Chemistry 145 Syllabus

Fall 2009
CHEM 145
General Chemistry I

Dr. S.E. Van Bramer
Kirkbride 465
499-4516
svanbram@science.widener.edu 		Office Hours
Mon 10:00-10:50
Mon 3:00-3:50
Wed 1:00-1:50
Thu 3:00-3:50
Fri 2:00-2:50

Textbook

  1. Required Text:
    1. Kotz, J.; Treichel, P.; Townsend, J Chemistry & Chemical Reactivity 7th ed.; Thomson, 2008.
    2. Banks, A. Student Solutions Manual; Thomson, 2006.
  2. Supplemental Text:
    1. Townsend, J. Student Study Guide; Thomson, 2006.

Course Description:

CHEM 145 GENERAL CHEMISTRY I (FORMERLY FUNDAMENTALS OF CHEMISTRY I) This is the first semester of a two semester introductory chemistry sequence for science, engineering, and pre-med programs. Topics include elements, atomic structure, molecular structure, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, liquids, and solids. Prerequisite: MATH 101 or satisfactory performance on the Mathematics Place-ment Test. Corequisite: CHEM 147. 3 hours lecture. 1 hour recitation. 3 semester hours

Course Goals:

Schedule:

Lecture is scheduled for Mon, Wed, Fri. Recitation/Quiz is scheduled for Tuesday. For a detailed list of topics, see the course web page at: http://science.widener.edu/~svanbram/chem145/chem145.html

The typical student should expect to spend 12 hours a week studying for this class. "How to make the grade in chemistry" is a collection of comments about what it takes to succeed in this class.

Cheating and Plagiarism:

Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated and are grounds for FAILURE in the course. The University's policy on cheating and other forms of academic fraud will be strictly enforced. When in doubt about what is acceptable, ask the instructor. You will do some work in small groups and interaction is strongly encouraged in this setting. You, however, are ultimately responsible for the material. Working together on homework problems is acceptable, but you must reference other people's ideas. Quiz's and Exams must be your own work. You are allowed to use a calculator and a pen or pencil for quizzes and exams. No other materials are allowed. For additional information read "What is Plagiarism". A copy of the appeal procedure for student academic grievances is available in the Science Division office.

Attendance:

You are expected to attend lecture and quiz sections. Lecture will supplement the textbook and a significant amount of time is spent working problems. Attendance is taken to enforce university attendance policies. Poor attendance is the most common cause of failure in this course.

Grading:

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any assistance or accomidations, please speak with me or contact the Enable office at x1266.

+/- grades are used. Your grade is based upon performance on the following:

  1. 100 pts. 10 Homework sets. There are two parts to each homework set. The first part are problems from the textbook. The second part is the problem set available on the web. Each part is worth 5 points. Late work will result in a loss of points. Late work will not be accepted after work has been returned.
  2. 100 pts. 10 Quizzes. There will be a short quiz on Tuesday each week.
  3. 400 pts. Exams. There will be four exams during the semester. The schedule is given below. These exams are cumulative in coverage.
    Exam Schedule
    Exam 1 September 22
    Exam 2 October 13
    Exam 3 November 10
    Exam 4 December 1
  4. 200 pts. Final Exam. A comprehensive final exam will be given durring finals week. Date to be announced.

Make Up Exams and quizzes:

  1. If you have advance notice of an absence you must make arrangements with the instructor before the exam is given. Failure to do so will result in a ZERO for the exam.
  2. If you are unable to take an exam and do not have advance notice you must have an acceptable and documented excuse, be prepared to document your absence, and contact the instructor before the next class meeting.
  3. Late, undocumented or unacceptable absences result in a zero on the quiz or exam.
  4. If a makeup exam is given, your grade will be the LOWEST of the following:
    1. Your score for the makeup exam or quiz.
    2. Your class weighted average for the final.

Office Hours:

I will be available in my office during scheduled office hours. Any changes in my schedule will be posted on my office door and on the Web site. At other times I am happy to help you, if I have time. Feel free to call or e-mail and make an appointment if you need extra help. You are strongly encouraged to ask questions and seek help early. Chemistry is challenging. When you do not understand something, ask.

WWW:

Supplementary course material and a listing of topics is posted on the WWW http://science.widener.edu/~svanbram. Any updates to the course Syllabus will be posted here. In addition the site includes; lecture notes, solutions to homework problems, solutions to problem sets, links to interesting sources on the Web, handouts, multimedia resources, and reading guides. Spend some time using this site and becoming familiar with the resources available. If you have your own computer, see the instructor for more information about how to use helper applications.

E-Mail:

Each student has access to e-mail through Campus Cruiser. As soon as you have your account send an e-mail message to me at: svanbram@science.widener.edu. You may also send e-mail to me through Campus Cruiser. I check my account often (including evenings and weekends) and will respond as soon as possible.

This page is maintained by
Scott Van Bramer
Department of Chemistry
Widener University
Chester, PA 19013

Please send any comments, corrections, or suggestions to svanbram@science.widener.edu.

This page has been accessed 11276 times since 7/1/97.
Last Updated 8/21/2009