Anything described in this syllabus is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion.
Changes will be announced on Blackboard.    

PERSONAL REMARKS

Welcome!!!  I’m glad you’re here!  While I want you to understand chemistry, I also want you to be curious, apply problem-solving strategies, learn from your mistakes, and gain confidence in your ability to tackle difficult problems.

However…the ultimate responsibility for succeeding in this course rests upon you. I have set up this course so that you can demonstrate your strengths and also recover from an occasional misstep. I expect students to invest effort to study the material, master processes, and earn their desired grade.  

I’m a resource for you as you pursue your personal learning goals.  Not only can I help when you are struggling with course material, but I can also help you navigate ACC and connect you to resources and opportunities.  Chances are that there will be a point in this term when you will feel defeated or overwhelmed, and that’s ok!  What’s not ok is staying stuck. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (after class, via e-mail, coming to office hours, etc.) with questions and concerns so that we can get back on track.

1.    COURSE CALENDAR

1.1    ASSIGNMENTS & DEADLINES

Course Start-up:

Unit I:  Lecture Material from Weeks 1 – 4

Unit II:  Lecture Material from Weeks 5 – 8

Unit III:  Lecture Material from Weeks 9 – 12

Unit IV:  Lecture Material from Week 13 – 14

Course Wrap-up:

*  Failure to complete these exercises/documentation by the deadline may result in being dropped from the course.  

‡   OPTIONAL Bonus points.  These points can ONLY benefit you.  Failure to complete these items will NOT negatively impact your overall score.

1.2    TARGET LECTURE SCHEDULE

A detailed outline of course topics is provided on Blackboard.  These topics have been correlated to the free, online textbook, Chemistry 2e (openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e)  (Note, while lecture topics have been correlated to textbook sections, we are not following the order of the textbook exactly!)

To maintain the required pace for completing the curriculum while allowing class time for discussion,  some lectures may be provided as pre-recorded videos available via YouTube.

Note, lecture topic coverage often does NOT correspond to laboratory exercise order. Some labs will serve as a “sneak-peak” into upcoming lecture topics while others will serve as review.

2.    COURSE DESCRIPTION

•    Credit Hours:  3

•    Classroom Contact Hours per Week:  2 h 40 min (1 hr 20 min/day, 2 days/week)

•    Laboratory Contact Hours per Week:  0 

The course is the lecture to accompany CHEM-1111 laboratory.  Covers the fundamental facts, laws, principles, theories, and concepts of chemistry necessary for further work in science or science-related subjects. Stresses atomic structure, periodic properties of matter, chemical bonding, and molecular geometry of organic and inorganic molecules, states of matter, stoichiometry, and properties of solutions. 

3.    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.

4.    COURSE OBJECTIVES

4.1    STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform the following skills:

•    Understand the states of matter and the difference among elements, compounds and mixtures.

•    Understand SI units and use dimensional analysis to perform calculations correctly with proper attention to units and to express results to the correct number of significant figures.

•    Determine empirical and molecular formulas from empirical data.

•    Understand the basic concepts of the quantum theory, determine the electronic configurations of the atoms, and use periodic table to make predictions about trend in their atomic properties.

•    Understand theories of concept of thermochemistry.

•    Use Hess’s law.

•    Understand theories of chemical bonding, Lewis dot structures, and determine the molecular geometry of molecules using VSEPR theory.

•    Understand the polar and nonpolar covalent compounds, hybridization, and molecular orbital theory.

•    Understand formal charges, and resonance theory.

•    Determine name and formulas of molecular compounds, ionic compounds, and acids.

•    Identify basic types of chemical reactions and write molecular, total and net-ionic equations.

•    Balance chemical equations and use stoichiometric relationships and the mole concept to calculate product (percent of yield) and reactant amounts and identify the limiting reactants.

•    Calculate and utilize solution concentration units such as molarity.

•    Understand the gas laws and kinetic molecular theory.

•    Explain the intermolecular attractive forces that determine the properties of the states of the matter and phase behavior.

4.2    GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence in:

•    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.

5.    COURSE PRE- AND COREQUISITES

•    PRE-REQUISITE(S):  (1) High School Chemistry or CHEM 1305+CHEM 1105 or equivalent preparation with a grade of C or better AND (2) MATH 1314 or MATH 1414 or equivalent academic preparation with a grade of C or better.

BOTH the chemistry AND math requirements must be fulfilled BEFORE attempting CHEM 1311+1111.

•    CO-REQUISISTE(S):  CHEM 1111 (General Chemistry I Laboratory)

Requests for exemption from the co-requisite must be submitted to the administrator for the Chemistry Department (Mark Jones, mjones5@austincc.edu) before Wednesday 11 September 2024. Requests submitted after this date will be denied and subject to the standard withdrawal policy. 

To be eligible for exemption from the co-requisite, you must demonstrate successful completion of CHEM-1311 or CHEM-1111 on a college transcript.

6.    REQUIRED MATERIALS

This course is a ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost) section. In place of required textbooks, all text materials needed for the class will be available online to students free of charge. Students will be responsible for printing costs; free printing is available in ACC libraries, learning labs, and ACCelerators.

•    Chemistry 2e by OpenStax CNX (available for free at openstax.org/).  (If you would like access to a printed textbook, a printed copy of an OpenStax textbook may be ordered at low-lost.)

•    Scientific Calculator (You will NOT be permitted to use the calculator on your cell phone during tests!)

•    Four (4) answer forms for tests.  (Scantron form 882-E)

•    You may be asked to submit scans of your work.  Free smart-phone scanner applications are available, and scanners are available in ACC libraries and ACCelerators for use at no charge.

7.    INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course consists of a lecture section, only, but complements material presented in CHEM 1111 (laboratory). Lecture is where students are exposed to a wealth of information about a large variety of chemistry topics. There will also be opportunities for students to practice application of concepts. Lectures will blend the use PowerPoint slides with directed practice. Students are encouraged to actively participate in lecture discussion. Lecture slides will be available before class for free via Blackboard.  While the instructor strives to present course material thoroughly, much learning will take place outside of class when the student independently reviews notes, reads supplemental texts, and practices the material in homework exercises and assessments.

8.    READINGS

Students are encouraged to follow the “3-to-1 Rule” (for every hour spent in a college-level lecture, students should expect to work a MINIMUM of 3 hours outside of class).  Most of students’ time should be dedicated to practicing the material (reworking in-class examples, doing suggested homework and quiz questions, etc). Students will need to read (and re-read) their lecture notes (and applicable textbook sections) in preparation for assessments.  Students may also benefit from skimming upcoming notes presentations and textbook sections to familiarize themselves with upcoming topics.  Reading a textbook cover-to-cover and simply showing up to class will NOT be enough to pass the course.  Students are expected to practice the material exhaustively.  

Blackboard should be consulted regularly for important announcements regarding further readings or changes to an assignment.

8.1    BETWEEN CLASS SESSIONS:

•    Check the course calendar for upcoming due dates and consult Blackboard for important announcements.

•    Review notes and exercises.  Re-work in-class examples, do recommended homework exercises, and prepare questions for lecture discussion.

•    Skim upcoming notes/text. 

•    Prepare note-taking and other class materials (printed, digital download, or other preference). 

8.2    DURING CLASS:

•    A sign-in sheet will be passed around the class for roll-taking purposes.

•    Class will begin with a brief review of relevant, previously-discussed lecture material. 

•    After the review, lecture will continue with new material. Students are expected to follow along in their notes and work through class examples with the instructor. Students are encouraged to actively participate in lecture and ask questions.

•    Students may occasionally and briefly excuse themselves from the classroom, but repeated comings/goings will be considered disruptive behavior and could result in a warning to the student and possible disciplinary action. 

9.    GRADING SYSTEM

The expected outcomes of the course will be assessed by various techniques including quizzes, tests, and a cumulative final exam. Scores will be combined and weighted according to the table below.

Final grades will be assigned using the scale in the table below. 
 

*    Your 1 lowest quiz score is dropped from the total summed points.  

**     The final exam contributes 2 test scores while unit tests each contribute 1 test score; your 1 lowest test score is dropped from total summed points.

‡       Optional bonus points

I do NOT accept late, make-up or retake work.

*** Please note that your laboratory grade (CHEM-1111) is independent of your lecture (CHEM-1311) grade  even though the courses are complementary. ***

Individual assignment grades will be posted on Blackboard within a week of the due-date. Furthermore, your cumulative points will be updated immediately upon posting individual assignments’ grades. I will do my best to ensure the accuracy of the Blackboard gradebook. However, because instructors have limited control over Blackboard’s functions, students should recalculate their points for themselves, as well.  If a student discovers an issue with Blackboard’s calculations, please inform me immediately. To find your grades, log into Blackboard and click on this course. In the bar to the left of announcements, click on “Tools” and then “My Grades.”

If you have questions or concerns about your grades, please reach out! Further, if you wish to request a grade correction, the request must be made via e-mail within 7 days of the grade being posted. 

Due to FERPA (the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), your grades will only be discussed privately in office hours or individually via ACC-approved online communication.

9.1    SUGGESTED (UNGRADED) HOMEWORK

While there is no graded homework in this course, exercises from your online textbook have been recommended as minimum practice.  These suggested exercises are listed on Bb.  Students are encouraged to work together in study groups and check their work against homework keys (also available on Blackboard).

9.2    QUIZZES

Your first quiz assignment (Quiz 0) has 3 parts (A, B & C).  All parts are due by 11:59 PM Tuesday 3 Sept.  Scores from each part will be combined for a score up to 25 points.  Note, failure to complete the parts with a “ * ” by the deadline may result in being dropped from the course.

•    * Part A is a quiz contributing 10 points; it covers course policies described on the first day of class and syllabus.  Part A of Quiz 0 is available via Blackboard and scored for correctness of answers.  This quiz is untimed, may be paused, and students will have 2 attempts; the higher score will be entered in the gradebook.  *

•    * Part B is an introduction e-mail contributing 5 points.  This assignment is described on Blackboard and is scored for completion, only.  *  

•    Part C is a math pre-assessment contributing 10 points.  This assessment is available via Blackboard and is scored for completion, only.  Note, while Blackboard will display a score based on correctness of answers, that score will be overwritten and replaced with points for completion.  This quiz is untimed, may be paused, and students will have unlimited attempts.  (While performance on this pre-assessment will not directly impact students’ grades, scores should inform students as to their readiness for this course.)

Weekly quizzes will be administered via Blackboard and assess material discussed in lecture, assigned videos/readings, and class discussions.  Quizzes will be submitted via Blackboard and due by 11:59 PM on designated Tuesdays. Quizzes will be available for at least 24 hours, and an announcement will be made on Blackboard when each quiz is deployed.  Each quiz is scored out of 25 points for correctness with no partial credit available.  Students will be able to see the entire quiz at once.  Quizzes will be multiple choice with approximately 20 equally-weighted questions, each. Quizzes will be untimed, can be paused, and students will have 2 attempts per quiz; the higher of the two scores will entered in the gradebook.  

Students are encouraged to treat quizzes as practice tests and study guides.  Keys will be available on Blackboard after the deadline.

There will be a total of 11 quizzes (including all parts of Quiz 0), and the lowest quiz score will be dropped from your cumulative points.

Because you have a dropped quiz and at least 24 hours to complete each quiz, late quizzes are not accepted, and there are no opportunities to make up a missed quiz.  See “missed or late work” policy.

9.3    TESTS & FINAL EXAM

Tests I – III will be taken in class on designated Thursdays.  Tests will be due at the end of the class period; you will have up to 1 hour 20 min per test.  Students will be provided with a periodic table, conversion factors, constants, and scratch paper.  Students may prepare and use a sheet of notes.  The maximum size of this notes sheet is one face of an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper (per test).  Students may NOT copy/paste exercises with solutions from the keys provided by the instructor.  Students will turn in their notes sheets with their tests, and these notes sheets will be returned to the student with tests.  Students are expected to provide their own calculator and answer forms (Scantron) for tests.

Tests I – III are each scored out of 100 points.  Tests may be a mixture of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.  Each test will contain approximately 25 questions worth various points (labeled per question). Multiple choice questions are scored for correctness with no partial credit available, and shown work is NOT required.  Partial credit is possible for short-answer questions and work MUST be shown.  Short-answer responses with no work (or illegible work) shown will earn a score of zero.  Keys will be available via Blackboard after the deadline.

Because you have the opportunity to replace a test grade with your final exam grade, there are no opportunities to make up a missed test. See “missed or late work” policy.

The final exam is comprehensive and scored for correctness out of 100 points. It will be taken in two parts in class in the last week of the term.  Like unit tests, each part of the final exam will be due at the end of class; you will have up to 1 hour 20 min per exam part.  The final exam will be completely multiple choice with a total of approximately 40 questions with point values labeled per question.  Questions are scored for correctness with no partial credit available.  No key will be available.

If you miss the final exam deadline, arrangements can be made to complete it by 5:00 PM on Monday 16 December 2024.  However, (1) there will be a 25% penalty imposed for each part taken late, and (2) there is no guarantee that such a request will be accommodated.  

Tests & the final exam are the demonstration of your individual effort.  You are not permitted to work together or to use any materials beyond those provided by the instructor and your notes sheet.  Cheating will result in a score of zero for the test and/or final exam part.

If you know you are going to miss a test or part of the final, it can be taken BEFORE the scheduled due date, but I need one week’s notice via e-mail in order to make arrangements.  

Tests I – III will each contribute one score, and the final exam will contribute two scores.  The lowest of these 5 scores will be dropped from your cumulative points.  Note, if the final exam is the lowest test score, only one of its contributions will be dropped.

9.4    BONUS POINT OPPORTUNITIES

These points are a “thank you” for participation in optional feedback activities.  Failure to complete these items will NOT negatively impact your overall score.  

•    Unofficial Course Survey:  This survey is written by me and will be deployed via Blackboard for the same duration as the official faculty evaluation, described below.  I will be able to see who responded, and I will be able to view responses before grades are finalized.  However, I will NEVER be able to tell who specifically said what.  I use this information to determine what did and did not work for the class so that I can improve how I teach this course in the future.  If you submit a response to my unofficial course survey, you will earn 9 bonus points (~1.4%) toward your overall grade. 

•    Official Faculty Evaluation:  This survey is written by ACC and will be deployed via Blackboard for approximately 2 weeks (23 Nov – 9 Dec).  I can see how many students responded, but I will NEVER be able to see who responded or be able to tell who said what.  I will only be able to view responses after the semester is over and grades are finalized.  My department and the college can also see these evaluations.  If  75% of the class submits an official faculty evaluation, the entire class will earn 9 bonus points (~1.4%) toward your overall grade.  If  90% of the class submits an official faculty evaluation, the entire class will earn an additional 2 bonus points (for a total of 11 bonus points, 1.7%) toward your overall grade.

There is no opportunity to make up bonus points or turn bonus items in late.

10.    COURSE POLICIES & INFORMATION

10.1    STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Students whose behavior or environment disrupts peers may be subject to dismissal from class that day (resulting in a score of zero for any associated work) and/or disciplinary action. Disruptions may be defined as (but not limited to): harassment of students and instructors, repeated outbursts or noises that disrupt instruction or peers’ concentration, failure to cooperate in maintaining classroom decorum, etc. 

Please be aware that children are not allowed in class or unattended on campus.

ACC’s policy regarding Student Standards of Conduct can be found at https://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-conduct.

10.2    ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION

Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students While attendance does NOT directly impact your grade, attendance will be taken via sign-in sheet at the beginning of each class session, and your Blackboard sign-ins will be monitored.  Students must attend the lecture section for which they are registered. Repeated tardiness may constitute disruptive behavior. 

If a student misses class, they are still responsible for the material covered.

A student may notify the instructor and briefly excuse themselves from the classroom to conduct personal business. However, lengthy or repeated emergency business will be considered disruptive behavior. Such disruptive behavior (repeated tardiness, excessive interruptions to lab work, use of electronic devices, etc) may result in deduction of points, a warning to the student, dismissal from the remainder of the days’ exercise, and possible disciplinary action.

The student is responsible for communicating with their professor during any college closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor.

If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. 

10.3    MISSED OR LATE WORK

It is the responsibility of the student to attend class and turn in all work by designated deadlines. 

Because you (1) will have at least 24 hours to submit quizzes, and (2) the opportunity to drop scores (1 quiz score and 1 test score), there are no opportunities to turn in late, make-up or retake work during Units I – IV. 

The ONLY exception to this policy is the final exam; it can be taken late, but with a stiff penalty.  See the description of the final exam in the grading policy section of this syllabus.

10.4    LABORATORY SAFETY

Regulations regarding safety in the laboratory can be found at www.austincc.edu/sci_safe/chem/docs/chemistry_safety_rules and will be further described in your lab course. Before working in the chemistry laboratory, you must sign the Laboratory Safety Contract stating that you agree that all the safety rules have been explained to you and that you will follow those rules. 

10.5    WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawn courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of “W.” If a student stops attending class and does not withdraw from the course, they may earn a grade of “F” for the term.

The census date (last day to withdraw from this course without a grade or “W” appearing on your transcript and without counting toward the Texas Six Drop Rule) is Wednesday 11 Sept 2024.

The final withdrawal date (last day to withdraw from the course with a “W” appearing on your transcript and counting toward the Texas Six Drop Rule) is Thursday 21 Nov 2024.

Both the lecture and the lab are required in each chemistry course. If you withdraw from the lecture course (CHEM1312), you must also withdraw from the lab course (CHEM1112).  Conversely, if you withdraw from the lab course, you must also withdraw from the lecture course.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their name is removed from the roll should they decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should they feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, they should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status (https://admissions.austincc.edu/registration/withdrawals/).  Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals. 

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 entire undergraduate college education (the Texas Six Drop Rule). With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog (https://catalog.austincc.edu/support-services-and-student-progress/student-progress/six-withdrawal-limit/) and in ACC administrative rule 5.0303.04 (https://sites.austincc.edu/administrative-rules). 

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 (Rule of Three). Details regarding this policy can be found at the ACC registration site (www.austincc.edu/students/registration/registering-for-a-course-for-a-third-time).

The instructor will NOT withdraw students unless one of the following items occurs:

•    the student misses the deadline for Parts A & B of Quiz 0 (course policies + introductory e-mail)

•    the instructor discovers that the student has not fulfilled the appropriate pre- or co-requisites for the course

•    the student continuously behaves in a manner endangering themself or other students.

A student may be reinstated in the course in the event of an error made on the part of the instructor or the college. Note, students cannot be reinstated after the final withdrawal date.

10.6    INCOMPLETES 

An incomplete (grade of “I”) may be given for extenuating circumstances.  What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion, but students must have successfully completed (C or better) at least 60% of the course materials to get an incomplete. If a grade of “I” is given, the remaining coursework must be completed by a date set by the student and professor (but this date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester). A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form to be signed by the instructor (and student, if possible), and to be submitted to the department chair.

Students may request an Incomplete from their instructor 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 of automatically converts to an “F.”

10.7    ONLINE COMMUNICATION

Only ACC e-mail accounts and Blackboard will be used for online communication between students and the instructor.  Announcements, course materials, and grades will be posted on Blackboard. It is the student’s responsibility to check Blackboard and their ACC e-mail daily and/or to set up appropriate alerts. 

Blackboard and ACC e-mail can be accessed from the ACC Students homepage (www.austincc.edu/students). Students will need to activate their ACC eID before they can log into Blackboard or e-mail. To activate your ACC eID, visit www.austincc.edu/help/acceid.

10.8    COPYRIGHTED MATERIALS

All class materials provided on the instructor’s web page, Blackboard, electronically, and/or in printed form (presentations, 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 website. 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 (including Chegg, Course Hero, Socratic etc)!!!  If I find my course materials online, students will also no longer be allowed to keep their assessments, and answer keys will no longer be provided.  (Students will only be allowed to review their tests during office hours and under one-one-one supervision from the instructor.) Further, if my materials appear online, I will vigorously pursue consequences of violating ACC’s Academic Integrity Policy.

10.9    COURSE CANCELLATION DUE TO COLLEGE CLOSURE

If classes are unexpectedly cancelled (bad weather, power outage, etc.) ACC notifies instructors and students on the ACC homepage (www.austincc.edu/). In the event that classes are cancelled, additional announcements regarding this course will be provided via Blackboard.

11:  Student Support

Resources are available here:  https://www.austincc.edu/student-support/

12:  College Policies

Available here:  https://offices.austincc.edu/institutional-effectiveness-and-grant-development/master-syllabi-college-policies/

Please refer to the COURSE REQUIREMENTS section of this syllabus.

Please refer to the COURSE REQUIREMENTS section of this syllabus.

Please refer to the COURSE REQUIREMENTS section of this syllabus.