Chemistry 101: Applying Chemistry to Society

 

Spring, 2006

 

Professor:  Dr. Jay Hanna

Office:  Sims 213A

Email: hannaj@winthrop.edu

Office Phone:  323-4933

 

Office Hours:  MW 10:00 am – 11:30 am. To contact me outside of these hours, please feel free to e-mail me. I check my email periodically throughout the day.  Appointments are always welcomed.

 

Lecture:  Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 am – 10:45 am in Sims 209.  The tentative schedule is posted on the Chemistry department web page (chem.winthrop.edu)

 

Required Text:  Chemistry in Context, Applying Chemistry to Society, 5th ed., American Chemical Society.

 

Course Objectives:  Chemistry plays a very important role in our society today, from the preparation of new pharmaceuticals, plastics, fibers, and computer chips to the utilization of our natural resources.  Chemists are employed in a variety of fields such as forensics, biotechnology, environmental protection, electronics, space exploration, energy production and delivery, archeology, and nutrition.  It is essential that the average person in our world today understand the basics of chemistry so he or she can make informed decisions about many global issues.  Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

·        Understand and apply the basic vocabulary, principles, methods used in chemistry

·        Understand the importance of chemistry to our society

·        Understand how the principles of chemistry relate to issues such as pollution, global warming, and alternative energy sources

·        Critically evaluate scientific data to better assess risks and benefits

·        Possess skills to make informed and reasonable decisions concerning technology-based issues

 

Class Success:  You should expect to spend an average of about 6 hours per week at home working on preparation and assignments related to this course

1.      Read the related textbook material outlined in the course schedule before attending the lecture.  Learn the definitions of the bolded words in the text.

2.      Complete the assigned end-of-chapter problems.  End-of-chapter problems are listed on the course schedule located on Chemistry department’s web page (chem.winthrop.edu).

3.      Be aware that we cannot cover everything in lecture.  Therefore, exam material may include not only anything covered in lecture, but also the definitions and usage of terms introduced in the text and information related to the assigned end-of-chapter problems, whether we specifically cover that material in lecture or not.

4.      Before you turn in an essay, let someone else read it and comment on it.  Then revise the essay if needed.  This will help you ensure that your essay says what you want it to say, and it will help eliminate the typos and grammatical errors you may have overlooked.

5.      If you don’t understand something, GET HELP!!  Talk to me after class, stop by my office during office hours, or make arrangements with me to meet outside of office hours.  (You can stop by any time, but if you have an appointment, that ensures I will be there.)

 

Class Attendance:  You are expected to attend all class meetings for the full scheduled time. A student who is absent for any reason is responsible for obtaining the assignments from the instructor or a classmate. Attendance will be taken, and the attendance practices of students will be taken into account when final grades are assigned. Absence from a test without a written doctor's excuse or similar justification is inexcusable and the student will receive a zero for that grade as well as a deduction of the missed points from their total earned points in the course. For excused absences, missed exercises will not be included when calculating overall course grades.

 

Exams:  There will be three (3) semester exams. The tentative dates for these exams are outlined on the course schedule.  You will need a pencil and calculator for each exam. Cell phone calculators are not allowed during quizzes and exams.  You may not share calculators or bring any other electronic devices (including laptops, cell phones, pagers, or personal digital assistants) to the exam.  No makeup exams will be given.  The Final Exam will be cumulative.  You must take the final exam in order to pass the course. The final exam date and time is indicated on the course schedule located on Chemistry department’s web page (chem.winthrop.edu).  Exam material may include anything covered in lecture, the definitions and usage of terms introduced in the text, and information related to the assigned end-of-chapter problems, whether we specifically cover that material in lecture or not.

 

Homework Assignments:  Four (4) Homework Assignments will be assigned during the semester.  The specific homework assignments and the requirements for each are posted on the Chemistry department’s web page (chem.winthrop.edu).  A 10% per day reduction in grade will be assessed for assignments turned in late.

 

Team Presentation:  One (1) Team Presentation on a topic related to chemistry will be assigned during the semester.  The specific requirements are posted on the Chemistry department’s web page (chem.winthrop.edu).  The presentations will be given during the final few classes of the semester.  The specific dates are listed on the schedule posted on the Chemistry department’s web page (chem.winthrop.edu).

 

Students with Disabilities: Winthrop University is dedicated to providing access to education.  If you have a disability and need accommodations, please contact Gena Smith, Coordinator, Services for Students with Disabilities, at 323-3290, as soon as possible.  Once you have your Professor Notification Form, please tell me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first test.

 

Grading:   Homework assignments (4 x 50)    200 pts.

                  Team presentation (1 x 250)           250 pts.

                  Exams (3 x 100)                            300 pts.

                  Final exam (1 x 250)                      250 pts.

                                                                     1000 pts.

 

A= 90 – 100%,  B= 80 – 90%,  C= 70 – 80%,  D= 60 – 70%,  F= < 60%