ch 3
6 Ch 4
Energy, Chemistry and Society
7 Ch 4
March 16 Exam #2, Chapters 3 & 4
March 18 No Class
8 Ch 5
The Wonder of Water
9 Ch 5, Ch 6
Neutralizing the Threat of Acid Rain
10 Ch .6
11 April 22 Exam #3, Chapters 5 & 6
Finals
9:30 class -> 8 am May 20th
11:00 class -> 11 am May 18th
HINTS FOR SURVIVING AND PROSPERING!!
1. ALWAYS HAVE THE READING ASSIGNMENTS DONE BEFORE CLASS
2. UNDERSTAND THE Your Turn
and The Sceptical Chymist
QUESTIONS
a) The time to ask a question regarding them is at the very beginning of
class, there
is nothing wrong with being " clueless" if you can give me or your
classmates and
idea of where you begin to get lost.
3. Always look carefully at the Exercises
at the end of the chapter
a) If you know how to do them fine, if you have even the slightest
question work them
out. You should keep them in your notebook!
b) Ask a question at the beginning of class. The question should show
that you have
put some thought into the problem. It should not begin, "Can you show me
how to do..."
c) If you can do the * questions you will be all set.
4. Be completely familiar with the Consider This
questions in each chapter.
a) Again your are not required to write these out. But there seems to be a
direct
correlation between answering these and good test grades.
5. Find somebody (ies) with whom you work well and form a study group.
6. Commit between 6 to 9 hours per week for the assignments.
7. Do not try to pass the tests by cramming! It probably won't work and I
don't scale.