Faculty Syllabus

REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS

The required lab book is Chemistry 1105 Lab Manual.  You will also need a scientific calculator, safety glasses or goggles (stamped Z87).

Introductory Chemistry

CHEM 1105, Laboratory

Spring 2026

Instructor – Al Dumbuya

Synonym(s) – 26402

Section number(s) - 008

Class Hours – T 10:30-1:20 pm, NRG 2239

Office -   NRG 2217A

Office Hours –  M T  W and Th 1:30-2:30 PM.  All other times by appointment.

Phone – 512-223-4602

Email address – adumbuya@austincc.edu

Web Site - http://sites.austincc.edu/chem/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course is the laboratory to accompany CHEM 1305 lecture. Emphasis is placed on techniques, properties and reactions, and reinforcing principles offered in the lecture portion of the course.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisites: Two years high school Algebra or MATD 0390 with a grade of C or higher.

Corequisite: CHEM 1305

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.

COURSE OBJECTIVES  - Link will be added  once Master Syllabus/Objectives are approved

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Understand and demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
2. Read NFPA, HMIS labels and understand the hazard of chemicals used.
3. Transfer sample to balance for weighing and tare the balance.
4. Measure temperature with a thermometer.
5. Correctly read a meniscus and accurately measure a liquid volume.
6. Light and adjust Bunsen burners.
7. Correctly use a hot plate.
8. Observe and interpret chemical reactions: color change, temperature change, precipitate formation, and gas evolution.
9. Perform a gravity filtration to separate liquids from solids.
10. Use capillary tubes to transfer liquid samples used in paper chromatography.
11. Use laboratory generated data to reach sound conclusions about chemical phenomena.
12. Learn basic laboratory skills and develop familiarity with common chemistry laboratory equipment.
13. Learn to describe and interpret chemical and physical phenomena.
14. Meaningfully connect laboratory activities to models and concepts learning in class.

General Education 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

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS/MATERIALS

Introduction to Chemistry: Lab Manual 1105

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course consists of a laboratory section only.

READINGS

Read the lab procedure and practice pre-lab assignments before coming to class.

GRADING SYSTEM

Data collected in lab is 100% of the grade.  Data and calculation pages due next lab period. 

Grading scale is:

A 90 – 100

B 80 – 89

C 70 – 79

D 60 – 69

F below 60

Due to ACC policies concerning the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), instructors cannot call or e-mail students with information about their grades.

Instructors are required to use the MOST secure means of protecting students PII (Personally Identifiable Information). Using Blackboard is a best practice as Blackboard is the MOST secure means our college has and not email accounts.

There is no medium that is 100% secure; however, institutions do deem what they consider as the most secure means of publishing PII. It’s not a problem until a student files a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education (Family Policy Compliance Office) and we are investigated. Upon investigation, ACC will be asked their policy and why we did not comply with our own rules.

COURSE POLICIES

Attendance/Class Participation

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.

• Students who accrue more than 5 absences for any reason will not be allowed to continue in the course.
• Attendance will be taken at each class meeting.
• Missing more than 15 minutes of class constitutes an absence.
• Students who miss the first two days of class will not be allowed to continue in the course.
• Students who miss two consecutive class periods without contacting me will not be allowed to continue in the course.
• It may be possible for you to attend my other section of the course. You must obtain prior permission to make sure there is room in the class. I cannot override class limits for any reason.
• I will ask you to leave the classroom if I discover you texting during class (LEC OR LAB!), and it will count as an absence.  This is your only warning involving this policy. 
• I will not allow you to stay on the roll for financial aid reasons if you are not attending class.
• Let me know if you will be absent from class or if there is anything going on in your life that impacts your performance so we can make arrangements. You are responsible for all materials, activities, assignments, or announcements covered in class, regardless of your reason for being absent.

Withdrawal Policy

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 student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

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

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. Withdrawn courses appear on the student’s record with a grade of W. If you stop attending class and do not withdraw yourself from the course, you will receive a grade of F for the semester.

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

The lecture and the lab are required in each chemistry course. If a student drops/withdraws from one section of the course, they must drop/withdraw from the corequisite.

Last day to withdraw….. April 27th, 2026.

(Students who exit the course before the Official Reporting Date are considered to have “dropped” the course. Dropped courses are not considered withdrawals and are not posted on the student transcript and thus not affected by the Texas Six Drop Rule.  Students who exit the course after the Official Reporting Date and before or on the Final Withdrawal Date are considered to have “withdrawn” from the course and thus receive a “W” on their transcript and are affected by the Texas Six Drop rule.  

Your withdrawal policy should make the following things clear: 1) do you drop students; and 2) if so, for what reasons (missing classes, missing exams, not completing safety training (including the safety contract) by a certain date, violating safety policy, not completing orientation for distance learning courses, not signing acknowledgement of receipt of syllabus, etc.).  

Instructors may withdraw students from their courses through the Final Withdrawal Date. Students cannot withdraw after the Final Withdrawal Date, nor should instructors withdraw them after that date as a rule. In exceptional circumstances, such as student misbehavior (disruptive behavior, cheating, violating lab safety rules) or compelling compassionate reasons (such as natural disasters or serious illnesses), an instructor can withdraw a student after the Final Withdrawal Date--please contact the department chairperson for details. The Official Reporting Date and Final Withdrawal Date may be found in the Registration Calendar.

Rule of Three: Students are charged a higher tuition rate for courses they repeat for the third or more time.  This is generally referred to as the “Rule of Three”.  More information can be found at:  http://www.austincc.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/tuition-and-fees/repeating-a-class-third-course-attempt

Missed or Late Work

There are no make-ups allowed; the lowest grade will be dropped at the end of the semester. 

Incomplete 

An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course due to medical/emergency reasons.  Students must have successfully completed at least 60% of the course materials to get an incomplete. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

Giving a grade of incomplete is at the instructor’s discretion. The coursework must be completed and the grade submitted by the Final Withdrawal Date of the FOLLOWING semester or the grade of “I” will become an “F” grade.

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.

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 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 in the student handbook.

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 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. Additional information about SAS can be found at Student Accessibility Services.

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. 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-notifications.

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

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.

In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.

IMPORTANT: CHEM 1105 Introductory Chemistry Lab classes are 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.

Use of ACC Email

All College and Department e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the ACC mail accounts. Administrative Rule# 3.05.006 Based on Board Policy: C-5, Open Communication and Shared Governance. E-mail communication to students with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify the student 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/activation-and-login-assistance.

TESTING CENTER POLICY

The Testing Center follows standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their test. Please familiarize yourself with the student guidelines. To request an exam, one must have:

• ACC Photo ID
• Course Abbreviation (e.g., CHEM)
• Course Number (e.g.,1105)
• Course Synonym (e.g., 12345)
• Course Section (e.g., 123)
• Instructor's Name

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. 

STUDENT AND INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and learning support. ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in a course.

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, contact the HelpDesk at 512.223.4636 or visit a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

COURSE OUTLINE/CALENDAR

ALL STUDENTS MUST PURCHASE THEIR OWN SAFETY GOGGLES OR GLASSES FOR USE WHILE IN THE LAB.      

Timely Return of Graded Materials  

I will return graded papers within one week of submission.

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 Environmental Health, Safety and Insurance. There is a small deductible.

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.

How to Access BLACKBOARD

All course materials are posted on ACC’s Blackboard site. Students may access Blackboard by selecting the “Blackboard Login” link on ACC’s homepage at http://www.austincc.edu. You will need to activate your ACCeID before you can log into Blackboard (see ACC’s homepage for a link). All course materials, including lecture and lab notes, homework assignments, homework answers, your grades, announcements, etc. will be posted on this site. The most up-to-date course information will be posted on Blackboard, not on my website. Check this site on a daily basis. Posted Blackboard announcements will also be sent out to students’ ACC email account.

Cell Phones

 Please turn off cell phones and other electronic devices during class as a courtesy to me and other students.

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.

Lab Etiquette

• No cell phone use in the lab.  This includes talking on the phone, texting, playing games, or using the phone as a calculator.
• No setting up glassware or removing items from the drawers while I am explaining the lab procedure. 
• 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.
• No backpacks, book bags, coats, purses, or books on the benchtop or on the floor.  There is a designated storage area for these items.
• You must wear safety goggles or glasses at all times.  If you wear contact lenses, you must wear safety goggles.

Proper Lab Attire

• 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.
• 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)
• Stomachs, shoulders, and hands must not be exposed in the lab.  Wear shirts that completely cover the abdomen and the shoulders. 
• Gloves must be worn at all times to cover the hands.  Gloves are provided for student use.
• Eye protection must be worn at all times.  Students must purchase their own safety goggles or safety glasses rated as Z87, Z87.1, or Z87+.  If a student wears contact lenses in the lab, they must wear safety goggles, not safety glasses.
• 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.
• It is recommended that jewelry be removed before beginning the experiments.
• Long hair must be pulled back completely.
• Coats and jackets must be removed before starting an experiment.

Chemistry Lab Safety Rules

http://www.austincc.edu/sci_safe/chem/docs/chemistry_safety_rules.pdf

Smoking/Vaping/Smokeless Tobacco Products

Austin Community College District is smoke-free and includes nicotine vapor products and devices (such as electronic cigarettes) and smokeless tobacco products. 

Student Support Services

Resources to support you are available at every campus.  Food pantries are available at all campus Student Life offices (https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/ )  Assistance paying for childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center (http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center ).  For sudden, unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more of your courses, go to http://www.austincc.edu/SEF to request emergency assistance through the Student Emergency Fund.  Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office ( http://sites.austincc.edu/money/ )  Counselors are available at any campus if you experience a personal or mental health concern (http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling ).  All services are free and confidential.

The course is the laboratory to accompany CHEM 1305 lecture. Emphasis is placed on techniques, properties and reactions, and reinforcing principles offered in the lecture portion of the course

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand and demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
2. Read NFPA, HMIS labels and understand the hazard of chemicals used.
3. Transfer sample to balance for weighing and tare the balance
4. Measure temperature with thermometer
5. Correctly read a meniscus and accurately measure a liquid volume
6. Light and adjust Bunsen burners
7. Correctly use a hot plate
8. Observe and interpret chemical reactions: color change, temperature change, precipitate formation, and gas evolution.
9. Use laboratory generated data to reach sound conclusions about chemical phenomena
10. Learn basic laboratory skills and develop familiarity with common chemistry laboratory equipment.
11. Learn to describe and interpret chemical and physical phenomena
12. Meaningfully connect laboratory activates to model and concept learned in class.