Chemistry 145 Syllabus

Fall 2016
CHEM 145
General Chemistry I


Dr. S.E. Van Bramer
Kirkbride 465
499-4516
sevanbramer@widener.edu
Skype: sevanbramer@widener.edu
Office Hours
Mon 10:00-10:50
Tue 1:00-1:50
Wed 12:00-12:50
Thu 10:00-10:50
Thu 3:00-3:50

Office Hour

Textbook

  1. Required Text:
    1. Tro, N.Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 3nd ed.; Pearson, 2015.

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 at least Level 3 on the Mathematics Assessment. 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 accommodations, 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. Online Homework. Each class day there will be an assignment from Mastering Chemistry, the online homework system that accompanies the textbook. These problems must be successfully completed before class.
  2. 100 pts. 10 Homework sets. A written homework assignment will be due at the completion of each chapter. These assignments are a mixture of problems from the textbook and problems from the instructor. Late work will result in a loss of points. Late work will not be accepted after graded work has been returned.
  3. 100 pts. 10 Quizzes. There will be a short quiz on Tuesday each week. An unannounced quiz may be given at other times.
  4. 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 20
    Exam 2 October 11
    Exam 3 November 1
    Exam 4 November 29
  5. 200 pts. Final Exam. A comprehensive final exam will be given Friday December 16, 2016 at 8:00 AM.

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. 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.

Electronic Devices:

Use of electronic devices for non-class activities is not allowed during lecture or recitation.

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.

E-Mail:

Each student has access to e-mail through Campus Cruiser. 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. You can expect a response by the next weekday at the latest.


Learning Accommodations:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any student has the right to request reasonable accommodation of a disability. Accommodations can be requested through Academic Support Services, Disabilities Services (520 E. 14th St., 610-499-1266). Disabilities Services is the office that authorizes all accommodations on campus. Please note that you will need to present documentation of your disability to Disabilities Services. It is important to make this request as soon as possible so that we will have time to make any necessary arrangements.

Class Cancellation Policy:

In the unusual circumstance where class is cancelled, I will send out an e-mail message using campus cruiser.

Diversity

I will promote a classroom atmosphere that offers a positive learning environment based on open communication, mutual respect, and inclusion. I expect each member to respect everyone in the class regardless of our differences. Your help and suggestions to make this happen are greatly appreciated.
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 times since 7/1/97.
Last Updated 8/22/2012