Course Description

·       Credit Hours:  1

·       Classroom Contact Hours per week:  3

The course is the laboratory to accompany CHEM 2325 lecture. Emphasis is placed on techniques, properties and reactions, and reinforcing principles offered in the lecture portion of the course.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites:  CHEM 2323/2123 with a grade of C or higher.

Corequisite:  CHEM 2325

Course Rationale

This course covers the fundamental facts, laws, principles, theories and concepts of chemistry necessary for further work in science or science-related subjects.

Textbook and Required Materials

Textbook: “Organic Chemistry Laboratory Techniques,” 2^nd edition, by Lisa Nichols.  This text is an OER resource which may be downloaded for free at the following website:  https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/369

Eye Protection:  ACC does not provide safety goggles or safety glasses for the lab. The student must purchase goggles or safety glasses prior to performing the first experiment. ANSI-approved goggles are stamped with Z87.  Tinted safety glasses or safety goggles are not acceptable.  NO EYE PROTECTION means NO LAB WORK – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Lab Notebook:  Labs may be written on regular notebook paper, in a lab book with carbon/carbonless copies, or they may be computer-generated.  Legibility is important.  You should not use a notebook (e.g., composition book) that does not have removable pages, as labs are turned in on a weekly basis.

Required Technology:  You will need to have internet access to attend the virtual lab sessions and online office hours, to watch class videos and archived recordings, and to submit lab assignments and quizzes. 

Adobe Acrobat Reader:  To be able to view the .pdf documents that are posted in Blackboard, you will need software that allows you to open and view .pdf files.  You can download Acrobat Reader here:  get.adobe.com/reader/

Any “Scanner” App:  To turn in some assignments or portions thereof, you will need to scan in your work and submit it through Blackboard as a single .pdf file.  Of course, it is possible to use a scanner attached to a computer to scan in work, but all you really need is a smartphone.  There are numerous free apps available for iOS and Android phones that will allow to take photos with your phone camera, convert the images to .pdf format, and combine multiple photos into one .pdf file.  Some examples include Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, pdfElement, CamScanner, etc.  It does not matter which app you choose, but it should be capable of allowing multiple photos to be combined into a single .pdf file for Blackboard submission.  Submission of a multiple page document as multiple files will not be acceptable.  Submission in other file formats (.docx, .png, .jpg, etc.) will not be acceptable.

Calculator:  You will need a scientific calculator for lab activities and quizzes.  A good calculator option for this class is the TI-30XIIS, which is relatively inexpensive, and which has all of the functions that you will need.

Instructional Methodology

This is a hybrid class.  For the first three weeks of the semester, and possibly longer, all instruction will take place online, using the Blackboard learning management system for synchronous class meetings, lab assignment and quiz submissions, and collaboration.   Once the College decides that it is safe to resume in person classes, expected to be the week of September 13 (subject to change), class meetings will take place in person, in a traditional chemistry laboratory at the Riverside campus.  

Success in a distance learning class requires superior time management and study skills.  I have elected to use synchronous class meetings for the online portion of the semester, so that we may touch base during the class sessions, and to assist in keeping you on track with learning the course material at the appropriate pace.  Staying on track is particularly important in chemistry, a class in which a large amount of material needs to be learned in an abbreviated time frame.

If you are new to distance education, you are encouraged to review the ACC Distance Education General Information, available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

Student Technology Support

Austin Community College provides free, secure drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at https://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Students who do not have the necessary technology to complete their ACC courses can request to borrow devices from Student Technology Services. Available devices include iPads, webcams, headsets, calculators, etc. Students must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course to be eligible. For more information, including how to request a device, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Student Technology Services offers phone, live-chat, and email-based technical support for students and can provide support on topics such as password resets, accessing or using Blackboard, access to technology, etc. To view hours of operation and ways to request support, visit http://www.austincc.edu/sts.

Grading System

The letter grade that you earn in this class will be based entirely on the number of points that you earn, out of 1000 points possible.

A ≥ 900 pts; B = 800-899 pts; C = 700-799 pts; D = 600-699 pts; F < 600 pts

Based on class performance and the instructor’s discretion, the lower end of each letter grade boundary may be adjusted downward at the end of the term. 

The total points earned will be calculated as follows:

Best 9 out of 10 experiment scores @ 100 points each:                 900 points possible

Spectroscopy worksheet:                                                                   70 points possible

Lab safety assignment:                                                                      20 points possible

Class orientation assignment:                                                            10 points possible

Total points possible:                                                                         1000

Experiments:  Each experiment will be worth 100 points, distributed as follows:  

• Prelab assignment (10 pts)

A prelab assignment will be posted in the Blackboard folder for each experiment.  Completed assignments must be submitted through Blackboard by 4:15pm on the day the experiment starts.  To help with your preparations, you should read the experiment handout and watch the prelab discussion videos that will be posted in the Blackboard folder for the experiment.  I recommend that you begin working on the prelab assignment as early as possible to ensure that you have enough time to complete the assignment, and to allow time to visit office hours if you have questions.

• Lab notebook (40 pts)
  • Title (2 pts) – Experiment number and name of experiment from the posted handout.
  • Objective (8 pts) – Concise (1-2 sentence max) statement of the goal of the experiment.
  • Procedure* (15 pts) – A numerical outline of each step you will perform to complete the experiment.  The procedure should include any formulas, structures, reactions, or mechanisms that will be studied.  Include sketches of the experimental apparatus that will be used.  Notation of all changes made to the posted procedure will be made here.  Any calculations of volume or mass of reagents needed, and the calculation of theoretical yield (when relevant) should also be included.  Note:  You will not be allowed to refer to the procedure handout while working in the lab.  Your lab notebook will be the only reference source allowed at the lab bench, so your procedure should contain enough detail to allow you to complete the experiment.
  • Data and Observations* (15 pts) – Includes all numerical data and other qualitative observations such as color, odor, and comparisons to other classmates’ experiments (where relevant).  Also note any problems experienced and/or any deviations from the written procedure.

*Note:  It is most convenient to combine the procedure and data/observations onto the same page. Draw a vertical line about two-thirds of the way to the right on the page. Write the procedure on the left side. The right side is available for data/observations associated with each step in the procedure.

Prior to attending lab, you must complete the lab notebook from the Title up through the Procedure.  You must show your notebook to the instructor for approval prior to starting any lab work.  If your notebook isincomplete, you may be dismissed from the day's experiment, with no chance of makeup. 

• Postlab exercises (20 pts)

Results and Conclusions (10 pts) - Statement (2-3 paragraphs) outlining the results and discussing yourinterpretation of the results, sources of error, what was learned, etc.  THE “RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS SHOULD NOT BE WRITTEN AS A LISTING OF BULLET POINTS.  Use the format for a lab report described in the “Lab Report Format” section of Blackboard.

Follow-up Questions (10 pts) – Questions to be answered upon completion of the lab.

Postlab exercises may be completed in your notebook or typed – whichever method is most convenient for you.  

Once completed, you will combine your lab notebook and postlab exercises (“lab report”) into a single .pdf file, which you will submit for grading via Blackboard.  Submission of multiple files or other file formats is not acceptable – your work will not be graded if you do not follow the submission instructions correctly.  Unless otherwise indicated in the course schedule, the submission deadline for an experiment lab report will be 11:59pm on the Monday following completion of the experimental work in lab.  Specific deadlines for each experiment are listed in the course schedule on the last page of this document.

• Technique/Yield (10 pts)

All students will be expected to listen to what I say, to follow written and verbal instructions, to work efficiently in the lab, and to clean up individual and common workspaces.  Points will only be deducted from this portion of the experiment grade if you do not follow these guidelines, or if your yield of product is unusually low due to problems arising as the result of not following instructions.

• Postlab quiz (20 pts)

The postlab quiz will be taken in Blackboard, after you submit your lab report.  You will not be able to access the quiz until after you submit your lab report for grading.  The quizzes will be open-book/open-note, but you should not collaborate with other people as you take them.  You will have 30 minutes to complete a quiz after you start it.  This clock continues to run even if you exit the browser window, turn off your computer, etc.  For some questions, you may need to upload a .pdf file where you draw structures and/or show your work.  There will be an opportunity to upload this file within the quiz; to be eligible for consideration, the file upload must be completed within the 30-minute time limit to complete the quiz.

The deadline to take the quiz will be the same as the deadline to submit the lab report, typically 11:59pm on the Monday following completion of the experimental work in lab.  See the course schedule for specific deadlines for each experiment.

The lowest experiment score will be automatically dropped at the end of the semester, so you may miss one experiment for any reason, without it having a negative impact on your grade.  Missing more than one experiment will have a negative impact on your grade; makeup experiments for missed labs are not possible.

Spectroscopy Worksheet:  This worksheet, which will be available no later than Wednesday, September 1 and will be due by 11:59pm on Monday, 9/20, is worth 70 points.  This assignment is mandatory, meaning that if you choose to not complete it, the 0 earned will be counted in the calculation of your final course grade.  The virtual class discussion on Monday, 9/13 will focus on problem-solving strategies for spectroscopy problems.

Other Assignments:  Completion of the class orientation assignment is MANDATORY.  Students who do not submit this 10-point assignment by the deadline (11:59pm on Monday, 8/30) are subject to withdrawal from CHEM 2125.  You should be able to complete this assignment easily using information found in this syllabus or discussed during the first virtual lab meeting on Monday, 8/23.

The “Lab Safety” assignment is worth 20 points and will be divided into two parts.  We will discuss general safety in the chemistry laboratory during the virtual class session on Monday, 8/30.  You will also be expected to watch some videos that relate to lab safety on your own, outside of class.  You should be able to complete Part 1 of the assignment based on this class discussion and posted videos.  The deadline to submit Part 1 of the assignment in Blackboard is 11:59pm on Tuesday, 9/7.

At the beginning of the first in person lab meeting (expected to be on Monday, 9/20), the safety discussion that focuses on the specific safety policies for the laboratory at the Riverside campus will take place.  Attendance at this lab meeting is MANDATORY; if you are not present for this safety discussion, you will be dropped from CHEM 2125.  Part 2 of the lab safety assignment will be based on this discussion, and will be due by 11:59pm on Monday, 9/27.  Please note that this schedule is subject to change, based on when the College decides that it is safe to resume in person classes.

Once submitted items have been graded, scores will be available in the “My Grades” area of Blackboard. You will also be able to retrieve your graded work via “My Grades”.  Due to ACC policies concerning the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), instructors cannot discuss grades with students on the phone or through email.  If you have questions or concerns about your grades in this class, please contact me to schedule an individual conference.

Course Objectives

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0B6R1-NYTVNffSUNBZ1BNMGJHX1k?ogsrc=32

Student Learning Outcomes

1.     Read NFPA, HMIS labels and understand the hazard of chemicals used.

2.     Transfer sample to balance for weighing and tare the balance.

3.     Measure temperature with a thermometer.

4.     Correctly read a meniscus and accurately measure a liquid volume.

5.     Correctly use hot plates and heating mantles.

6.     Observe and interpret chemical reactions: color change, temperature change, precipitate formation, and gas evolution.

7.     Perform a gravity and vacuum filtration to separate liquids from solids.

8.     Separate mixtures of substances chromatographic techniques.

9.     Extract information and write experimental procedures from laboratory texts and supplemental material.

10.Keep a detailed laboratory notebook as a record of experimental procedure and outcomes.

11.Assemble glassware and perform the following techniques as a part of synthetic procedures: simple distillation, fractional distillation, steam distillation, reflux, trapping gases.

12.Determine melting point ranges of organic solids using a Mel-Temp.

13.Purify organic solids by recrystallization.

14.Perform extractions using a separatory funnel.

The expected learning outcomes will be assessed through the use of lab report sheets, quizzes, and the final exam.

General Education Learning Outcomes

• Critical Thinking

Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information

• Interpersonal Skills

Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals

• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning

Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods

• Technology Skills

Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information

• Written, Oral and Visual Communication

Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium

Students will be expected to read the experiments which will be provided as handouts on the Blackboard web site.  Each handout will also refer to the required chapters that must be read in the Nichols text.  Please refer to the “Course Schedule” section below for specific information about the experiments that will be performed in this class.

Blackboard Course Website:  This course will be taught using Blackboard, a Web-based course management system in which a password-protected site is created for each course.  Blackboard will be used to conduct virtual class sessions, to distribute course materials, to communicate online, to submit lab reports and quizzes for grading, and to post grades and return graded work.

You will be responsible for checking the Blackboard course site regularly for class work and announcements. As with all computer systems, there are occasional scheduled downtimes as well as unanticipated disruptions. Notification of these disruptions will be posted on the Blackboard login page. Scheduled downtimes are not an excuse for late work.  

Blackboard is available at:  acconline.austincc.edu

A list of supported browsers and operating systems is available here:  help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Getting_Started/Browser_Support

If you need help with Blackboard, you might find it here:  help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student

Virtual Class Meetings:  During the first three weeks of the semester, virtual class sessions will be conducted “live” in the “Blackboard Collaborate Ultra” area of Blackboard.  These sessions will occur on Monday from 4:30 until 7:20pm, in the “CHEM 2125 Lab Session” that you will see in the “Sessions” area of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.  The phone number and PIN needed to listen to the audio using a phone is:  +1-571-392-7650 PIN: 628 084 4139

Please note that virtual class sessions WILL NOT be held in the “Course Room”, which will be locked and unavailable at all times.  You will be able to enter the recurring class session 15 minutes before the scheduled class start time.

Each live virtual class session will be recorded, and the recordings will be posted in the “Recordings” area of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.  Please note that it may take several hours for Blackboard to process the file containing the recording, so don’t expect recordings to show up for several hours or possibly even the next day.  On the day after a class meeting, after the recording is posted, I will edit the generic name that Blackboard gives to the recording file to indicate the date of the class meeting that the recording corresponds to.

I will have my audio and video on throughout the virtual class session.  I will mirror my screen to the session and write out notes/explanations/etc.  I will post .pdf versions of the slides that are generated during class in that day’s class folder in Blackboard.  The slides will typically be available by 9:00pm on the day that a class meeting takes place.

Unless the activity we are doing warrants it, there is no need for you to activate your camera during class.  I ask that you keep your audio muted (since classes migrated online in Spring 2020, I have found that when a lot of people are simultaneously present in an online meeting and nobody mutes their microphone, the feedback is awful!).  If you have a question during class, please raise your virtual hand (icon at bottom of the window).  When I acknowledge your raised hand, you may unmute your audio to ask your question.  You may also type questions in the chat window, and I will periodically stop to answer them.

You are responsible for all materials, activities, assignments, or announcements covered in class.  If there is something going on in your life that will require you to miss two or more class meetings, please let me know so that we can discuss the situation.  

Online Office Hours: To access online office hours, click on the “Online Office Hours” link in the Blackboard menu (left side of screen).  Since the online office hours will be hosted within the Blackboard site of one of my other classes, you will be prompted to enter a username (since you are being granted access as a “guest” in this class).  I will be present in this session during my scheduled office hours times (see the first page of this document).

During the office hours times scheduled at RVS or HLC, students who visit office hours in person will be given priority over students who make use of the online option.  If I am helping a student in person, a note will be posted in the online session indicating that fact.

I will have my audio and video muted during office hours, until I receive an alert that somebody else has joined the session.  If you join and I don’t notice you immediately, please be patient – I will be with you within a few minutes.  I will activate audio and video to interact when others are present in the session.

Students from all of my classes may potentially visit the online office hours, so if you have questions about FERPA protected matters (your grades, SAS accommodations, etc.), let me know, and we can work out a mutually convenient time to set up an individual conference.

Individual conferences and virtual appointments outside of scheduled office hours are also possible.  Please contact me by email to schedule one if you need to, and I will provide instructions.  Since I have other responsibilities outside of my teaching (class prep, grading, etc.) I ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice if you would like to schedule an individual conference so that we may work out a mutually convenient time.  

Attendance/Class Participation: Regular and punctual laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  

Students who do not complete the mandatory safety training during the lab meeting on Monday, September 20, and who do not contact me to arrange for makeup safety training before 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 21, are subject to withdrawal from the course.

To receive credit for each activity students must perform the required lab work independently, in lab, during their scheduled lab meeting time. You will perform your own experiments.  There will be no lab partners unless directed otherwise by the instructor.  There are no makeup opportunities in this class. Your lowest experiment grade will be dropped. This means that you can miss one experiment, for any reason, without the absence having a negative impact on your CHEM 2125 grade.  Missing more than one experiment for any reason will have a negative impact on your grade.  

Students who arrive at lab after the safety demo/discussion will not be allowed to start lab work and will be dismissed from that day’s lab activity without the opportunity for makeup.

If you miss a lab, you may miss some discussion/handouts related to the next period’s experiment.  You are responsible from getting this information from the instructor, another student, or Blackboard before the next lab meeting.  If there is something going on in your life that will require you to miss two or more class meetings, please let me know so that we can discuss the situation.  

Recordings of online classes will be available in the “Recordings” area of Blackboard Collaborate Ultra.  When the class transitions to in person learning, class recordings will not be available.  If you miss class, please contact another student to obtain notes, and then contact Dr. Bocknack if you have specific questions about the material that you missed.

If classes are canceled due to weather, pandemic, or other emergencies, the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and for completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

Communication:  On days when I teach (Monday through Thursday), I generally check email during office hours, so I will respond to email messages (that require a response) within 24 hours if received on Monday through Thursday.  I may or may not check email on Friday or during the weekend, so email received on those days is unlikely to receive a response until Monday.  If you send email, please be sure that the course name and section (CHEM 2125 Section 002) is included in the subject field.

My office phone number is not typically a good way to reach me, since I rarely receive phone calls at the office, and I rarely check my office voicemail.  If you do happen to leave me a voicemail, it may take a week or more to receive a response.  Email really is the best way to get a hold of me.

Withdrawal Policy:  It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roster should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student if the student does not have the proper prerequisites/corequisite for the class, or if the student has not completed the orientation assignment by the listed deadline.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date (Thursday, November 18, 2021). The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. 

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course. 

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

Reinstatement into a course after withdrawing is only possible if the student was withdrawn through college error.

The lecture and the lab are required in each chemistry course.  If a student drops/withdraws from one section of the course, they must also drop/withdraw from the corequisite.  The only exception to this policy is if you have already received credit for the corequisite course.  If you have already received credit for the CHEM 2325 lecture, you must provide proof to the Chemistry Department Chair (Madan Mohan, mohan@austincc.edu) by Wednesday, September 8 to be eligible to remain enrolled in CHEM 2125 without concurrent enrollment in CHEM 2325.

Once again, if you wish to drop or withdraw from the course, you must do so yourself; the instructor will not be responsible.  The last day to drop the course (so it does not appear on your transcript) is Wednesday, September 8, 2021.  The last day to withdraw from the course (appears on transcript with grade of W) is Thursday, November 18, 2021. 

Missed or Late Work:  If you miss one experiment, the zero earned on that experiment will automatically be dropped, since the highest 9 (out of 10) experiment scores will be counted.  If you miss two or more experiments, only one of the missed experiment scores will be dropped.   Students who miss two or more experiments may be required to attend a virtual meeting with me to discuss options for continuing with the class. 

The spectroscopy worksheet, lab safety assignment, and orientation assignment are all mandatory, meaning the points earned will be counted toward your final course grade.  Scores on these assignments cannot be “dropped”.  If you do not complete one of more of these assignments, the earned grade(s) of 0 will have a negative impact on your final course grade.

All assignments must be submitted by the posted deadlines.  Late work is only accepted with the prior approval of the instructor and is subject to a 10%-point penalty per calendar day.  Late work will not be accepted for grading if graded assignments have already been returned to the class, or if it is submitted more than one week after the posted deadline.

Timely Return of Graded Material:  I will make every effort to return graded work to you within two weeks of the submission deadline.  Graded work may be accessed through “My Grades”.  Click on the score after it is available, and you will be able to access the comments and download the graded files by clicking on the comment bubble.

Incomplete Grade Policy:  An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course due to medical/emergency reasons. Students must have successfully completed at least 75% of the course material to receive an incomplete.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester. In this course, it will only be possible to receive a grade of incomplete if you complete at least 75% of the course work with at least a 70% average.

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant.  The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not.  The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade. 

1. Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.
2. The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   
3. The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  
4. Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  
5. When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted.

Health & Safety Protocols:  Operational areas of ACC campuses and centers are fully open and accessible through all public entrances.  While some health & safety protocols are no longer mandatory, the college encourages its staff, faculty, and students to be mindful of the well-being of all individuals on campus.  If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus.

Some important things to remember:

• If you have not done so, ACC encourages all students, faculty, and staff to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available throughout the community. Visit www.vaccines.gov/ to find a vaccine location near you.
• If you are experiencing COVID-19-related symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible before returning to an ACC facility. Testing is now widely available.
• If you test positive, please report it on the ACC self-reporting tool located here.
• ACC continues to welcome face masks on campus.  Per CDC guidelines, face masks remain a good way to protect yourself from COVID-19.  The college cannot mandate indoor masking, but is encouraging it during this spike in cases as a result of the Delta variant.
• The college asks that we all continue to respect the personal space of others. We are encouraging 3 feet of social distancing.
• Please be sure to carry your student, faculty, or staff ID badge at all times while on campus.

Because of the everchanging situation, please go to ACC’s Covid website at https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus?ref=audiencemenu for the latest updates and guidance.

Statement on Academic Integrity:  Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at:  https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

Consider the following guidelines when accessing information for this class.

Lab Reports:  From the student handbook: “Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their own thought, research or self-expression.”  “When students borrow ideas, wording or organization from another source, they shall reference that information in an appropriate manner.”

Plagiarism in lab reports will result in a zero for that experiment, which will automatically be factored into the final course grade (in other words, the experiment cannot count as your “dropped” experiment).  The offense will also be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs.

Quizzes:  Although quizzes are open book/open note, you may not collaborate with other people in any way when taking the quizzes in this class.

• If I discover that students are sharing quiz information, I will assign a quiz grade of 0 to both the giver and the receiver of the illicit information.
• If I find that a student has submitted answers (correct or incorrect) obtained via a web search or other outside collaboration, the student will receive zero credit for that question.

Both bulleted items above are forms of cheating, and offenders will be reported to the Dean of Student Affairs.

Student Rights & Responsibilities:  Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. www.austincc.edu/srr

As a student of Austin Community College, you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-standards-of-conduct

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements:  Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling . 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964;  compliance@austincc.edu .

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

Student Complaints:  A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

Statement on Privacy:  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student.  All class grades will be posted in the “My Grades” area of Blackboard as they become available.

Recording Policy:  To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through Blackboard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

Safety Statement:  Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

Campus Carry:  The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

Discrimination Prohibited:  The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

Use of ACC Email:  All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

ACC Policy Concerning Copyrighted Materials:  All class materials provided on the instructor’s web page, Blackboard, CD, and/or in printed form (labs, objectives, assignments, etc.) are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright holder.  This may be the instructor, ACC, or a publisher.  Reproduction consists of photocopying, scanning and copying files, or posting on a server or web site.  Students currently registered for this section have permission to print one copy of course materials for their own personal use.  No permission is given for posting any course materials on web sites. 

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth. 

Student Support:  ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at:  https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/remote-student-support

Student Accessibility Services:  Austin Community College (ACC) is committed to providing a supportive, accessible, and inclusive learning environment for all students.  Each campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services (SAS).

Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of each semester they are enrolled, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the legal document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations (NAA)” from SAS.

Until the instructor receives the NAA from the student accommodations should not be provided.  Once the NAA is received, accommodations must be provided.  Accommodations are not retroactive, so it is in the student’s best interest to deliver the NAA on the first day of class.  

Please contact SAS@austincc.edu for more information.

Academic Support:  ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis.  An online tutor request can be made here:  https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/online-tutoring-request/  Additional tutoring information can be found here:  austincc.edu/onlinetutoring

Library Services:  ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.   Campus libraries are open this semester, although with limited hours.  This may change, so please check the ACC Library website for the latest information.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

• Library Website:  http://library.austincc.edu
• Library Information, Hours, & Services during COVID-19:

https://researchguides.austincc.edu/LSinfoCOVID19

• Ask a Librarian:  https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location:  https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email:  library@austincc.edu

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

Student Organizations:  ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at:  http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

Personal Support:  Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.
• A full listing of services for student parents is available at:

https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

• The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/cares-act-student-aid.  

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:  http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling.

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

• Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
• The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
• Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
• Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:                                                

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

All dates below are subject to change.  Any changes to this schedule will be announced in class and posted in Blackboard as far in advance as possible.  Information for each experiment will be posted in Blackboard at least one week before the date the experiment is scheduled to be started.

**Online class meeting via Blackboard Collaborate