Introduction to Chemistry, Chem 113 Fall Semester, 1998

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:00-9:50, SL 2224

Instructor: Dennis D. Staley Office phone: 650-3563

Office: SL 2222a e-mail: dstaley@siue.edu Home phone: 345-6656

Office Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri, 10:00 - 11:00 am; Tues/Thurs, 5:00-6:00 pm; other times by appointment.

Chem 113 is designed to prepare you for a subsequent, higher-level chemistry course. No previous study of chemistry is assumed. Since this course has algebra as a prerequisite, it is assumed that you are competent in the math skills covered in Appendices a, b, and c of the text. You must have a calculator (with an EE or exp key) that does calculations with exponents.

The core of the course consists of the material in chapters 1 through 10. If time allows, additional topics will be covered. You should read each chapter before we discuss it in class. When reading the chapter, read the sample exercises then do the in-text problems. You should also do many of the end-of-chapter problems. Do the odd-numbered problems first since they have answers in the back of the book. If you cannot work the problems in the text, you should ask questions in class, get help during my office hours or seek assistance from a tutor.

You are expected to be in class on time and to actively participate in class. You are expected to be present for each class. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to ask about missed announcements and/or assignments. It has been my observation that students who earn good grades in this course rarely "skip" class.

Realistically, if you expect to pass a general chemistry course (Chem 121 on this campus) you should develop your chemistry skills and understanding of chemistry concepts to a level such that you earn at least a grade of "B" in this course.

TEXT: Chemistry, A First Course by Kroschwitz, Winokur, and Lees, W.C. Brown (1995). REQUIRED: Available in textbook rental.

SUPPLEMENT: Student Study Guide and Solutions Manual by M. G. Kimble, W.C. Brown (1995). Contains practice quizzes and exams as well as solutions to the odd-numbered problems.

OPTIONAL: Available in the University Center Bookstore. Answers to some text problems are in the back of the text. I will distribute other answers on a chapter-by-chapter basis.

TUTORING: Free tutoring in chemistry is available in the Chemistry Department. Details will be announced as they become available.

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS/GRADING:

Assignments will be made that will not be collected for grading. Keys will be posted for you to check your work.

Your grade will be determined on a "points" basis as follows:

Grading Scale

Points Percent Grade

1Quizzes

(best 10 of 12 @ 5 pts) = 50 pts 450-500 90-100 A

2Hour Exams 400-449 80-89 B

3 @ 100 pts = 300 pts 350-399 70-79 C

3Final Exam @ 150 pts = 150 pts 300-349 60-69 D

-------- <300 <60 E

TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE = 500 pts

 

Notes:

1Missed quizzes may not be made up. Quizzes may or may not be announced. Quizzes may be given at the start of class.

2Examinations: There will be three 50 minute "hour" exams. The tentative dates for exams are:

 Exam 1, Chapters 1, 2, and 3, Friday, September 18

Exam 2, Chapters 4, 5, and 6, Friday, October 16

Exam 3, Chapters 7, 8, and 9, Friday, November 20

You are expected to take each exam at the specified time unless you have a legitimate excuse such a verified medical excuse. If you know ahead of time of an unavoidable scheduling conflict, you may be able to take an exam early. 3Final Exam: Comprehensive; 100 minutes; emphasis on Chapters 7 - 10.

Monday, Dec 14, 8:00 am - 9:40 am

Policy on grades of "I" (incomplete).

A grade of "I" may be awarded in a course "… when a student has completed most of the work required for a class but is prevented by a medical or similar emergency from completing a small portion of the course requirement." A student must complete and sign an Agreement on Completion of "I" Grade form before this grade can be given.

STUDENT CONDUCT AND STUDENT GRIEVANCES: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The university gives high priority to matters of academic ethics and abhors all types of cheating, including plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of representing the work of another as one's own and may consist of copying, paraphrasing, or otherwise using written or oral work of another without proper acknowledgment of the source or presenting oral or written material prepared by another as one's own.

Instructor's may impose sanctions for academic cheating in accordance with Student Conduct and Student Grievances: Rights and Responsibilities. Copies of the policy are available in many offices including the Dean of Students and the Office of Admission and Records.

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