Faculty Syllabus

The course is the laboratory to accompany CHEM 1311 lecture. Emphasis is placed on techniques, properties and reactions, and reinforcing principles offered in the lecture portion of the course. 

The course is the laboratory to accompany CHEM 1311 lecture. Emphasis is placed on techniques, properties, and reactions, and reinforcing principles offered in the lecture portion of the course. Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry CHEM 1305 & 1105 (or CHEM-1405) and MATH1314 or 1414. 

MANDATORY:  There will be a mandatory meeting on first day of class at the scheduled time for a class orientation. Students that do not attend the mandatory orientation and do not make up the orientation with the instructor by the end of the first week of class will be dropped from the course.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites: One year of high school chemistry CHEM 1305 & 1105 (or CHEM-1405) and MATH1314 or 1414. 

Corequisite: CHEM 1311.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to show me proof of meeting the prerequisites and corequisites for this course.  Failure to provide proof of prerequisite or corequisite for this course by the 2nd class meeting will result in you being withdrawn from the course.  You may provide proof using official or unofficial transcripts.  The proof will be uploaded as part of the Mandatory Orientation Module.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This is a laboratory course only.

Required Materials: "Green Lab Manual, ACC Custom 2013 Edition, online through Blackboard.

Scientific Calculator (any type except cell phone calculators or calculators that accept or transmit wireless signals). 

 ANSI-approved safety glasses or goggles stamped with Z87  

READINGS

Preparation before lab:

• You must write a stepwise procedure before lab. It is not graded or worth any points.
• However, you cannot perform the lab without the procedure.
• You must complete the Prelab before coming to the lab. It is worth 5 points. It will be checked at the beginning of lab (for completion) and will be turned in for grading at the end of lab. You must show all calculations the space provided or on a separate piece of paper. No credit for late Prelab.

Lab Etiquette

• 1.  Please refrain from talking in class to your neighbors.  I do not want to compete with you and those around you came to class to learn.
• 2.  Please refrain from texting during class.  I am one of those people who feels it is rude to be texting while I am talking to you.  Texting in your lap is easily recognized by me.
• 3.  Please refrain from playing games on your electronic devices during class.  If you are bored, work on your lab report or lecture homework that is due the next lab period.
• 4.  You are welcome to leave the classroom to answer your phone, use the restroom, get a snack, etc.
• 5.  Please do not be continually late to class. 
• 6.  Do not ask to turn your assignments in late.
• 7.  No cell phone use in the lab.  This includes talking on the phone, texting, playing games, or using the phone as a calculator.
• 8.  No setting up glassware or removing items from the drawers while I am explaining the lab procedure. 
• 9.  No eating or drinking in the lab.  This includes no water bottles, no sodas, no coffee cups, and no drinking containers of any type.  If you have a drinking container, it must be closed, placed in your backpack, and your backpack must be in the required storage area.
• 10.  No backpacks, book bags, coats, purses, or books on the bench or on the floor.  There is a designated storage area for these items in the lockers; bring your own lock.
• 11.  You must always wear safety goggles or glasses.  If you wear contact lenses, you must wear safety goggles. 

Proper Lab Attire

• 1.  Students must wear long pants or a long skirt.  The pants or skirts must go all the way to the ankles.  No capris pants, shorts, or short skirts.
• 2.  Students must wear closed toe and closed heel shoes.  The top part of the foot must be covered by a shoe.  No part of the foot should be observable.  No high heels are allowed in the chemistry lab. (Socks are not the same as a shoe)
• 3.  Stomachs, shoulders, and hands must not be exposed in the lab.  Wear shirts that completely cover the abdomen and the shoulders. 
• 4.  Gloves must be always worn to cover the hands.  Gloves are provided for student use.
• 5.  Eye protection must be always worn.  Students must purchase their own safety goggles or safety glasses rated as Z87, Z87.1, or Z87+.  If student wears contact lenses in the lab, they must wear safety goggles, not safety glasses.
• 6.  It is recommended that a student wear older clothing as it may become damaged in the lab.  Lab aprons are provided to cover a student’s clothing if desired.
• 7.  It is recommended that jewelry be removed before beginning the experiments.
• 8.  Long hair must be pulled back completely.
• 9.  Coats and jackets must be removed before starting an experiment.

Return of Graded Material

• Lab assignments (data pages, lab conclusions and procedure write up, quiz, advanced study assignment) will be graded through Blackboard. 

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).” 

Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor Exams must be taken using Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor, which requires a Windows (7, 8, 10) or Mac (OS X 10.10 or higher) computer or iPad (iOS 10.0+) with a webcam or integrated camera.  Chromebooks and most phones will not work but alternate arrangements may be made for Chromebooks.  Exams will have a time limit.  Questions will be displayed one at a time.  Each exam will be available on Blackboard and must be completed by the posted due date on the schedule in the syllabus.  Instructions for how to use Lockdown Browser and Respondus Monitor are available on the ACC website.  For more information see https://de.austincc.edu/bbsupport/students/respondus-lockdown-browser-quick-start-guide/                                                                                        

Evaluation

There will be no makeup for the missed labs. The labs after the due date will be not accepted.  If you missed a lab, you might have missed some information/handouts about the next lab activity. You are responsible for getting this information from the instructor and/or another student before the next lab period.

• Pre-Lab Assignments
• You must complete the pre-laboratory assignments before lab. It is worth 5 points. No credit for late Pre-Lab.  A late Pre-Lab results in an automatic deduction of 5 points.  Calculations must be completed in the space provided or alternatively on a separate piece of paper.
• Data and Calculations:
• Completed lab reports must be turned in to the instructor within one week from the date the lab activity is carried out, or as announced by the instructor, whichever is earlier. Students receive no credit for late submission of work. Each lab is worth 10 points. The points are based on the performance in the lab as well as data from each experiment.  Students must work independently unless told specifically to work in groups.  Calculations for the data must be completed in the space provided or on a separate piece of paper.
• Lab Quiz  
• You must complete the lab quiz. It is worth 10 points. No credit for late submission. Calculations must be completed in the space provided or alternatively on a separate piece of paper.

Each paper-pencil (theoretical) lab will be 15 points worth.

Total Labs: 12                                                    

Total Points:  300 pts

Lab Quizzes:  130 pts

Overall Total Points:  430 pts. 

Grades will be computed as follows:                        

            A (>89.5%)               B (89.4-79.5%)            C (79.4-69.5%)

            D (69.4-59.5%)          F (< 59.5%)                 W Withdrawn

Your final grade will be based on the results of your 12 labs and quizzes. There are no makeup labs. There is no extra credit available.

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

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-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.

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  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, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

Statement on Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities.  Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).   Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  

Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD before accommodations will be provided.   Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.  

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.   

Additional information about the Office for Students with Disabilities is available athttp://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

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.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures. 

Statement on Academic Freedom"Institutions of higher education are conducted for the common good. The common good depends upon a search for truth and upon free expression. In this course the professor and students shall strive to protect free inquiry and the open exchange of facts, ideas, and opinions. Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and to reserve judgment about debatable issues. Grades will not be affected by personal views. With this freedom comes the responsibility of civility and a respect for a diversity of ideas and opinions. This means that students must take turns speaking, listen to others speak without interruption, and refrain from name-calling or other personal attacks."

Student Discipline Policy

"Students at the College have the rights accorded to all persons under the Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility for each individual to accord the same rights to others in the College community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. As willing partners in learning, it is expected that students will comply with College rules and procedures. ACC students are recognized as responsible persons who neither lose the rights nor escape the responsibilities of citizenship. Enrollment in the College indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in this policy, administered through the office of the Campus Dean of Student Services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action

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 you 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.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php.

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these services and support systems is available at:   http://www.austincc.edu/s4/

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/current/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored.  The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at:  http://www.autincc.edu/tutor/students/tutoring.php

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab. 

Concealed Handgun Policy

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.

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.

Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at austincc.edu/campuscarry.

Students will be able to perform the following skills: 

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

Transfer sample to balance for weighing and tare the balance 

Measure temperature with a thermometer 

Correctly read a meniscus and accurately measure a liquid volume 

Light and adjust Bunsen burners 

Correctly use a hot plate 

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

Use capillary tubes to transfer liquid samples used in paper chromatography 

Use a buret to perform a standard titration and observe color change to define the end point of the titration 

Use centrifuge and decanting techniques to separate solids from liquids 

Use a coffee cup calorimeter to measure heat flow 

Access and use peer-reviewed periodicals, journals and reference sources to write a paper on a chemistry topic 

DISTANCE EDUCATION: “Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration.”   ACC Distance Education General Information available at https://online.austincc.edu/faq/

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.”

Withdrawal Policy

“It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the rolls should they decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The Final Withdrawal Date for this semester is [April 24, 2023].  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises.

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.”

 Incompletes

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.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is not later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.   

Incomplete Grade Policy: Incompletes can be given if you complete 75% of the course work with at least a 70% average. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is not later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.