COURSE DESCRIPTION

This is a hybrid course, taught as a DIL lecture and traditional lab combination. The lecture portion of the course available online on Blackboard focuses on discussing chemistry concepts and follows a system-based approach. Audiovisual resources such as images, videos, animations, PowerPoint presentations, narrations and simulations are integral components of online content. Often students will be expected to view videos or on-line modules on specific topics. The lab conducted in person emphasizes study of chemical behavior of substances. Most of the labs are self-directed. Students must actively read the lab handouts to prepare for the labs. The labs provide a hands-on learning environment and application to material. Students are expected to actively engage in collaborative learning. Fundamental concepts will be reemphasized throughout the course. Critical thinking skills will be taught and tested throughout the entire semester. Students are expected to bring lecture and lab handouts to class each day. Students are also expected to complete the assigned readings, videos and/or on-line modules, and any other assigned activities.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

MANDATORY: Online Orientation: All students must complete an online orientation to the course before the deadline announced on Bb. The orientation module will take you through the details of the course structure and policies outlined in this syllabus. You can access the orientation module on Blackboard on the first day of class and the signed Student Information Sheet must be submitted at the beginning of the first week.

COURSE SUBJECTS

A continuation of CHEM 1311(1411). Stresses the quantitative aspects of kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base theories, coordination complexes, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Includes introductions to organic chemistry and nuclear chemistry.

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.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course consists of a Lecture section only but requires co-enrollment in a CHEM 1112 Laboratory section.  The lecture will generally consist of notes written on the board or displayed via PowerPoint. Anything written or displayed on the board is likely of great importance to the subject.

Prerequisites: CHEM 1311/1111 and MATH 1314. Co-requisite: Enrolled in CHEM-1112 REQUIRED TEXTS / MATERIALS:

1. Textbook: It’s a ZTC course.  However, the preferred textbooks are Chemistry: A Molecular Approach 5th Edition – by Nivaldo Tro or Chemistry - by Zumdahl 10th Edition or “The Molecular Nature of Matter and Change - by Silberberg and Amateis, 9th Edition; Publisher: McGraw Hill, 2020. A free online text in place of any printed book will work as well.  I will discuss all this during our orientation.
2. Aktiv Learning:  Visit aktiv.com/login and choose to “Create New Account”
   1. Fill out the Sign-Up form
   2. Verify your account email by clicking on the link request
   3. In your Account page, choose to “Join Course”.
   4. Aktiv has a payment grace period after which you must activate the course by purchasing online or by entering an access code purchased at a bookstore.
   5. You may choose to download the Aktiv Learning app for use on your phone or tablet during class
   6. For future visits, login on the app or at aktiv.com/login

Before each class, make sure you have read the appropriate sections of the text which are listed on Blackboard under Class Assignments, and completed associated Lecture PowerPoint slides. Homework assignments will be assigned periodically throughout the semester. See the tabs for Class Assignments and Calendar under Blackboard for which specific chapter sections and assignments are important for each class period. Homework and Unit exams should be completed as designated in the Calendar.

This course will challenge students to rise to their fullest potential, including improving their study and learning habits and time management skills. Students can expect to spend several hours per week outside class preparing for lecture and completing assigned tasks.

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDER

Chapter: Chemical Kinetics

The Rate of Chemical Reactions

The rate Law: The Effect of Concentration on Reaction Rate

The Integrated Rate Law: The Dependence of Concentration on Time

The Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate

Reaction Mechanisms

Catalysis

HW Assignment 1: September 05, 2025

Chapter: Chemical Equilibrium

The Concept of Dynamic Equilibrium

The Equilibrium Concept

Expressing the Equilibrium Constant in Terms of Pressure

Heterogenous Equilibria: Reactions involving Solids and Liquids

Calculating the Equilibrium Constant from Measured Equilibrium Concentrations

The Reaction Quotient: Predicting the Direction of Change

Finding Equilibrium Concentrations

Le Chatelier’s Principle: How a System at Equilibrium Responds to Disturbances

HW Assignment 2: September 15, 2025

Exam 1: September 22, 2025

Chapter: Acid-Base Equilibrium

Definition of Acids and Bases

Writing the Formulas of Conjugate Acids and Bases

Writing Acidic and Basic Equilibrium Equations

Acid Strength and the Acid Ionization Constant (Ka)

Autoionization of Water and pH

Finding [H3O+] and pH of Strong and Weak Acid Solutions

Base Solutions

The Acid-Base Properties of Ions and Salts

Writing Acidic and Basic Equilibrium Equations from Salts

Polyprotic Acids

Acid Strength and Molecular Structure

Lewis Acids and Bases

HW Assignment 3: October 03, 2025

Chapter:  Aqueous Ionic Equilibrium 

Buffers: Solutions that Resist pH change

Buffer Effectiveness: Buffer Range and Buffer Capacity

Titrations and pH Curves

Solubility Equilibria and the Solubility Product Constant

Precipitation

Qualitative Chemical Analysis

Complex Ion Equilibria

HW Assignment 4: October 17, 2025

Exam 2: October 20, 2025

Chapter: Thermodynamics

Spontaneous and Nonspontaneous Reactions

Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Entropy Changes Associated with State Changes

Gibbs Free Energy

Entropy Changes in Chemical Reactions

Free Energy Changes in Chemical Reactions

Free Energy Changes for Nonstandard States

Free Energy and Equilibrium: Relating to Equilibrium Constant (K)

HW Assignment 5: October 31, 2025

Chapter: Electrochemistry

Balancing Oxidation-Reduction Equations

Balancing Half Reactions in Acidic and Basic Solutions

Balancing Redox Reactions in Acidic Solutions

Balancing Redox Reactions in Basic Solutions

Voltaic or Galvanic Cells : Generating Electricity from Spontaneous Chemical Reactions

Standard Electrode Potentials

Cell Potential, Free Energy, and the Equilibrium Constant

Cell Potential and Concentration

Batteries: Using Chemistry to Generate Electricity

Electrolysis: Driving Nonspontaneous Chemical Reactions with Electricity

Corrosion

HW Assignment 6: November 14, 2025

Exam 3: November 17, 2025

Chapter: Transition Metals and Coordination Chemistry

Properties of Transition Metals

Coordination Compounds

Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds

Structure and Isomerism

HW Assignment 7: November 28, 2025

Chapter: Radioactivity and Nuclear Chemistry

Types of Radioactivity

The Valley of Stability: Predicting the Type of Radioactivity

The Kinetics of Radioactive Decay and Radiometric Dating

Discovery of Fission: The Atomic Bomb and Nuclear Power

Converting Mass to Energy: Mass Defect and Nuclear Binding Energy

Nuclear Fusion: The Power of Sun

Chapter: Organic Chemistry

Carbon: Why It Is Unique             

Hydrocarbons: Compounds Containing Only Carbon and Hydrogen

Alkanes

Alkenes and Alkynes

Hydrocarbon Reactions

Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Functional Groups

HW Assignment 8: December 05, 2025

 Exam 4: December 08, 2025 (COMPREHENSIVE)

Course work will include online formative skill homework questions, major exams, and a cumulative fourth exam.

• Homework problems in the form of Assignments will be posted to and turned in on Blackboard.
• Unit exams will be True/False and Multiple based questions.
• The final exam will be comprehensive and mandatory.

Homework will consist of problem sets designated as Homework Assignments. Assignments will be scored and calculated to a total of 100 points at the end of semester.

Make sure you have read the appropriate sections of the text which are listed on Blackboard under Class Assignments and completed associated Lecture Videos. Homework assignments will be assigned periodically throughout the semester. See the tabs for Class Assignments and Calendar under Blackboard for which specific chapter sections and assignments are important for each class period. Homework and Unit exams should be completed as designated in the Calendar.

Grading Policy

• Course grades will be determined by the percentage of possible points (600) accumulated through:

Grades start from the standard scale (90% and above = A, 80% and above = B, 70% and above = C, 60% and above = D, and below 60% = F) and are curved as needed.

Attendance. Regular and punctual class and 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. Your performance depends heavily on your class and lab attendance. Regular attendance will improve your chances for success. You are responsible for all materials, activities, assignments, or announcements covered in class, regardless of your reason for being absent. If you do miss a class, it is your responsibility to get lecture notes from someone in the class and to get handouts and assignments from me/Blackboard. Attendance will be regularly checked for each lecture and lab session. Experience has proven repeatedly that poor attendance results in poor grades!

Aktiv Learning assignments: Each chapter will have a graded homework assignment available through Aktiv Learning. Students will have a limit of three attempts per question.

I strongly recommend that you keep up with the Aktiv Learning assignments as topics are covered in class. Working out problems is one of the best ways to learn. For this reason, I suggest keeping a separate notebook in which you record and work all homework problems. This will be an invaluable study aid when you are preparing for an exam. Aktiv Learning assignments will be due on the dates listed in the Course Schedule table at the end of this document. 

The follow-up questions do not carry any weight and will not be counted in the final grade calculations.  These are only for your additional practices on the questions, which you have got wrong during your assignments.

If you have chemistry questions about Aktiv Learning, it is best if you email me (mohan@austincc.edu). Please make sure to include your name and section number, as well as a description of the problem.

There are three ways for students to obtain assistance with Aktiv Learning technical issues. Students may send email messages to support@aktiv.com, they may call or text (646)798-5323, or they may visit the support website at aktiv.com/support. Please keep in mind that technical support is only available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to midnight ET, and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Suggestions for how to best approach the homework:

• At the start of an assignment, you may find yourself dependent upon the text, class notes, study partners, etc. It should be your goal to eliminate all extra help as soon as possible. Why? The bulk of the points in this course come from the knowledge demonstrated on exams, during which outside assistance is expressly forbidden.
• Students routinely complain that they earn perfect scores on the homework, and then make lower scores on the exams. Aktiv Learning is a learning tool, not an assessment. Good performance on Aktiv Learning assignments is no guarantee of equivalent performance on exams. Aktiv Learning questions should be completed with the purpose of gaining understanding of the material.

One final note about the homework: It is never my intent that students should devote hours to answering homework problems WITHOUT MAKING GOOD PROGRESS. What does this mean? If a student looks at a problem and after five minutes of concentrated effort is no closer to a correct answer, it is time to ask for help.

Regular exams. Exams will cover material presented in the lectures, the textbook, and homework assignments. Dates are listed in the Course Schedule table at the end of this document. All exams are comprehensive, but the emphasis will be on material from the most recent chapters. The format will consist primarily of multiple or short answer questions. Students are expected to write neatly, and any writing that is illegible will not be graded. A 60-minute time limit will be strictly enforced. All exams will be graded and posted in Bb.

The deadline for regrading is one week after the exam is published on Grade scope unless a different date is announced in class. After that point, all exam grades are final. Failure to check your exam against the key is NOT an acceptable excuse for having it regraded later.

Final exam: The final exam is cumulative. The format for this exam will be like the regular exams. Before each class, make sure you have read the appropriate sections of the text which are listed on Blackboard under Class Assignments and completed associated Lecture PPTs. Homework assignments will be assigned periodically throughout the semester. See the tabs for Class Assignments and Calendar under Blackboard for which specific chapter sections and assignments are important for each class period. Homework and Unit exams should be completed as designated in the Calendar.

Course Information Items

Proctorio, Lockdown Browser:  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. This course will challenge students to rise to their fullest potential, including improving their study and learning habits and time management skills. Students can expect to spend several hours per week outside class preparing for lecture and completing assigned tasks.

Here are the details how to download Proctorio Extension for Activ Learning Quizzes and Exams.
Proctorio for Students _ Intro, Set Up, FAQ & Troubleshoot.pdf ( A copy of the pdf file in given under the Content Area in the Blackboard)

Class Participation Expectations

The course schedule indicates topics to be covered each week. Students are expected to strictly follow the course schedule of topics listed for each week. Although, there are no classroom lectures, I expect you to progress through the course at the same pace and to the same depth and breadth as any classroom section would do. Expect to spend long hours on Bb. Here are some specific expectations on class participation:

• You must dedicate enough time to go over the study materials available on Bb. Ideally, schedule a MINIMUM of 20-25 hours each week for studying the materials. Many students need to spend MORE time to obtain a grade higher than a C. Short study periods every day are much more effective than one long study session.
• Check Blackboard daily for announcements, assignments, and study materials.
• Try to do the activities available under the “Learning Activities” folder on Bb as many as times as you can.
• Be prepared on each topic by previewing the lecture presentations, reading the lecture notes or textbook.
• Read the textbook regularly. You should read appropriate sections in the textbook that were covered in the presentations.
• Find a study partner (your lab group is a good starting point).
• Form small study groups outside the class so that you can learn from each other.
• Come see me if you need help.
• WITHDRAWAL
• It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she 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 submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The instructor has the right, but not the responsibility, to drop a student from the course at any time without warning for any of the following reasons:

• you do not successfully complete the online orientation and you fail to submit a signed copy of the Student Information Sheet before the deadline,

  • you do not have the necessary course prerequisites,

  • you missed more than one test,

  • you missed more than 2 labs,

  • you failed to log into Bb for more than a week,

  • disciplinary issues (e.g., scholastic dishonesty, disruptive /aggressive behavior, unsafe conduct etc.) You are responsible for monitoring your progress in the course and determining if you need to withdraw. I can help you make that decision, but the final decision is that of your own. You can withdraw by following the procedures set out by the ACC Admissions and Records office on any campus before the stated deadline.

  Last day to withdraw without a W on your transcript: April 28, 2025.

Kinetics

Reaction rates, Rate law, Integrated rate equations and half-life, Collision theory, Activation energy, Transition state, Arrhenius equation, Catalysis, Reaction mechanisms, rate-limiting step

Chemical Equilibrium

Dynamic equilibrium; homogeneous versus heterogeneous equilibria, Equilibrium constant and related calculations, Kp and Kc, Factors affecting equilibrium and Keq: Reaction quotient, Effect of Catalysts on equilibrium, Relative stabilities of reactants and products LeChatelier's principle, Predict direction of reversible reactions, chemical applications.

Concepts of Acids and Bases

Arrhenius, Brønsted, and Lewis acid-base definitions, Ionization of pure water and Kw, Effect of structure on acidity, pH calculations with strong and weak acids and bases, Ka, Kb and relation to pH, pKa & pKb, Common ion effect acidic and basic salts, Hydrolysis of salts, Common polyprotic acids and pH, Buffers and buffer calculations, Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, Titration curves, Ksp, molar solubilities, precipitates, Predict if ppt will occur in a solution, Solubilities and pH and common-ion effect on solubility

Thermodynamics

Second and Third laws of thermodynamics, Entropy, spontaneity, standard entropy, Gibbs free energy, standard free energies of formation, Predict spontaneity of reactions, Relationship between G and K

Electrochemistry

Oxidation-reduction reactions, Half-reactions, Voltaic cells, Standard cell potentials, Predict redox reaction in combination of half-cells, Nernst equation, Concentration cells, Relation of G, Ecell and Keq, Electrolytic cells, Faraday's law of Electrolysis, Quantitative electrolysis

Organic Chemistry

Introduction to organic chemistry, Nomenclature of alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters and amides, Hybridization, Types of Organic reactions

Coordination Compounds

Coordination compounds, Ligands, coordination numbers, Nomenclature, Structural isomers, and stereoisomers

Nuclear Chemistry

Radiation, nuclear decay reactions, Modes of decay, Nuclear stability and n/p ratio Write equation for nuclear reaction, Energies of nuclear reactions and nuclear binding energies  Kinetics of nuclear decay, Radioisotopic dating, Transmutation reactions, Nuclear fission and fusion, and applications in nuclear power plants

1. Determine the rate of a reaction and its dependence on concentration, time, and temperature.
2. Apply the method of initial rates to find the rate-law expression for a reaction and calculate k, the rate constant.
3. Use the integrated rate-law expression for a reaction (the relationship between concentration and time).
4. Describe the collision theory of reaction rates, transition state theory, and the role of activation energy in determining the rate of a reaction.
5. Use Arrhenius equation to relate the activation energy for a reaction to changes in the rate constant with changes in temperature.
6. Understand reaction mechanisms and how they lead to rate laws.
7. Determine whether equilibrium has been established and calculate equilibrium concentrations.
8. Derive the reaction quotient and explain the relationship between the reaction quotient and the equilibrium constant.
9. Use LeChatelier’s Principle to predict the effects of concentration, pressure, and temperature change on equilibrium mixtures.
10. Recognize strong electrolytes and calculate concentration of their ions.
11. Calculate pH and pOH.
12. Calculation involving ionization constants for weak monoprotic acids and bases and the concentrations of ions in dilute solutions.
13. Use acid-base equilibrium concepts to salts of acids and bases.
14. Understand the common ion effect and calculate the concentrations of all species in solutions containing common ions.
15. Understand solubility product expressions and use Ksp in chemical calculations including effect of common-ions
16. Use Ksp to calculate separation of ions by fractional precipitation and explain how simultaneous equilibria can be used to control solubility.
17. Understand calculations with the thermodynamics functions, enthalpy, entropy, and free energy.
18. Use of ΔG to predict if reaction is spontaneous at various temperatures and calculate K values
19. Understand how to balance oxidation-reduction reactions.
20. Write half-reactions and overall cell reactions for electrolytic processes.
21. Understand the difference between Voltaic (galvanic) and electrolytic electrochemical cells.
22. Determine standard and non-standard cell potentials.
23. Understand interpretation, application, and calculations with Nernst equation.
24. cell, and Keq
25. Use Faraday’s Law of Electrolysis to calculate amounts of products formed, amount of current passes, time elapsed, and oxidation number.
26. Understand the construction of simple Voltaic cells from half-cells and a salt bridge; identify the components; calculate the emf for the cell; and write half-reactions and overall cell reactions for a voltaic cell.
27. Understand the coordination compounds and identify the ligands and their donor atoms.
28. Determine the coordination number and the oxidation state of the metal and the charge on any complex ion.
29. Nomenclature of coordination compounds, structures, and isomers.
30. Understand different types of isomers
31. Understand the difference between nuclear reactions and chemical reactions.
32. Understand the relationship between neutron-proton ratio, nuclear stability, and band of stability.
33. Understand the common types of radiations emitted when nuclei undergo radioactive decay.
34. Know how to calculate concentrations, half-lives, rate constants, time elapsed for first-order radioactive decay.
35. Classify nuclear reactions as a fission or fusion. Calculate the energy released by a nuclear fission or fusion reaction.
36. Understand how to write balanced equations for nuclear transmutations.
37. Understand how to name alkanes, cycloalkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters and amides
38. Understand hybridization
39. Understand simple organic reactions like substitution, addition, elimination, free-radical and polymerization.

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, an

WITHDRAWAL

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she 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 submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The instructor has the right, but not the responsibility, to drop a student from the course at any time without warning for any of the following reasons:

you do not successfully complete the online orientation and you fail to submit a signed copy of the Student Information Sheet before the deadline,

• you do not have the necessary course prerequisites,

• you missed more than one test,

• you missed more than 2 labs,

• you failed to log into Bb for more than a week,

• disciplinary issues (e.g., scholastic dishonesty, disruptive /aggressive behavior, unsafe conduct etc.) You are responsible for monitoring your progress in the course and determining if you need to withdraw. I can help you make that decision, but the final decision is that of your own. You can withdraw by following the procedures set out by the ACC Admissions and Records office on any campus before the stated deadline.

Last day to withdraw without a W on your transcript: November 20, 2025.

If you stop attending class but do not withdraw yourself from the course, you may end up with a grade of F for the semester. If your name appears on the class roster at the end of the semester, the instructor is required to enter a grade against your name, and it will be a grade of F if you do not complete all withdrawal procedures before the last day of withdrawal.

RULE OF THREE

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.

SIX-DROP RULE

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

REINSTATEMENT POLICY

In order to be reinstated in the class after having been withdrawn, the student must have been enrolled in the course on the stated reporting date, as demonstrated by the twelfth-day class roll, must have been withdrawn from the course in error, must show evidence of being capable of passing the course within the time remaining in the semester, and the instructor must have documentation that the student is eligible to be reinstated in the course.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

Incomplete grades are rarely given in this class and will only be given in extreme emergencies and entirely at my discretion. A grade of incomplete (I) will be assigned only if:

• You have a valid reason and I agree to give you an incomplete grade; and

• You request a grade of ‘I’ in writing, with documentation / verification of the extreme circumstances; and

• You have completed at least 75% of the course work; and

• You have at least a C (70%) average on completed work; and

• The reason for your request has occurred after the official drop deadline for the course; and

 • You provide all documentation and sign the required form prior to the last day of class.

Be aware that incomplete that are not finished convert to F grades automatically, regardless of your grade average when you request the incomplete. It is your responsibility to keep track of the deadlines of automatic conversion and to request scheduling of incomplete assessments prior to those dates.

STATEMENT ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. Behavior that disrupts the learning process will be dealt with appropriately, which may include but not limited to having the student leave class for the rest of that day. In serious cases, disruptive behavior may lead to a student being withdrawn from the class. ACC's policy on student discipline can be found on the ACC website at http://www.austincc.edu/students-rights-andresponsibilities.

STATEMENT ON CAMPUS CARRY AND 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 always the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns. 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.

IMPORTANT: Classes may be held in an area designated as an exclusion zone as defined by state law or the college’s concealed handgun policy. Concealed carry is prohibited in exclusion zones. Concealed weapons must be stored in a secure place as defined by college policy prior to entering the classroom, studio, or learning space. Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://www.austincc.edu/campus-carry.

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/disciplinary-sanctions.

Any student caught cheating during a lecture or lab test will:

• receive a grade of zero on the test or practical with no opportunity for makeup

• have the incident reported by the instructor to the Biology Department Chairperson

• take all subsequent tests in an assigned seat 22.

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. f incomplete assessments prior to those dates.

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.

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.

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 of Student Accessibility Services (SAS). 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 SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS 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. Students with testing accommodation must take the tests at the same campus where they attend classes. Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at http://www.austincc.edu/sas.

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 that 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 immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

LAB SAFETY POLICY

Health and safety are paramount values in science classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn, understand, and comply with environmental, health and safety (EHS) procedures and protocols, and must agree to abide by the ACC science safety policy. Specific safety information for each activity will be discussed at the beginning of the activity. For those activities that require specific safety training, a student who is late and misses the safety training will not be able to participate in the activity. You are covered by a student accident insurance policy if you have an accident during lab that was caused by the lab activity. Your instructor will provide you with the necessary forms. The comprehensive science safety policy can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/sci_safe/.

This is an ACC safety policy based on state regulations. For safety reasons, students should wait outside the lab room until the instructor is present. Do not enter the lab room until your instructor arrives.

Any labs involving chemicals require the use of safety glasses or goggles and closed-toe shoes (see the lab schedule for specific days on which these are mandatory). You must have these safety items to attend the lab; otherwise, you will have to leave the lab and you will not earn any points for the lab.

STUDENT INJURY INSURANCE

Students enrolled in lab and field courses are covered by student insurance if they are injured as a result of the lab or field activity. The instructor will provide the student with the necessary forms and complete an injury report for the office of Environment Health, Safety and Insurance. There is a small deductible.

USE OF ACC EMAIL

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACC email 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 ACC email account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC email, including instructions on setting up an account, can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/ You must always keep your ACC email active during the semester since communication outside of class will be through emails and Bb announcements. It is also the best way to contact me. When sending me an email, please be sure to have a specific subject line and include your name, section # and the course (CHEM-1311).

STUDENT AND INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES

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/currentstudents

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.austincc.edu/support-and-services/tutoring-and-academic-help/tutoring-services-andschedules/tutoring-schedules.

Learning Labs at various campuses have tutors available for consultations. For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

ACC policies, procedures, guidelines, and instructions for current students can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

Instructional Services: Information about instructional services (e.g. libraries) located at this campus can be found at: http://library.austincc.edu/

Bad Weather: If classes are cancelled because of bad weather, ACC notifies instructors and students on the ACC homepage (http://www.austincc.edu) and on local radio and television stations.

Cell Phones, Pagers & Smart Watches: Please turn off cell phones and pagers during class as a courtesy to me and other students. You are not allowed to wear smart watches, such as but not limited to Apple Watch, during tests. You will receive a zero for the test if found wearing (not necessarily using) a smart watch during the test.

Blackboard (Bb): I will post all course materials including PowerPoint lectures, lecture outlines, learning objectives, and online assignments on Blackboard (http://acconline.austincc.edu). Please check this site daily for announcements and necessary materials. You can also use Blackboard to communicate with your fellow students. To access Bb, you will require your ACCeID and password.

Online Orientation: All students must complete an online orientation to the course before the deadline announced on Bb. The orientation module will take you through the details of the course structure and policies outlined in this syllabus. You can access the orientation module on Blackboard on the first day of class and the signed Student Information Sheet must be submitted at the beginning of the first week’s lab.

Deadline to submit the signed Student Information Sheet is May 31, 2018.

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

As a distance learning student, you will have access to ACC DIL Helpline and DIL counseling.

DIL HELPLINE: Email: dl@austincc.edu • Phone: (512) 223.8187 • Toll-free: 1.888.223.8026

DIL COUNSELOR: ACC offers counseling services to address the unique needs of Distance Learning students. The DIL Counselor works with students in an academic counseling role, helping them select appropriate courses and decide on reasonable course loads, and answering other Student Services questions about online and distance education. Students may contact the DIL Counselor by email at dl@austincc.edu or by phone at (512) 223.8187.

DIL STUDENT HANDBOOK: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/

DIL STUDENT RESOURCES AT ACC: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/resources.php