CHEM 4110 - Environmental Chemistry 
Course Syllabus - Spring 2010

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

    Number and Title:

CHEM 4110 (CRN 24978)
Environmental Chemistry

    Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

    Catalog Description:

A study of the chemistry of our environment. Topics typically include air and water pollution, pharmaceuticals, plastics, bioenergetics, thermodynamics of life, and nuclear power.

    Course Prerequisite:

CHEM 2412 

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.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the computer’s operation system (Windows®)
• Able to access and send e-mail (Outlook® or Outlook Express®)
• Able to use a Web browser (Internet Explorer®) and search engine
• Able to download files from a web site to your computer
• Able to use a word processor system (Word®)

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Course Learning Outcomes:

A student will be able to:

• Be able to explain the basic principles of environmental chemistry.

• Be able to describe chemical reactions that occur in the geosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere.

• Be able to assess the risk of certain chemical pollutants present in the environment.

• Be able to research a particular environmental disaster and describe the findings of your research in an oral and/or written format.

Student Learning Outcomes:

        General education outcomes:

• Communication: knowledge base.  
          CHEM 4110 will provide knowledge base information necessary for communication of information concerning principles of environmental chemistry.
  
• Critical Thinking: 
  Question/Issue, Method, Evidence, Conclusion.  
      CHEM 4110 will provide problem solving skills in the area of environmental chemistry.  Students will be required to assess information given in a scientific problem and form a conclusion based on that information.  In this process, students will be required to determine which given information is pertinent and if their conclusion is reasonable.

  Chemistry Outcomes:
  CHEM4110 supports outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the chemistry minor:
  

• Outcome 1.  To develop more experience with problem solving in chemistry courses and labs.  
• Outcome 2.  To participate in interdisciplinary learning through the opportunity to apply analytical techniques learned in the chemistry courses to upper level courses in other disciplines.
• Outcome 3.  To learn more about chemical systems and to apply this knowledge to scientific questions.
• Outcome 5.  To provide better preparation for graduate and professional schooling.
  
  Biology Outcomes:

• Outcome 3:  Knowledge of physical science, mathematics, and statistics required to support an understanding of biology.

• Outcome 4:  Ability to communicate orally and in writing in a clear, concise manner.

• Outcome 7:  Appreciation for the impact of biological and physical science on the environment and society.

Instructor Information:

Class Meetings:

Textbook Information:

Text:

Chemistry of the Environment by Bailey, Clark, Ferris, Krause, and Strong, 2nd Ed., Academic Press

Text Coverage:

Chapters 2-16

Evaluation:

Your evaluation in CHEM 4110 will be based upon the following components:  

Grading:

The grade you receive in Chemistry 4110 will be based upon the following distribution:

The mid-term grade in this course which will be issued on March 3rd, reflects approximately 16% 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 March 5th.

Tentative Course Schedule*:

 *The instructor reserves the right to alter the course schedule at any time during the semester.

**Assessments will be announced in class as least one week before each assessment.

Course Policies:

Instructional Approaches:

Both lecture and active learning techniques will be used to cover the content of this course.  Students will be placed on teams and will be asked to complete projects and make presentations.  Students will evaluate the other members of their team using a peer evaluation assessment survey.  These evaluations will be used to determine the number of points each of the member shall earn.

Homework:

This course demands and expects approximately two hours of work per night. Reading assignments are tentatively made on this syllabus. Team members are expected to meet outside of class to complete team assignments.  The student is expected to complete assigned chapter problems upon completion of each topic in class. However, these will not be collected or graded. Completion of homework is your responsibility. Supplementary problems will also be assigned.

Attendance:

You are expected to attend all classes. A roll sheet will be passed around during each class period.  It is your responsibility to make sure that you sign the roll each time.  Students who miss 10 classes for any reason will receive a grade of "F" for this course.   You will be held responsible for all announcements and material covered in lecture in addition to text, references, hand-outs and study guides. 

Academic Irregularity:

Cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Consequences may include a zero grade on the assessment instrument, or possible action by the College Judicial Board of Review.

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

Assessments:

There will be four (4) exams and one 2-hour final (comprehensive). The assessments will be announced approximately one week in advance whenever possible and attendance is mandatory.  If a student has an excused absence on an exam day, the student's final exam percentage score will be used in place of the missed exam score.  No make-up exams will be given.

Grades will not be communicated via email or telephone.  Exams will be handed back in the next lecture period after an exam.  If absent, a student must come by during office hours to retrieve their exam.  Final exam papers may be viewed the following semester during office hours.

Other Class Policies:

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

• Arrive to class on time.
• Avoid disruptive behavior in class: talking, snoring, children, etc.
• Turn off phones, radios and other electronic devices.
• If you must leave early, leave quietly by a back door if possible.
• Use the pencil sharpener before class begins.
• No eating, smoking or drinking in the classrooms.
• No extra credit work will be assigned.

Last update: January 10, 2010