Survey of Chemistry Lecture

CHEM A103
Fall 2015
Professor

Dr. Cindy Trussell

Office

Room 109 Kodiak Technology Center (KTC)

Office Hours

Mondays 10:00 a.m. noon in Campus Center 205 (The

Learning Center) phone is 907-486-1203
Thursdays 11:00 1:00 p.m. KTC Room 109 or 130 (Science lab)
and always available by appointment

Phone
E-mail

486-1224 office
603-259-1533 rings my home, office, and mobile phone
citrussell@kodiak.alaska.edu or citrussell@alaska.edu

Expected
Response
Times:

You can expect a 24-hour turn around response to your emails

on weekdays. Please expect a 48-hour turn around for emails
or texts on weekends.
SUBJECT LINE IN YOUR EMAILS:
Put the course ID (CHEM A103), and your topic in the subject
line. For example: CHEM A103, Chapter 1 Question

Course
Meeting times

Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 6:45pm

Course
Description

This course introduces a survey of topics including: matter,

energy, units of measurement, the periodic table, atomic and
molecular structure, chemical bonding, radioactivity, oxidationreduction reactions, solutions involving acids, bases, and
buffers. Special Note: This is an introductory course designed
for health science majors and assumes prior knowledge of
college preparatory high school chemistry and algebra. CHEM
A103L is the laboratory component of this course and requires a
separate registration.

Course
Structure

This course will meet in person and utilize Blackboard for

weekly reading quizzes, homework assignments, periodic
schedule updates, and posting of student grades.
Instead of using class time to reiterate information available in
the textbook, class time will be devoted to applying knowledge
gained from reading the textbook. You will be working in groups
throughout the semester and must be prepared to pull your
weight and help each other to learn.

Course Goals

This course is designed to introduce students to the science of

chemistry through the use of inquiry-based classroom,
laboratory, and media activities.

We will explore the foundations of chemistry and students will

gain critical thinking skills, model how chemistry is actually
done, and discover connections between chemistry and other
sciences, technology, and society.
Required
Textbook &
Other
Materials

Textbook:
McMurry, J., M., Ballantine, D.S., Hoeger, C.,A., and Peterson, V.E.
(2012) Fundamentals of General, Organic,
and Biological Chemistry.
7th Ed. Prentice Hall
ISBN-10: 0321750837
ISBN-13: 9780321750839
Materials:
A Calculator with Scientific Notation will be used throughout the
semester and is a necessary investment.

Attendance

Much of the work we do in this class will be done in groups, please

attend class regularly as group work done in class CANNOT be made
up at another time. Please note that this work is about 60% of your
overall grade in the course

Course
Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students will

define the vocabulary associated with general chemistry,
apply their chemical knowledge to novel situations,
interpret scientific graphs and tables and draw conclusions from
the data,
convey an understanding of science as a dynamic process used
to find answers and solve problems,
evaluate scientific evidence encountered in their day to day
lives

Specific
learning
objectives

By the end of the semester, students will

convert between units, solve problems with dimensional
analysis
describe the structure of the periodic table and use the table to
gather information about novel elements
identify the characteristics of a chemical reaction and identify
the information given by a chemical equation
predict molecular structure of different elements and molecules
describe the differences in types of bonds and represent
bonding using Lewis and VSEPR models
identify examples of oxidation-reduction reactions in everyday
life
define the characteristics of a buffered solution and determine if
a solution is acidic or basic
describe the difference between inorganic of organic chemistry

Technology
Needs

This course will utilize Blackboard (http://classes.uaa.alaska.edu).

Students should have:

Access to a reliable computer with internet access. If you do

not have a home computer, computers are available on campus
for student use Monday Thursday from 10am 8pm, Friday
and Saturday from 11am 5pm. The computer lab is in the
Campus Center on the first floor. There are also a few
computers in the Carolyn Floyd Library. Please plan your
homework scheduling appropriately.
To use Blackboard you must know your UA username and
password. Your UA username and password are necessary for
most courses at Kodiak College and these are your keys to the
Blackboard site. To determine what your password is you can
visit http://me.uaa.alaska.edu
I will need to contact you with your UA e-mail as this is the one
that is associated please make sure that you check your school
email regularly.
At any time during the semester your current grade is available
in the student grade book in Blackboard.
IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT WITHOUT
ACCESSING AND USING BLACKBOARD, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE
TO PASS THIS COURSE.
Help with Blackboard can be found at the link above or by calling the
ITS call center at 877-633-3888.
If you are having problems with the content in the course, then please
call me or come by my office. From time to time a quiz might time you
out, please call me so that I can reset it for you.
Letter Grades

The following is the letter grade system for this class:

90% and above = A which means that your work is
superior, far exceeds average understanding as
evidenced in course work and goes significantly beyond
the basics.
80% and above = B which means that you work is far
above average, fully meets average understanding as
evidenced in course work and fully understands the
basics and can deal with concepts somewhat beyond that
level.
70% and above = C which means that your work is
average and meets the minimum expectations and
satisfies course requirements.
60% and above = D which means that your work is below
average, though it still meets many minimum
expectations and satisfies all or most course
requirements.
Below 60% = F
**Please note that a grade of A will not be awarded if the final exam is
not taken**

Lecture
Grading

Grades will be based upon the percentage of points earned out of the
total points possible during the semester.

The predicted though not final breakdown of available points is given

below (please note that this is subject to change slightly depending on
how quickly we work):
Assessment Type

Number and
Points

Course Orientation
Points

Total to be
earned
30

Pre-class Reading
Quizzes

14 @ 10

140

Problem Sets

9 @ 20

180

Group Quizzes

5 @ 50

250

Lecture Activities

15 @ 10

150

Final Exam Cumulative

1 @ 200

200

Total Points

950

21%

3%

15%

Course Orientation
Points
19%

16%

Pre-class Reading
Quizzes
Problem Sets

26%

Group Quizzes
Lecture Activities
Final Exam

Explanation of
Graded
Components of
the Course

Course Orientation Points

During the first week of class you will earn points for a number of
activities that we do in class.
Pre-class Quizzes
You are responsible for taking one pre-class quiz on Blackboard
each week. These quizzes will exclusively be true/false or
multiple choice. They will self-grade. Each time you take the
quiz new questions will appear. These quizzes will focus on
what you are expected to read for that week. The quiz will be
available until Monday nights at 11:59pm each week.
Group Quizzes

Scheduled for the first 30 min of class students take a quiz as a

group. This format allows students the opportunity to discuss
their opinions about a question and discuss why they believe
their answer is correct. These are short answer and calculation
questions. Students rotate the task of writing the answers
during the quiz process.
Final Exam
The final exam in this course will be cumulative and also review.
Each and every question on the exam will have previously shown
up on your group quizzes, homework exercises, and the group
assignments you worked on in class. To prepare for this exam,
please review all of these materials. This exam will be taken
during the final week of class. No make up exams will be
granted without prior approval from me. The exam may be
taken in the testing center as early as the 9 th of December.
Problem Sets
Some homework will be started in class it will be finished at
home and turned in at the beginning of class on the day it is
due. You are allowed to collaborate with others (in fact I
encourage you to do so). Remember that this is your
opportunity to ensure that you understand the material and the
concepts.
Lecture Activities
As I attempt to have you integrate material learned from the
reading there will be a number of demos and activities that you
are asked to participate in during the semester and they will
earn you a variety of points. Please note that these points
cannot be made up if you are not present.

Classroom
Behavior

Late
Assignments:

1. Each of us brings to the classroom different ideas, attitudes,

experiences, and beliefs. All are valuable, and each new idea or
thought gives us the opportunity to learn something new. To
make it possible for all to share, it is important that we treat one
another with mutual respect.
2. We should all seek to make the classroom a safe, fun, and
interactive place to learn. Questions and comments in class
should be relevant to the topic at hand.
3. You should be in your seat and ready to begin class on time.
Please communicate with me if you need an accommodation in
this area.
4. Packing up your belongings prior to the end of class is disruptive
to others around you and to the instructor. Please be
considerate and wait until class has ended.
5. As you enter the room please turn cell phones to silent and on
the desk in front of you. You can return calls during our break.
Some of you may have children at home with a baby sitter,
please turn your phone to vibrate. If you must take the call,
please quietly leave the room.
6. Laptops can be used for note taking and for certain in-class
assignments. However, all other activities should not be
conducted during class (this includes checking e-mail, Facebook,
Twitter, shopping, etc.). I like to walk around, I will look and I
will ask you to close the lid of your computer.
7. Any continued form of disruption from a student will result in
the student being asked to leave the classroom. At the first
instance, I will let you know that it isnt appropriate for class. At
the second instance, I will ask that you leave class for that day.
On the third instance you will be asked to leave the class and
not allowed to return until you have had a meeting with the
academic counselor and the director of the college.
All assignments must be received by 11:59pm, Alaska Time, on
the day they are due to qualify for full credit.
Other Assignments submitted past the due date, but within one
week, will be accepted but with a grade reduction of 20%.
Assignments may not be submitted more than one week late
unless you have extenuating circumstances and have obtained
prior permission.
Any in class work is not available to do on a delay.

Academic
Integrity:

The discipline of science rests on a foundation of honesty. Thus you

will be expected to adhere to strict rules against cheating or selfmisrepresentation.
Your name at the top of an assignment or test indicates that
the work presented is your own and in your own words.
While I encourage you to work together on out of class
assignments, the collaboration should end when you sit
down to write.
Lifting phrases from an article, book or classmate
constitutes plagiarism.
Do NOT copy and paste from the internet. This is the
number one form of cheating
Allowing your work to be copied is also a form of cheating!
Penalties in my courses:
For a 1st offense on all assignments other than exams: A zero for
that assignment.
For the 2nd offense on all assignments other than exams: A zero
in the course.
For the 1st offense on an exam: A zero in the course.
All suspected offenses will be brought to the Dean of Students for
evaluation by the Judicial Review Board. Disciplinary action may be
initiated by the university and disciplinary sanctions imposed against
any student found responsible for committing, attempting to commit,
or intentionally assisting in the commission of academic dishonesty.
Academic dishonesty applies to examinations, assignments, laboratory
reports, fieldwork, practicums, creative projects, or other academic
activities.

You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you
and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably.
Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all
you can give. Edward O. Wilson
DROPS,
WITHDRAWAL,
INCOMPLETE,
AND AUDIT
POLICIES:

Last day to drop the course and receive a full refund is September 4th
at 5pm.
As faculty members, I may initiate a drop or withdrawal for students
who fail to meet the course participation and assignment
requirements through November 13th. Students who also find that
their work is not meeting their own performance expectations may
also choose to withdraw before November 13th. This will designate a
W on the student transcript and will not be calculated in the grade
point average. Students should be aware that a W can impact financial
aid.
An I (Incomplete) is a temporary grade. It is used to indicate that a
student has made satisfactory progress in the majority (>50%) of the
work in a course, but for unavoidable absences or other conditions
beyond the control of the student, has not been able to complete the
course.

Statement for

If you believe you require special accommodation to complete the

Students who
Require
Accommodatio
ns:

requirements and expectations of this course

because of a disability, please make your needs
known to me.
The provision of equal opportunities for students
who experience disabilities is a campus-wide
responsibility and commitment. Disability Support Services (DSS) is
the designated UAA department responsible for coordinating academic
support services for individuals who experience disabilities.
If you need disability-related accommodations, please notify DSS (907786-4530). Our local point of contact for DSS is our academic
counselor Barbara Brown 486-1211.

Showcase of
Excellence:

Showcase of Excellence is an annual scholarship competition for

Kodiak College students in which students submit their finest writing
(researched and creative), fine arts, and vocational work. Any project
(group or individual) you complete for this class that receives an A
qualifies for the competition. Showcase also features a special prize
for projects in Kodiak Studies, Alaska Studies, and group work.
Submission deadline is around the 20th of January each year. We
would like to encourage distance students to compete in this
competition. If you are a finalist, a short presentation of your work is
part of the competition.

Personal
responsibility

The semester moves along quickly and it is important to keep up with

assignments and meet all deadlines.
You know in advance when all assignments are due and are expected
you to turn them in at the designated time.
If a serious, acute situation arises that causes you to miss an
assignment, please communicate with me so that you do not get
behind.
Often times in these circumstances you and I can work out an
accommodation schedule. You are responsible for the material even if
you miss the assignment. The more you communicate with me, the
better. I can help you keep on track.
Your rights and responsibilities are spelled out in the UAA student code
of conduct. Please see the UAA student code of conduct.
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/studentaffairs/fact-finder.cfm
A faculty member may initiate a drop or withdrawal from a class of a
student who fails to meet published individual course requirements. A
student who fails to attend class within the first seven calendar days
of the semester is also eligible for this action. Students who need to
be excused from first-week attendance must contact the faculty
member and receive permission before the first class meeting of the
semester. From Fact Finder the Student Handbook.

Student Resources and Hours on Kodiak College Campus

Kodiak College
Test Center
Hours
Learning
Center Hours

CIOS Lab
Hours

Library Hours

Donna Jones runs the Kodiak College Testing Center. It is located on

the 2nd floor of the campus center in room 210.
Please check the website for current hours or call 486-1232 for a
recording of the current hours.
The Learning Center is on the 2nd floor of the campus center in
room 205. The learning center offers tutoring in math, writing, and
science.
There are also computers available for student use. Please get
yourself a copy of the schedule so that you know what type of
tutoring is available and when it is available. Please register
yourself at https://kodiak.mywconline.com/
to make an appointment with me (during office hours) or to set up
an appointment with an online or face-to-face tutor.
The CIOS lab is in the Campus Center on the 1 st floor in the back
left corner. There are 21 computers in this lab for student use (19
flat-screen monitors). This lab is staffed by individuals who can
help you any computer software issues (things such as word, excel,
Collaborate, and Blackboard). They cannot solve problems with
your home computer.
There are several computers available in the library for student
use. The library staff will be particularly useful for helping you find
the resources that you will need.
Hours: Monday Thursday 11am-8pm
Friday and Saturday 9am 5pm