Course Syllabus

Lorain County Community College

Division of Math and Science

 CHMY 172 Syllabus

General Chemistry II

Location: LS 122

 Spring 2016

Dr. James Beil                                 

Office: PS200H, 366-4771, jbeil@lorainccc.edu 

 

Office hours

Although not necessary, an appointment is recommended, simply to ensure that another student won’t take the time you need.  Appointment times are flexible.  Please do not hesitate to ask for help.

KEYS TO SUCESS

I am aware that chemistry is a difficult subject for many students.  Follow these guidelines for success. 

1. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! Learning chemistry is like learning a skill. 
   • To have success learning any skill, whether it be riding a bicycle, playing a musical instrument or a sport, or learning chemistry, it can be helpful to read about the concepts behind the skill and watch others who are experts in the skill demonstrate it. However, it vital to PRACTICE the skill. 
   • This semester, you will practice some basic skills as you complete Learnsmart assignments. We will practice basic and advanced skills together in class.  And, I will assign review practice problems from the end of each chapter in the textbook.  If you don’t practice A LOT, you won’t be successful. 
2. DON’T FALL BEHIND!
   • The pace of learning in this class accelerates as the class progresses. It may seem easy in the beginning, but don’t be complacent.  The pace and difficulty increases quickly.  As we present new concepts, they will build on your understanding of previously covered topics. It will require you to complete activities, study, and practice on a regular basis.  Every day or at least every other day, set time aside to complete the assignments and to practice. 
   • To get the most benefit from your practice, you will need feedback, so practice regularly getting your assignments done on time so that I can give you feedback on your work promptly. If you wait until the week of the exam to start practicing and reviewing, you will probably not be successful. 
   • If you struggle or need help, let me know ASAP.  Ask me questions during class reviews, during lab time, by email, or on the LCCC chemistry facebook page.  If you need a lot of help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.  Set up a meeting with me as early in the semester as possible and/or see a tutor.  We have a knowledgeable tutor this semester, Daniel.  Please see the scheduled tutoring hours on Canvas. 
3. LET GO OF YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT SCIENCE and/or CHEMISTRY!
   • There are many misleading representations of chemistry and science in American pop culture (TV and movies) as well as in some high school science classes. We are going to start this semester by explaining the most fundamental concepts that you will need to explain and predict the behavior of substances.  Make an effort everyday to let go of preconceptions that conflict with what we discuss in class and refine and improve your mental models of how substances behave. 
   • There are many methods of solving problems in chemistry. You may have already learned a method that works for you, and as long as it continues to work for you, great.  However, when we get to advanced problems, you are likely to have more success if you embrace the problem solving methods I teach you from the very start.  Start this semester with a fresh positive attitude and an open mind. 
4. RECOGNIZE that this class is going to take up a lot of your free time, so EMBRACE IT J. If you put in the time and effort to be successful in this class, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.  You may get frustrated with how time-consuming it is, and you may have moments during practice when you think, “I wish I was doing something else,” but there are benefits to working hard in this class. 
   • If you do well, I can write a strong letter of recommendation for you, which can help you tremendously in reaching the next career goal you have.
   • It will give you universal problem-solving and critical thinking skills that will benefit you in life and in your career for the rest of your life.
   • It will give you a new perspective on the world around you.

Take responsibility for your education.  I will not make any exceptions for any deadlines or the quality of your work required to earn a specific grade. 

5. DON’T SHOOT FOR A “C!”
   • Students who earn a “C” or worse in CHMY 172 usually struggle greatly in CHMY 271. Because chemistry gets more and more complex as you study it, it is absolutely critical to have a solid foundation if you plan to continue taking chemistry courses. 
   • If you plan to apply to graduate schools, medical schools, or other professional schools, they will consider your GPA and sometimes they even look specifically at your grades in the more challenging courses like chemistry, so give yourself the best shot at long-term success.
6. WORK WITH THE STUDY GUIDE ON A REGULAR BASIS.
   • Find examples that you can practice that test your abilities with EACH bullet point whether you think you have mastered that bullet point or not. Do not assume you have a bullet point mastered until you see some examples demonstrating it and can independently master examples testing it.
   • If you have questions about how an exam question might look that tests a specific bullet point, just ask me.

Course Description

CHMY 172 is a continuation of CHMY 171.  Emphasis is on acids and bases, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, coordination compounds, nuclear chemistry, descriptive chemistry, and reaction kinetics. Laboratory required. (A special fee will be assessed.) Prerequisite: CHMY 171.

 Expected Performance Outcomes

• Use appropriate chemistry terminology.
• Solve chemical problems using mathematical techniques and critical thinking.
• Describe the chemistry principles of solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, intermolecular forces, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
• Classify molecules based upon chemical composition, bonding, and reaction characteristics.
• Analyze the kinetic and equilibrium processes for a variety of chemical reactions.
• Present experimental results and conclusions in a logical written format.
• Develop skills needed to pursue careers involving application of chemistry concepts and techniques.
• Manipulate laboratory equipment and resources to perform inquiry-based study of chemical concepts.
• Choose appropriate safety behaviors when working in a laboratory setting.

 Texts

• McGraw Hill Connect (required).  There are two ways to get McGraw Hill Connect.

1. You can purchase Connect through this website, http://connect.mheducation.com/class/j-beil-t-r-9am.
2. You can purchase the textbook in the bookstore, Burdge, Overby Chemistry Atoms First Second Edition McGraw Hill (required). The textbook comes with a code that you can use to get access to Connect.  Whether you purchase Connect online or in the bookstore, it comes with an electronic version of the textbook, which you will also need.

• Study manual and solutions guide are available (highly recommended)

 Schedule of topics and exams

Dates                           Activities                                                                                

January 19                   Day 1: discuss syllabi, course details, text sections 7.3, 10.1, 13.2, 9.2, 9.5, 13.3-13.4

January 21                   Day 2: text sections 13.5-13.6

January 26                   Day 3: text sections 13.7, 14.1-14.3

January 28                   Day 4: text sections 14.3-14.4, 14.6

February 2                   Day 5: EXAM 1

February 4                   Day 6: text sections 15.1-15.3

February 9                   Day 7: text sections 15.3-15-4

February 11                 Day 8: text sections 15.4-15.5

February 16                 Day 9: text sections 15.6, 13.4, 16.1                         

February 18                 Day 10: text sections 16.2-16.6

February 23                 Day 11: text sections 16.6-16.9

February 25                 Day 12: text sections 16.10-16.12, 17.1-17.2

March 1                       Day 13: EXAM 2

March 3                       Day 14: text section 17.3

March 8                       Day 15: text section 17.4

March 10                     Day 16: text section 17.5

March 14-18                SPRING BREAK

March 22                     Day 17: text sections 17.5, 22.1

March 24                     Day 18: text sections 22.1-22.2, 22.4-22.5

March 29                     Day 19: no new material, focus on lab today

March 31                     Day 20: text sections 18.1-18.3

April 5                         Day 21: text sections 18.3-18.4

April 7                         Day 22: text sections 18.5-18.8

April 12                       Day 23: EXAM 3

April 14                       Day 24: text sections 19.1-19.3

April 19                       Day 25: text sections 19.3-19.4

April 21                       Day 26: text sections 19.5, 19.7-19.8

April 26                       Day 27: text sections 20.1-20.2

April 28                       Day 28: text sections 20.3-20.8

May 3                          Day 29: EXAM 4

May 5                          Day 30: Review for the comprehensive final exam   

May 10                        FINAL EXAM, 8am http://www.lorainccc.edu/Current+Students/Academic+Calendar/Spring+Semester+2015-16.htm

Schedule of CHMY 172 laboratory experiments                              

Dates                           Experiment

Jan. 21-28                    Days 2-4: Freezing Point Depression – relates to chap 13 in text

Feb. 2                          Day 5: Review and Exam 1

Feb. 4-17                     Days 6-10: Equilibrium Constant Determination – relates to chapt 14 and 15 in text

Mar. 1                          Day 13: Review and Exam 2

Mar. 3-10                    Days 14-16: K_a and pK_a – relates to chap 16 and 17 in text

Mar. 22-29                  Days 17-19: Nickel Coordination – relates to chap 22 in text

Mar. 31 – Apr. 7         Days 20-22: Voltaic or Galvanic Cell – relates to chap 18 in text

Apr. 12                        Day 23: Review and Exam 3

Apr. 14-28                   Days 24-28: Reaction Rates and Colorimetry – relates to chap 19 in text

May 3                          Day 29: Review and Exam 4

May 5                          Day 30: Review for comprehensive final

May 10                        Comprehensive final exam

 Teaching approach and methods

• CANVAS: Canvas will be used to distribute information and assignments.  Please access CANVAS http://lorainccc.instructure.com/ to access course materials and for due date reminders.  A copy of this syllabus can be found on CANVAS.  Please ask your instructor for help if you have any trouble accessing CANVAS.
• Lecture: PowerPoint slides that are available on CANVAS will be used as an outline for the course.  They include reading assignments, links to video assignments, and suggested practice problems.  Some of the PowerPoint slides may not be discussed in class, because students are expected to read those sections and watch the assigned videos to understand the basic concepts.  Students are expected to make additional notes during lectures, as EXAM QUESTIONS MAY INVOLVE MATERIAL DISCUSSED IN CLASS THAT DOES NOT APPEAR IN WRITING ON THE POWERPOINT SLIDES.  However, the most important concepts will be explained during class, so attendance is vital. 
• Videos: Videos will be assigned to watch for each day’s discussion.  Videos are meant to be watched prior to covering the material in class so that you will be somewhat familiar with the concepts and we can utilize class time more for practice examples than for covering basic topics.  The PowerPoint slides at the end of each day in lecture will list the MUST WATCH videos and other helpful videos to watch in preparation for the following class meeting. 
• Reading and Connect Assignments: Each section covered will include assigned readings from the textbook.  Sections are meant to be read prior to covering the material in class so that you will be familiar with the concepts and we can utilize class time for more practice examples than for covering basic topics.  Online homework assignments on Connect include the assigned sections to read as well as the assigned questions to answer.  Follow the calendar on Connect and complete the Learnsmart assignments on time.   
• Lecture Capture: Each day’s lecture discussion will be recorded (audio and screen video capture).  Links to the lecture videos will be posted on CANVAS after they are recorded. 

 Evaluation policies and procedures

Grading

• Final grade will be determined as follows:

Assignments                                                                  Points

1. Four exams (125 points each)……………….……..500 pts (50% of grade)
2. Comprehensive final exam..……………………….150 pts (15% of grade)
3. Online Homework assignments……………………..75 pts (7.5% of grade)
4. Participation…………………..……………………..75 pts (7.5% of grade)
5. Lab grades………………….……………………....200 pts (20% of grade)

Total………………………………………………1000 pts

• The final grade will be determined using a percentage scale where: 89.5 – 100% = A,     79.5 – 89.4% = B,     69.5 – 79.4% = C,     59.5 – 69.4% = D,    

Less than 59.5% = F

• 7.5% of each student's overall grade includes quiz participation and performance.
• Because it is critical to come prepared for class, student MUST read the assigned sections and watch the assigned videos before coming to class.  To ensure that students are reading and watching the videos BEFORE class, at the beginning of each class, students will work in groups on a quiz that reflects the reading and/or video content.
• 3 points will be awarded for a good faith effort
• 4 points will be awarded for significant progress toward a correct answer.
• 5 points will be awarded for a completely correct answer.
• An average of 4/5 on each quiz earns you the maximum possible quiz points.
• 7.5% of each student's overall grade includes completion of daily Learnsmart assignments.  If you used Learnsmart for CHMY 171, the code you used should be good for 2 semesters, so you can use the same code this semester without having to purchase anything more.
• To use learnsmart, complete the following steps

1. Go to http://connect.mheducation.com/class/j-beil-t-r-9am and click on “Register Now.”
2. Enter your preferred email address.
3. Enter the access code you received when you purchased Connect or click “Buy online,” complete your purchase, and register.
4. Check the list of Learnsmart assignments in Connect to make sure you complete them before the due date.
5. Learnsmart is an adaptive program that integrates the electronic textbook with multiple choice questions. Such integration allows you to focus your reading and test your learning so you know that you have mastered the basic skills or so you can come prepared to class with questions.
6. Click on an assignment, read the assigned sections, and answer the associated questions to complete each daily assignment BEFORE THE START OF EACH CLASS! Learnsmart points will be awarded as a percentage. 

• 20% of each student’s overall grade includes lab points.  In the lab, students will complete experiments designed to reinforce the concepts taught in lecture.  Development of safe laboratory technique and proper recording and processing of data is important.  However, emphasis is on understanding and implementing lab concepts and techniques and on writing reports that demonstrate a thorough mastery of the concepts.  See the lab syllabus for more detail.  Open containers of food or drink are not allowed in the lab at any time.
• 50% of each student’s overall grade includes exams 1 through 4.  If any exam is cancelled or postponed due to severe weather, instructor illness, power outage, or other unforeseen event, it will be held on the very next class meeting.  For each exam, students should bring with them a copy of the periodic table and a calculator. 

• To help students focus on understanding rather than memorization, students will be given a sheet of nomenclature reminders, formulas, equations, conversions, and definitions before each exam. Formula sheets will be stapled to the back of exams 1 through 4.  No formula sheets will be allowed during the comprehensive final. 
• If for any reason a student is not present for a regularly scheduled exam (excluding exam 4 and the comprehensive final), they will have the option to take a makeup exam in the testing center (CC 233). However, makeup exams will only be available for 2 weeks after the date of the in-class exam.  If you miss an exam you must make it up within 2 weeks with no exceptions!  Make up exams will NOT be returned to any student until all of the makeup exams have been taken.  Students must be in attendance for EXAM 4 and for the comprehensive final.  There will not be any opportunity to make up either EXAM 4 or the comprehensive final. 
• Because students deserve credit for learning no matter when that learning takes place, if a student is unhappy with their grade on any of the first 3 written exams only, students will be given the opportunity to orally elaborate on partially correct exam answers or orally explain from scratch exam questions that were completely incorrect. Such follow-up oral exams will be one-on-one with the instructor.  Unfortunately, as new concepts are introduced, it is almost impossible to master them without a good understanding of previous concepts.  Thus, it is crucial to KEEP UP WITH THE MATERIAL.  To encourage students to avoid falling behind, if a student wishes to make up points, the oral follow-up exam must be scheduled within TWO WEEKS from the date that the graded exams are returned to the class.  The oral exam meeting must OCCUR WITHIN FOUR WEEKS from the date that the graded exams are returned to the class.  Also, if any student misses a regularly scheduled exam and takes the makeup exam instead, they will not have the option to orally make up points on that exam.  Please also be aware that time is limited for oral follow-up exams, so students who procrastinate in scheduling their follow-up oral exams may not be granted time.  To prepare for an oral follow-up exam, students may consult any source.  However, during the oral follow-up exam, students will be expected to explain corrections using ONLY memory, reason, and the formula sheet.  During oral follow-up exams, students will also be expected to answer questions in greater depth than can be assessed on a written exam.  Part of what’s being evaluated during the oral test corrections is the student’s ability to figure out what his or her mistakes were.  Thus, if it is necessary for the instructor to explain which part of the student’s original answer was incorrect, the student will not receive full credit for their explanation.

• 15% of each students overall grade includes a comprehensive final exam, which will be the standardized American Chemical Society multiple choice exam.  A comprehensive final is mandated by the state of OHIO if you want your credits to transfer to another college.  For information about the comprehensive final exam and practice questions, see the file in Angel labeled something like “Comprehensive Final Exam Instructions and Practice Questions.”

Mid-semester Grades:

You will be given a mid-semester grade based on your current overall percentage half way through the semester.  The purpose of the mid-semester grade is to help students be more aware of their status in the class.  The mid-semester grade will appear on “mycampus,” but it will not appear on your final transcripts.

Withdrawals:

If a student wants to withdraw and receive a grade of “W,” you must do so before the deadline determined by the college.  After that date, college policy stipulates that both the instructor’s and the division director’s special permission will be required to complete a withdrawal. 

Americans with Disabilities Act:

If you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact me during the first week of the semester. Students with disabilities must also contact the Office for Special Needs Services at extension 4058.

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

Student records will be kept private according to FERPA.  See the LCCC catalog for more information.

Academic Integrity:

Cheating, as defined by the LCCC catalog, will not be tolerated.  Cheating on an exam will result in a grade of 0 and may even result in an “F” for the entire course.

This syllabus does not constitute a contract.  To maintain the integrity of the course, the instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus and any of its contents at any time during the course by notifying students verbally or by written addendum.