Course Syllabus

 

General Chemistry 1
Chem 109 Fall 2020

 

Chemistry 109, 41650, Fall 2020

It's a crazy time we are living in; this syllabus may be subject to change!

Basic Course Information

• General Chemistry 1, Chem 109 Section 10. MWF 9-9:50am
• Catalog description: (5). Fundamental concepts: chemical foundations, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gases, thermochemistry, atomic theory, bonding, liquids, solutions. For students in science, engineering, and related majors. [Letter grade only. Prereq: math placement category I or II or category III and MATH 101i (C). Weekly: 3 hrs lect, 3 hrs lab, 1 hr disc. B-LD.]
• Fall 2020
• Format: Online
• Kimberly N. White
• Professor’s contact information: kim.white@humboldt.edu, 707-826-3274
• GE area B, lower division

Course Section Information

• Monday lectures and second lectures will be synchronous. Wednesday and Friday lectures will be asynchronous.
• Pre-requisites: math placement category I or II or category III and MATH 101i (C).
• If relevant, minimum grades needed for this course to count towards major or minor requirements

Evaluation and Grades

The components of the course and their associated points are:

Introduce yourself: 2 points
12 Smartwork 5 Homework Assignments (240 points): Worth 20 points each and due Fridays by 11:59pm as noted in the schedule.
29 Attendance/Comprehension Quizzes (130 points): There will be one quiz per asynchronous lecture worth 5 points each.  Lowest 3 scores will be dropped. Due Fridays in Canvas by 11:59pm as noted in the schedule.
2 Midterm Exams and 1 Final (260 points): Midterms are worth 80 points each and the final is worth 100 points. Taken on Fridays as noted in the schedule.
14 Worksheets from 2nd Lectures (120 points): Worth 10 points each, lowest 2 scores dropped. Due Fridays by 11:59pm as noted in the schedule.
12 Prelab Quizzes (48 points): Worth 4 points each and due Sundays by 11:59pm as noted in the schedule.
13 Postlab Exercises (200 points): Short answers exercises are worth 12 points each (12 total) and multiple choice exercises are worth 4 points each (14 total). Due Sundays by 11:59pm as noted in the schedule.

Total Points: 1000

Attendance bonuses

To encourage your attendance at the weekly synchronous lectures and second lectures, you will be awarded 2 extra credit points when you attend. This is a total of 58 extra credit points, or 5.8% of your total grade! This is enough to change your grade from a mid B  to an A-(85% to 90.8%)!

Letter Grade Percentages Scheme

You will be able to track your grade throughout the course using the "Grades" link in the left side navigation menu on each course page. If you have any questions about your grade, contact the instructor promptly.

A letter grade will be determined by total accumulated points  as follows:

A = (93-100%)
A- = (90-92%)
B+ = (87-89%)
B = (83-86%);
B- = (80-82%)
C+ = (77-79%)
C = (73-76%)
C- = (70-72%)
D+ = (67-69%)
D = (60-66%)
F= (≤ 59%)

Refer to the Course Schedule for due dates for each assignment, as well as the Assignment Details for more information on these assignments. Each student is responsible for completing all assignments and activities as specified by the instructor. See the Assignment Details for specific information about each assignment, including how it will be evaluated. All assignments should be completed to pass the course. Assignments and papers will be submitted online. Need instructions for submitting assignments online? If you have problems submitting your assignments, contact the Humboldt State Help Desk (help@humboldt.edu or 707-826-4357) immediately by phone or email to resolve the problem. Because this is an online course designed to get feedback on assignments to you electronically, you must make prior arrangements with the instructor before submitting an assignment by other methods.

Instructor Information

Instructor photo:

Instructor name: Kimberly N. White

E-mail: kim.white@humboldt.edu

Phone: 707-826-3274

Office Hours: Virtual office hours are held on Mondays at

10am via the following link: https://humboldtstate.zoom.us/j/97197669214?pwd=aXFnbnBtQ004MGpzWmE3TFpST0xOdz09
Passcode: chem109

1pm via the following link:
https://humboldtstate.zoom.us/j/96698519660?pwd=QmRUQkxDM0lva2E3dEpFbkNGdHB3UT09
Passcode: chem109

How and when to contact instructor: I encourage you to express any concerns, conflicts, or special student needs with me. Please email me or post a question to the Ask Questions Here discussion.  I check email regularly regardless of my location and will usually respond to you within 4 hours. Question from the discussion are sent directly to my email. You may call me but I cannot guarantee a rapid response via phone.

Required Textbook/Course Materials

Please read the Technical Skills and Requirements to understand the Minimum Hardware and Software needed for this online/hybrid/face-to-face course.

Required Textbook: Chemistry: The Science in Context, Sixth Edition by Thomas Gilbert, Stacey Lowery Bretz, Rein Kirss, and Natalie Foster.

Required materials: A smartwork 5 subscription from the textbook provider. This comes with the textbook if you purchased the bundle or can be purchased separately.  See this video for more information on how to set up your Smartwork5 account.
How to Register for Smartwork5 with CanvasA Hayden-McNeil lab simulations account. HSU is paying for your access this semester and a unique code for you to use will be emailed to you be your instructor. Please watch the following video for information on enrolling in the lab simulations. BE SURE to enroll in the CHEM 109 course!!

How to register for Hayden-McNeil Simulated Labs

Student Learning Outcomes

Chemistry 109 is a course that covers fundamental concepts, stoichiometry, gases, atomic theory, solutions, bonding, acid/base theory, thermodynamics, and solution properties.  The course is designed for students in science, engineering, and related majors.

Chemistry 109 is an Area B General Education course.  The GE goals for this course include:

• Being able to apply scientific concepts and theories to develop explanations of natural phenomena.
• Being able to demonstrate understanding of the basic language and concepts science through proper use of the technical/scientific language of that field in the development, interpretation, and application of concepts.
• Being able to critically evaluate conclusions drawn from a set of observations or experiments.

Chemistry 109 addresses the following Department of Chemistry learner outcomes at low intensity, in which the learner outcome is included implicitly or occasionally:

• an understanding of what chemistry reveals about the nature of physical reality;
• proficiency in abstract reasoning;
• sound abilities in written and oral communications;
• an understanding and use of physical and mathematical models;
• proficiency in spatial perception;
• proficiency and skill in performing laboratory techniques and in making and interpreting laboratory observations; and
• an understanding of the theory and operation of fundamental modern laboratory instruments.

In addition, CHEM 109 addresses the following Department of Chemistry learner outcomes at medium intensity, in which the outcome is an explicit focus or theme of the course:

• an understanding of the relationship of experimental observation to chemical theory and knowledge;
• ability as critical independent thinkers; and
• the chemical knowledge and skills needed in chemistry as well as in other disciplines.

CHEM 109 also addresses the following Humboldt State University learner outcomes at low intensity, in which the learner outcome is included implicitly or occasionally:

• critical/creative thinking, information acquisition and application and
• social justice, environmental responsibility, and economic improvement.

Course Schedule

Check the Course Schedule for more detail on the topics for this semester. (Sample: Course schedule as listed in syllabus. -or- Course schedule as listed in the learning management system) Messages from your instructor will be sent to you at the email address used in your Humboldt State profile.

Course Overview

This class is being taught fully online. This is not a self-paced class. You will learn how to use LMS (learning management system) to find materials, take quizzes and exams, and submit completed works electronically. You should do your work in this course with a high priority and complete reading assignments activities, quizzes, labs, and exams on time. Any delay or neglect on class assignments will affect your course performance and course grade.

Course requirements

All students are expected to:

• Review each chapter's learning outcomes before reading the assignment
• Read the assigned materials each week
• Complete homework each week
• Complete the pre- and post-laboratory exercises each week
• Complete weekly quizzes
• Participate in group activities in the second lecture each week on Monday
• Additional participation is encouraged and will enhance your understanding of the material. You should expect to contribute substantive and relevant posts frequently to the discussion area.

You should anticipate spending a minimum of 12-15 hours per week outside of lecture and lab studying for this course.

Course Policies

This course is offered online, over the Internet using the University's Canvas LMS. This allows you to access the course materials from a computer with any standard web browser already installed. One of the exciting advantages of online learning is that you can plan your class time to fit your schedule. However, it is important to balance this flexibility with your new responsibility of scheduling your own learning.

Inclusivity

It is everyone’s right to learn. Students in this class are encouraged to speak up and participate in-class and online. Each of us must show respect for each other because our class represents a diversity of beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences. I believe that this is what will enrich all of our experiences together. I recognize that our individual differences can deepen our understanding of one another and the world around us, rather than divide us. In this class, people of all ethnicities, genders and gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities are strongly encouraged to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences.  If you feel your differences may in some way isolate you from our classroom community or if you have a specific need, please speak with me early in the semester so that we can work together to help you become an active and engaged member of our class and community.  (Adapted from CSU Chico and Winona State University, used with permission from J. Greenberg)

Expectations
What you can expect from me:

• I will treat you with respect and welcome you in the classroom. I will listen to you and never respond to conflicts by yelling, arguing, or putting you down.
• I will actively encourage you to grow as a student and as a professional by facilitating discussion, problem solving, and good study habits.
• My primary task this semester is to help you learn. Learning goals for the semester include exploring organic chemistry structure, reactivity, and mechanisms and also improving your problem-solving skills.

What I expect from you:

• I expect you to demonstrate professionalism. This means:
• You show up to class prepared, willing to work, participate, and interact positively with other students.
• You will keep up on the reading that correlates to the lecture schedule.
• Your work will be complete, free of spelling and grammatical errors, and produced with care, attention to detail, and meet the guidelines of the assignment.
• Your work will be completed on time.
• Your communications with me will be professional and respectful.

Need Help?

If you have questions about the course, such as concepts covered in the course, your assignments, or scores post your question in the Ask Questions Here forum in the Discussion link on the left navigation menu. (Be sure to offer your assistance there too when you can!) You may also contact (instructor info here), during office hours, or by special appointment.

For technical questions, such as the suitability of your home computer for the course, installing plug-ins, problems with your password, etc., contact the HSU Help Desk (help@humboldt.edu or 707-826-4357).

The Learning Center

The Learning Center offers free academic support for HSU students. Online for Fall 2020.

• Connected Tutoring for Specific Courses
• Writing Studio
• Academic Peer Coaches
• Math Tutoring Lab
• Supplemental Instruction
• Student Resources 

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

A 1-unit CR/NC Supplemental Instruction (SI) class is available for our courses. Enroll in SI by the add/drop deadline on August 30, 2020, or get a permission number from the SI leader by September 7th.

SI course information for chem 109 is as follows:

CHEM 198-40  41677          Jack      TR  5:00 – 5:50 Virtually via Zoom

Below is SI leader contact information; 

Jack Mclaughlin  jlm343@humboldt.edu

SI is a great place to review difficult course content in an engaging and collaborative way. SI, held twice weekly, gives you a productive few hours a week to really focus on important content in a fun way. Research shows that students who take SI and receive credit earn higher grades. SI is also a good place to make friends. SI sessions are pre-planned, peer-led and facilitated by a student who has taken the course before. SI leaders are solid in the content, the course requirements, and communicate regularly with your professor. SI leaders also hold review sessions before exams. View the  SI Schedule- Fall 2020.

Please contact us with any questions or comments at learning@humboldt.edu.

Tutoring, Online Fall 2020 

The Learning Center offers free peer tutoring for your class. Our friendly tutors can guide you toward answers, demonstrate how to solve problems, explain concepts, answer questions, share study strategies, and go over your work with you. You can connect with the tutor for your class during their available hours by clicking the Zoom link on the schedule posted to your class Canvas page or on our website: https://learning.humboldt.edu/connected-tutors

The Math Lab will also offer limited drop-in hours one day a week. Check our website for the schedule and posted Zoom link: https://learning.humboldt.edu/math-tutoring-lab

For one-on-one or small group tutoring sessions, talk to your connected tutor. 

Please contact us with any questions or comments at learning@humboldt.edu.

R/STATS/EXCEL

Support for R, Excel, and Statistics, Online Fall 2020 

The Learning Center now offers broad support for assignments and projects utilizing R, Excel, and statistics in almost any class. Visit our webpage to connect with our Stats & R Support Tutors: https://learning.humboldt.edu/

Please contact us with any questions or comments at learning@humboldt.edu

HSU Writing Studio, Online Fall 2020

The Writing Studio provides free writing support for HSU students at any stage of the writing process, from brainstorming to final touches. Students at all levels and in all majors can benefit from discussing their writing projects with our friendly, trained writing consultants. 

Ways to work with us:

• Zoom consultations for live conversations about your ideas and your draft. Available days and evenings. Schedule a session. 
• Email consultations for written feedback. Make an appointment first and then submit your draft using our online submission form. You’ll receive feedback within 8 hours of your appointment.

See learning.humboldt.edu/writing-studio for details. 

Academic Peer Coaches, Online Fall 2020

Starting in Fall 2020, the Learning Center will provide free, individual coaching for students to develop their academic skills such as time management, test preparation, note taking, and effective study strategies. Coaching sessions will be available via Zoom, by appointment. 

To learn more, visit https://learning.humboldt.edu/academic-peer-coaches

Technical Assistance

It is crucial to seek help when you can’t access  Canvas,  the campus LMS (learning management system), or you have difficulty with your computer settings or browser:

• For technical assistance contact Canvas Premier 24/7 Support by clicking the Canvas Help button on the far left menu or call toll-free: 1-844-334-0177.
• For login support contact HSU’s Help Desk at 707.826.HELP (4357) or send an email to help@humboldt.edu
• For LMS support, please use the Help button located on the bottom left of your course.
• Please see the LMS Student Guides here, to learn more about specific Canvas functions: Canvas Student Guide

Special notes: Browsers and Mobile Devices

1. The Canvas app: Available for iOS or Android: Canvas Mobile Guides
2. Firefox is the recommended browser for accessing the Canvas LMS (learning management system). If you have problems opening some content, first try another browser. If you are using a mobile device, try accessing the content on a computer.
3. If Flash-based content is used in this course, it won't display on Mobile devices, especially iOS devices.
4. External URLs: To open certain URLs (http vs https) you may be prompted to click on the shield icon in your browser to “allow” access to the unsecure content. Simply click on the shield and click the “allow” button when asked.
5. Please note that some content may be blocked if you are using a campus computer, as HSU computer labs do not allow opening certain types of unsecure content.

Incomplete Grades

Incomplete grades will not be allowed for this class. If you think you may not be able to finish the work in the course, it would be best if you dropped the course before the final withdrawal date.

Policies

Late Work

There will be no make-up exams or assignments available. If you miss an exam, or homework/posting due date, a grade of “0” will be recorded without exception. Plan your travel and personal events around your schoolwork, not vice versa. If you have an emergency, please notify me immediately if this affects your coursework or attendance. You must complete at leat 50% of the post lab exercises to pass the class.

Academic Honesty

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding academic honesty. For more information, visit: Academic Honesty Policy or HSU Catalog

HSU Policy and Procedures for Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities Statement

Executive Memorandum EM P02-01 states:

It is the policy of Humboldt State University to provide equal access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities to participate in any program, service, or opportunity by the campus, including access to the content and services of the World Wide Web pages authored by the University. Request for accommodation in pursuit of student's academic programs should be made to the Student Disability Resource Center.

Our campus learning management system is Canvas. Here is a link to the Accessibility within Canvas statement.

This course was built with accessibility in mind. However, if you discover something in the course that is not as accessible as it could be, please alert your instructor as soon as possible.

Add/Drop Policy

If you do not log in and complete all coursework during the first week, you will be dropped from this course by the instructor. It is essential that you stay on track in an online course so you don’t fall behind. Students are responsible for knowing the University policy, procedures, and schedule for dropping or adding classes: Schedule Adjustments (Adding or Dropping)

Attendance and Disruptive Behavior

Students are responsible for knowing policy regarding attendance and disruptive behavior: Class Attendance and Disruptive Behavior.

Email Policy

All HSU students are responsible for checking their HSU email account for official communications. While students may elect to redirect messages sent to their official HSU email address to another address, those who redirect their email to another address do so at their own risk. HSU Email Policy.

Student Support Services

Students Disability Resource Center

Persons who wish to request disability-related accommodations should contact me immediately so I can assist you in a timely manner. If you have not yet done so, please request services with the Student Disability Resource Center in the Learning Commons, Lower Library, 826-4678 (voice) or 826-5392 (TDD). Some accommodations may take up to several weeks to arrange. Student Disability Resource Center.

Advising

The Academic and Career Advising Center supports students' pursuit of educational goals. HSU Academic & Career Advising Center

Mentoring

Peer academic support through Retention Through Academic Mentoring Program (RAMP)

HSU RAMP Program

Registration

The Office of the Registrar can guide you through all your registration information.

HSU Office of the Registrar

Counseling

The Counseling & Psychological Services Center supports the wellbeing of HSU students.

HSU Counseling & Psychological Services