CHEM 1151 - Survey of Chemistry I
Course Syllabus - Fall 2009

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center Room 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

Chemistry 1151 (CRN 87113;  Other sections:  87112, 87114, 87115 and 88101)
Survey of Chemistry I

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

CHEM 1151 is the first course in a two-semester sequence covering elementary principles of general, organic and biochemistry designed for allied health science majors (this course is also open to non-science majors). Topics to be covered include elements and compounds, chemical equations, nomenclature, and molecular geometry.

Chemistry 1151 is a three hour credit science course for Area D1 of the Core Curriculum of Clayton State University. This course is usually not taken by science majors. If you are majoring in a science or engineering field, check with the instructor to be sure you are in the correct course.

Course Prerequisite:

Exit or exemption from Learning Support Math

Course Co-requisite:

Co-requisite: CHEM 1151L (CRN 87172, 87173, 87174, 87175, 87177, 87178, 87179, 87180 & 88102)

Note: Due to the co-requisite nature of CHEM 1151 and CHEM 1151L, students dropping one of the two courses must also drop the other.

Notebook Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.  

My campus e-mail address is jimbraun@clayton.edu.  This course has a web page which can be accessed through my home page at http://a-s.clayton.edu/braun/default.htm.  Once you have accessed the course web page, you may wish to "bookmark" this site as you will refer to it often during the semester.  

The course web page offers you many instructional aides:  study sheets, study sheet answers, copies of sample examinations, data reference sheets, etc.  It is your responsibility to become familiar with these materials.   

Everyday coursework in class will not require the use of a computer. Therefore, unless there is a compelling reason, cleared through the instructor, students should not have their computers open during the lectures or exams.

 

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

1.    Able to use the computer’s operation system (Windows)

2.    Able to access and send e-mail (Outlook® or Outlook Express®)

3.    Be able to attach and retrieve attached files via e-mail.

4.    Able to use a Web browser (Internet Explorer®) and search engine

5.    Able to download files from a web site to your computer

6.    Able to use a word processor system (Word®)

7.    Able to use a spread sheet system (Excel®)

Your instructor may have access to more font sets than your computer currently holds.  Therefore, there may be some differences in the appearance of symbols when viewing sample exams and exercise sheets.  If this is a problem, consult the instructor.  

You should develop the habit of checking your e-mail daily.  Because of the number of students we typically have, there may be some delay in the instructor's response to an individual's e-mail.  Do not send time-sensitive information via e-mail--use the old system of the telephone.  A delivered e-mail does not relieve you of the responsibility of informing the instructor about some concern.  On the other hand, the instructor may send e-mails with information vital to your success in the course.  Check your e-mail often, at least once a day.  Instructors will only respond to CSU e-mail addresses.

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor. 

Everyday coursework in class will not require the use of a computer.  Therefore, unless there is a compelling reason, cleared through the instructor, students should not have their computers open during the lectures or exams.  Computers and/or cell phones cannot be used as a calculator for exams.

In-class Use of Cell Phones:

Cell phones have become a major source of distraction in the classroom.  Every student in the class will begin the semester with 10 bonus points added to their totals.  However, every time I hear a cell phone go off during the class period, whether it be an actual ring or a vibration, or someone is using their cell phone, 2 of the bonus points will be subtracted from EVERY STUDENT'S total.  (This could also apply to computer "start-up" noise.  Once the 10 bonus points are gone, other actions could be taken, for example:

a. Points deducted from his/her actual grade

b. The student may be asked to leave the room and could be reported for disruptive behavior.

Course Learning Outcomes:

1.      To learn the basic concepts of general chemistry.

2.      To apply the basic concepts of chemistry to the solution of conceptual and quantitative problems.

3.      To further develop the ability to solve problems through logical thought and organized reason.

Program Learning Outcomes:

General education outcomes:

The following links provide tabular descriptions of the communications outcome and the critical thinking outcome components  (see Chem 1151 in the tables):

• Communications outcomes components
• Critical thinking outcomes components

Term:

Fall Semester, 2009

Instructor Information:

 

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:

Chemistry for Today,   Seager & Slabaugh, 6th Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2008

Text Coverage:

Chapters 1-7, 9

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Laboratory Requirement:

The student should note that the laboratory is a co- or prerequisite for this course.  If you are currently enrolled in the laboratory, you should take special note that if you withdraw from either the course or the laboratory, you  must withdraw from the other.  

Evaluation:

Your grade in CHEM 1151 will be based upon the following components:

Grading:

The grade you receive in Chemistry 1151 will be based upon the following distribution:

The mid-term grade in this course which will be issued on or about September 22nd, reflects approximately 20% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on October 9, 2009.

Tentative Course Schedule:  This schedule is general and tentative.  The subject matter may
                                                vary some from this schedule.

Final Examination Schedule:

PLEASE CAREFULLY NOTE YOUR DATE & TIMES!!!

Course Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and the Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Students are expected to attend and participate in every class meeting. Instructors establish specific policies relating to absences in their courses and communicate these policies to the students through the course syllabi. Individual instructors, based upon the nature of the course, determine what effect excused and unexcused absences have in determining grades and upon students’ ability to remain enrolled in their courses. The university reserves the right to determine that excessive absences, whether justified or not, are sufficient cause for institutional withdrawals or failing grades.

Arriving to class on time is your responsibility.  Coming in late is disturbing to the entire class and detracts from the learning experience.  If tardiness becomes habitual, the instructor may institute measures to correct this problem.  This could range from refusal to allow admittance to class on that day or a deduction of points from the grade.

Class roll will be taken, however, attendance is not required except for classroom assessments.  You are responsible for all attendance requirements for external programs (i.e. financial aid).  It is your responsibility to sign the roll sheet at every class meeting you attend.  This roll sheet is the instructor's official record.  You will be held responsible for all announcements and material covered in lecture in addition to text, references, hand-outs, study guides and assignments.

    Homework:

    Tutoring:

    Calculators:

Electronic calculators are permitted (encouraged) for homework and assessments. Calculators limited to multiplication and division are sufficient. You may NOT use a calculator memory for storage of data or information (formulas) for use on assessments or the final.  This would result in an automatic zero grade on the assessment.  The battery and working of your calculator will be your responsibility. You will find it useful to have your calculator in class. You may not use your computer or cell phone calculators for exams.

    Visitors:

Friends, children, etc. are strictly prohibited from attending class without the permission of the instructor.

              Academic Misconduct:

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved.  All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Life/Judicial Affairs.   Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentconduct/

    Assessments:

    Make-ups / Late work:

Due to the difficulty in making up new assessments, missed exercises will be graded as a zero or other arrangements will be made at the discretion of the instructor, most likely this is an increased percentage worth of the final exam.

    Courtesies to Your Classmates:

1.      Arrive to class on time.

2.      Avoid disruptive behavior in class: talking, snoring, children, etc.

3.      Cell phones and electrical devices have become a major distraction in the classroom.  They are to be turned completely off during the class period (not just to vibrator mode).   If one of these devices does go off during class, the offending student may be penalized by:

            a. Having points deducted from his/her grade

            b. Being asked to leave the room and being reported for
            disruptive behavior.

4.      If you must leave early, leave quietly by a back door if possible.

5.      Use the pencil sharpener before class begins.

6.      No eating, smoking or drinking in the classrooms.

Disruption of the Learning Environment:

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

A more detailed description of examples of disruptive behavior and appeal procedures is provided at: 

http://a-s.clayton.edu/DisruptiveClassroomBehavior.htm

Student Survey Requirement:

Students have the responsibility to complete the Student Survey and Course/Instructor Evaluation for each course and each instructor every semester. If this in not done during the allotted time period, the student will be restricted from seeing their final course grade for a period of approximately one week after final exams have ended. Instructors are not allowed to give course grades to those who did not complete these evaluations. Also, no grades of any kind will be given out over the telephone or email due to federal privacy laws.

Last update: August 13, 2009