Introductory College Chemistry, Chemistry 143, MJC Fall 2023

Download this syllabus for your records

Faculty Information

Tara Buñag

bunagt@yosemite.edu

Phone: (209) 575-7950 extension: 6455 (please, only call during office hours for a response)

Office: SCC 331

Office Hours: (in person): see below (please, make sure to wear your mask in office hours or meet with me in the lounge area of the office – thank you!) 

Virtual Office Hours: see below

Office hours are Mondays, 11:15-1:15 in my office, and virtual office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am -12pm, and Sundays 8-9pm - additional information is on the Office Hours page

In person and virtual meetings available by appointment. Contact me anytime in Teams or email.

Weekly Schedule of Meetings

Final Exam is on Wed. Dec 13^th, 1-3:50 pm (block out at least 2 hours)

Section numbers: 0717, 0719, 0720, and 3002 all have lecture:

1:30 pm – 2:55 pm on Wednesdays in Room MSCC 115

 

Labs:

Section 0717: Lab 8:00 – 11:05 am on Mondays in Room MSCC 323

Section 0719: Lab 8:00 – 11:05 am on Wednesdays in Room MSCC 323

Section 0720: Lab 1:30 – 4:35 pm on Mondays in Room MSCC 323

Section 3002: Lab 8:00 – 11:05 am on Mondays in Room MSCC 324 with Dr. Brzezinski

Attendance at your lab section is required to receive credit for lab.

 

Course Requirements                 

Required Materials

           

• Textbook: Chemistry 143 from LibreText
  • Available to download as a PDF or embedded in the Canvas site
• Computer: You will need regular access to a computer that meets Canvas technical requirements to be able to complete assignments. There are many other resources for online coursework. That site also has information about low-cost internet options.
• Microsoft 365 Suite: This is available for free to all students!
• Goggles: ANSI code Z87.1 splash proof (MJC Bookstore and Great Valley Museum carry the correct goggles).  Bring to Lab Week 1 (if possible), then each week starting in Week 3 (or store in lab drawers).
• Paper Towels (or cloth if preferred): Bring to Lab Week 3. One small roll, please!
• Scientific Calculator: Non-programmable,TI 30XA or TI 30XIIS recommended. No graphing calculators. If you do not have a scientific calculator, there are some online, such as the Desmos Scientific Calculator
• A way to take digital pictures or video (phone, laptop, digital camera, etc.) and scan papers.

Recommended

• Canvas Student app for your phone or tablet. This free app is available for Android or iOS.
• Adobe Scan app or Google Drive app or similar to “scan” papers and other items.

Prerequisites

Math skills are crucial to Chem 143.  Student must be eligible for Math 90.  NOTE:  Completion of Math 90 is recommended. Do NOT take this prerequisite lightly.  If your credits are ‘old’ it is best to back up and take a review course prior to attempting Chem 143. There are math review materials in the first course module in Canvas – read through them and review to improve your chances for success.

Attendance in First Two Weeks

Chem 143 is exceedingly impacted, therefore the chemistry department follows strict guidelines regarding ‘adds’ and ‘drops’.  If you miss class or miss any assignments during the first two weeks without notifying the instructor, you may be dropped from the course.  Also, if you choose to drop during the first two weeks, please notify the instructor as soon as possible so that another student may take your place.

Units and workload

College courses are designed such that for average students to succeed they must spend at least two hours outside of class for each lecture hour. Since this class is hybrid, you will have half the time in person, in the lecture hall, and the other half online, watching up to 80 minutes of videos or completing simulations each week. For the 3 lecture units for this course you should also be spending a minimum of 6 hours outside of class each week completing homework, working through online coursework, reviewing your notes, making flashcards of important ideas and formulas, and studying for exams.  This time is necessary for success in the course.

Please, schedule your time appropriately. Most students are more successful if they spend an hour or two each day on the course, versus a marathon session on a single day.

Most students consider Chem 143 an intense course. Critically consider your personal, academic and work schedules. I will help you succeed, but it will still take a significant amount of time to learn this material.

Course Objectives

Chemistry 143 is an introductory course designed to provide an overview of basic chemical concepts, specifically designed for those pursuing a career in the health sciences.  In providing the framework of basic chemistry, the student will obtain the background necessary for continuing course work in subjects such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology and physiology.  The student will also be better prepared to deal with chemical questions outside the laboratory setting.

Chem 143 Expected Learning Outcomes (Lecture and Lab):

 

Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student should be prepared to:

1. Solve abstract and complex chemical problems using general chemistry principles and theories.
2. Describe key events in the development of chemistry and recognize that science is an evolving body of knowledge
3. Identify and use chemical laboratory equipment and instrumentation.

 

In addition to the specific course learning outcomes listed above, as a result of satisfactory completion of this course, the student should be prepared to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in Natural Science by describing how scientific discoveries and theories affect human activities.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in Natural Science by explaining how the scientific method is used to solve problems.

 

Grades

 

Course Grade Based on:

 

40% Exams

10% Final Exam

15% Lab Reports*

10% Lab Quizzes*

15% Homework

10% Additional Assignments (typically worked on in class, then submitted in Canvas)

 

Grades are assigned as follows:       

A = 90 – 100%

B = 80 – 89%

C = 70 – 79%

D = 60 – 69%

F = Below 60%

*Regardless of a student's performance on exams and quizzes, the student MUST score 60% or higher in laboratory assignments to pass the course. You can calculate your overall lab score by: (0.4*your “Lab Quizzes” score) + (0.6*your “Lab Reports” score). Scores are kept in Canvas, and automatically include any dropped scores or other adjustments.

Coursework

We will be using Canvas for submitting all required material in this course, other than exams. You will have quizzes and other assignments that need to be submitted electronically. Talk to me right away about any technical issues limiting submission of work. Note: ANY work that you turn in should be neat and completed by you. See academic honesty policy for more information.

Homework Assignments

Homework is an essential component of your learning in this course.  You should plan to answer the questions/work the problems in the online Chapter homework assignments.  Online homework is a part of this course and can be accessed through Canvas. All homework assignments in this course are automatically graded and can be repeated as often as you like. Your highest score will be recorded, whether that’s the first time you complete the homework or the last. The lowest homework assignment score will be dropped automatically in Canvas (this will be indicated by a small icon in Canvas, typically an “x”). All homework will also be available until you take your final exam, so you can continue to use it for practice. No points will ever be deducted for “late” homework.

Late Assignments

Automatically graded homework and similar non-exam assignments can be submitted until the final exam date, with no grade penalty so you can continue to practice the concepts throughout the course. Keep in mind, due dates are set to keep you on track, and you are expected to practice the concepts before each exam or quiz.

All other manually graded assignments must be submitted by Friday the week before final exams, unless directed otherwise.

Lab reports should be submitted at the end of each lab session, and will not be accepted more than one week late without prior permission. If you are prepared for lab, you should be able to complete your reports before you leave for the day.

Most Pre-Lab Quizzes can be repeated as often as you like, but must be completed before you come to lab. Some pre-lab quizzes will still be available after lab, but others will lock once lab starts. Read the pre-lab quiz directions for details.

Exams

Exams are listed on the schedule and in Canvas. Make up exams must be pre-approved and may not be an option for all exams. Your lowest scoring regular exam will be dropped – this includes if you need to miss an exam date.

The American Chemical Society cumulative final exam will be during final exams week.  You may not leave the classroom during an exam or quiz without permission.

 

Note: Labels must be removed from water bottles and cups during exams, and backs removed from calculators.  Cell phones must be off (or silenced) and out of sight!  If your cell phone is out during an exam, you will receive a zero for that exam! Talk to me if you have a situation that requires keeping your phone out, so we can discuss options.

 

Re-grades:  If you feel an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please contact me immediately upon noticing the issue by sending an email from your student email address or coming to office hours. Make sure to include the assignment/exam title, the error in grading, and if it is an assignment that can be submitted multiple times, the attempt number in Canvas.  It will be reviewed and regraded as appropriate.

 

Laboratory

A detailed description of the laboratory and safety procedures will be given at your first lab.  Weekly experiments are listed in this syllabus.  Be aware of the following as pertains to the laboratory portion of this course:

1. Bring to Lab week 3: Goggles (approved) and paper towels (or cloth, if desired) – I recommend 1 smaller roll of paper towels so it fits in your drawer (avoid giant rolls).
2. Clothing covering at least shoulders to toes and shoes which cover the whole foot must be worn (NO BARE ANKLES!). You will be asked to leave if not dressed safely.
3. Students are always REQUIRED to wear MJC approved safety goggles in the laboratory.
4. A lab practical exam will count as one lab. The lab practical is open note, but must be completed individually.
5. Your lowest lab score will be dropped, not including the lab final exam. There are no make-up labs. ‘Dry labs’ are not acceptable unless assigned.
6. Prelab quizzes are due before lab in Canvas – make sure to complete them so you are prepared.
7. Be on time! If you arrive late and miss safety instructions, you may not be allowed to perform the experiment. If you are allowed to stay, you may lose 10% on your lab report.
8. There is no lab book; labs are handouts and will be provided on Canvas or handed out in class. You must use the handouts to submit your labs. We will discuss this more in Week 1.
9. You must prepare for labs in advance. Read and understand the experiment and complete any pre-laboratory assignments. Watch the pre-lab videos (if available in Canvas) and take notes.
10. No laboratory report will be accepted on notebook paper. All write-ups must be submitted on the lab pages provided or as assigned in Canvas.
11. Lab reports are due at the end of lab unless stated otherwise. Make sure to submit them through Canvas (I will help you to do this for the first lab, if needed). Use your time wisely. Lab reports more than 1 week late will not be accepted without prior permission.
12. Lab must be clean at the end of the lab period! This includes the back counters, balances, and lids replaced on ALL chemicals. If the lab is not left in a satisfactory condition, 20% will be deducted from everyone’s lab report.
13. Balances may be assigned. If a balance is left dirty, the assigned group will lose 20% on the lab.
14. Any student missing two or more laboratories may be dropped from this course; however, it is NOT the responsibility of the instructor to drop missing students. 
15. NO unauthorized experiments will be performed. Ask me if you want to try out something – I’ll probably find a way for us all to do it safely!
16. All safety rules will always be followed in the laboratory.  Unsafe behavior will result in expulsion from the lab.

Laboratory material is intended to enhance the Lecture topics and consequently will be covered on exams.

 

Class Participation

Being successful in this class requires your active participation. Chemistry cannot be absorbed just by watching videos. Active participation consists not only of watching and reading, but also of completing all the learning assignments, redoing homework when you struggle, studying for exams, doing your best on every exam, and working through the mistakes on your old exams. The lab is an essential part of this practice, so attendance at lab is required to earn points for the lab reports.

 

Please, do not come to class in person if you are sick or others in your household are sick. Contact me for assistance with making up any missed assignments. You do not need to tell me why you miss class, but keep me informed on when you will be coming back.

 

You may be dropped from this class if you do the following without notifying the instructor:

• Miss any class the first two weeks.
• Fail to submit in class assignments for two or more weeks in a row.
• Miss any exam or miss 2 or more labs.

 

Notice, I will not drop you from the class if you keep me informed. I will reach out through email to check on you if you stop attending class, so do please respond, even if it’s just to communicate that you are okay. I worry if you’re out! Keep in mind, however, that it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to withdraw from the class if you will no longer be attending.

 

Additional Support

Disabilities

I am happy to work with the Accommodations and Support Center (former DSPS) to provide appropriate accommodations to help all students succeed. If you have a documented disability, please notify me as soon as possible so we can make arrangements to help you succeed. You may obtain help through the Accommodations and Support Center at (209) 575-6225.

Emergencies

Stuff happens. If an emergency happens in your life this semester that affects your performance in some way, please let me know as soon as possible and I will work with you.  This is especially true regarding submission deadlines, labs, and exam days. If you aren’t sure if I can help, reach out! I will do my best to help you succeed.

Academic Counseling

It is important to meet with an academic advisor on a regular basis.  The academic counselor can oversee your schedule to ensure that you are taking appropriate courses as well as a reasonable load.  For help, contact the Counseling Center at (209)575-6080.

General suggestions

1. Keep a positive attitude!
2. Practice, Practice, Practice!! The problem-solving skills you will learn in this class will lay the foundation for your future career goals. If you’re rusty in math, consider the extra practice in Chemistry 133.
3. Read the chapter. Really!
4. Take careful notes when you read and watch videos. Do the problems with the videos.
5. Do all the assigned homework. Do it soon after reading or watching videos. Most homework can also be repeated as often as you like throughout the course, so do it early and do it often!
6. Always ask questions! I love questions, and you are definitely not bothering me.
7. Contact me when you need help. I really do enjoy helping you understand chemistry.
8. Look over your returned exams and papers and learn from your mistakes. This is really helpful for your homework, since it can give you low stakes practice before your exams.
9. Look at feedback from your past labs. The lab skills build on each other, so if you learn from your early mistakes, your lab skills will continue to improve!
10. Form a study group with others in the class. Work together on homework but do your own work. Homework will prepare you for the exams, so make sure you understand how to do it the way we cover in class!

Academic Dishonesty

 

Be respectful of your fellow students and their own personal work.  Academic dishonesty is taken very seriously at MJC.  Dishonesty comes in many forms including but not limited to copying on exams, ‘cheat sheets’, using or posting to ‘cheat sites,’ stealing assignments, plagiarizing, texting/communicating during exams, having AI complete your work, altering exams after grading, forgery, etc.  At a minimum, a zero will be given for the exam or assignment in question.  More serious forms of deceit or repeated infractions could result in an ‘F’, for a course grade, suspension or expulsion.  If you are given a failing grade on any assignment, lab, or exam due to cheating/forgery, this cannot be the grade that is dropped.  All incidents of academic dishonesty are reported to the dean and handled in alignment with YCCD Board Policy 5500 #14 shown below.

 

YCCD Board Policy 5500 - #14 Dishonesty, forgery, alteration or misuse of college documents, records or identification; or knowingly furnishing false information to the District.

 

Keep the above in mind when submitting assignments or laboratory write-ups. While you are encouraged to talk through the science behind your homework or labs, handing in identical work is unacceptable. Write it up in your own words!

Help?!

If you need additional help, please contact me as soon as you have any issues or struggles!  Arrive prepared to ask questions.  You may also discuss course material during the laboratory.

 

Links for additional help and assistance will be provided in the Canvas course site. Check it early and often!

Important Dates

Refund Date: 09/10/2023
Drop without 'W' Date: 09/10/2023
Pass No Pass Date: 12/09/2023
Last Day to Drop Date: 11/16/2023 

 

 

Tentative Lecture and Lab Schedule

 

Week	Starts	Readings	Assignments	Lab experiments
1	28-Aug	Ch. 1 & 2	Syllabus Quiz, About Me Survey, Math pre-assessment, Ch. 1 HW Week 1 in class assignment	Read Safety rules and watch safety video Measurements Lab
2	4-Sep	Ch. 2 & 3	Math post-assessment, Ch. 2 HW, Week 2 in class assignment	No lab meeting Lecture will meet!
3	11-Sep	Ch. 4, 5, 6	Ch. 3 HW, Ch. 4 HW, Week 3 in class assignment	Density
4	18-Sep	Ch. 7 & 8	Exam 1	Introductory Concepts and Rainbow Lab
5	25-Sep	Ch. 9 & 10	Ch. 5 & 6 HW, Ch. 7 HW, Week 5 in class assignment	Nomenclature and Recrystallization of Vanillin, part 1
6	2-Oct	Ch. 11	Ch. 10 HW, Week 6 in class assignment	Nomenclature and Recrystallization of Vanillin, part 2
7	9-Oct	Ch. 12	Ch. 11 HW Week 7 in class assignment	Chemical Reactions
8	16-Oct	Ch. 13	Exam 2 Ch. 12, part 1 HW	Mole Exploration
9	23-Oct	Ch. 14	Ch. 12, part 2 HW Ch. 13 Gas Laws HW Week 9 in class assignment	Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz
10	30-Oct		Ch. 14 Heat Law HW Week 10 in class assignment	Heat Lab
11	6-Nov	Ch. 15 & 16	Exam 3 Ch. 15 & 16 - Solutions HW	Gas Laws Lab
12	13-Nov	Ch. 17	Ch 17 HW, Equilibrium Exercises Week 12 in class assignment	Solutions
13	20-Nov	Ch. 18	Ch 18 HW, Acid-Base Review Week 13 in class assignment	Spectroscopy – Beer’s Law
14	27-Nov	Ch. 19 and packet	Ch. 19 - Nuclear Chemistry HW Week 14 in class assignment	Acid/Base Titrations
15	4-Dec		Exam 4 Contribute to the Class	Acidity and pH, Lab Final Exam, and locker check-in
Final	11-Dec		Final Exam is on Wed. Dec 13th, 1-3:50 pm	No lab - exam will be in lecture hall

 

Text Chapter covered in the week listed. Read the Chapters early to succeed! Make sure to watch the weekly videos before coming to lecture.

Schedule is subject to modifications. All changes will be posted in Canvas.