Course Syllabus

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Course Description:

This is the first course of a comprehensive chemistry sequence. Topics include nomenclature, atomic structure, chemical reactions, essentials of bonding, periodic properties, Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Theory (VSEPR) theory, modern bonding theories, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, and the chemistry of solids, liquids, gases.

 

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to:

  1. Calculate one quantity from another by use of dimensional analysis.
  2. Describe the structure of an atom.
  3. Explain periodic trends.
  4. Describe the changes as energy interacts with an atom.
  5. Compare and contrast covalent and ionic bonding.
  6. Draw Lewis structures for atoms, ions, and molecules.
  7. Determine the shape of a molecule.
  8. Determine correct International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) names and chemical formulas of compounds.
  9. Describe chemical reactions by symbolic, numeric, and verbal means.
  10. Predict the products of simple reactions.
  11. Perform enthalpy calculations.
  12. Interpret energy diagrams.
  13. Perform stoichiometric calculations.
  14. Perform gas law calculations.
  15. Calculate solution concentrations.
  16. Determine the properties of acidic and alkaline solutions.
  17. Demonstrate the ability to perform lab experiments safely, interpret the data collected, and draw reasonable conclusions based on the data.

Course Content:

Course will:

  1. Implement basic dimensional analysis.
  2. Introduce the basic structure of the atom.
  3. Disseminate the properties of elements.
  4. Describe the quantum-mechanical model of the atom.
  5. Identify the properties of molecular shapes.
  6. Identify inorganic compounds using correct nomenclature.
  7. Describe chemical reactions by symbolic, numeric, and verbal means.
  8. Introduce simple reactions.
  9. Elaborate on energy transfer and basic thermodynamic relationships.
  10. Delineate stoichiometric relationships.
  11. Convey properties of gases and gas laws.
  12. Introduce the principles of solutions and their concentrations.
  13. Familiarize the student with the properties of acids and bases.
  14. Delineate safe and appropriate laboratory techniques.

 

Tentative Class Schedule: 

There are 4 parts of this course: 

Part one: Chapter 1-3, Test 1 

Part two: Chapter 4-5, Test 2 

Part three: Chapter 6-8, Test 3 

Part four: Final Exam (Chapters 9-10)

 

Laboratory Activities:

1: Density of Liquids

2: Percent Copper in Brass

3: Redox Reactions

4: Analysis of Hydrogen Peroxide

5: Gravimetric Analysis of Hard Water

6: Acidity of Beverages

7: Designing a Hand Warmer

8: Electromagnetic Atoms - Flame test with spectral analysis

9: Separation of a Dye Mixture using Chromatography

10: Qualitative Analysis and Chemical Bonds

11: Green Chemistry - Analysis of a Mixture

12: Separation of Synthetic Pain Relief Mixture

13: The Eleven Solution Problem 

Textbook:

Great news: your textbook for this class is available for free online!

Chemistry 2e from OpenStax, ISBN 978-1-947172-62-3

You have several options to obtain this book:

You can use whichever format you want. The web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Homework

Clutch Prep Video Lessons: Clutch Prep makes textbook-specific video-based concept and practice content for this course. This semester our class will be using Clutch Prep Video Lessons. The Lessons are broken down by chapter and by topic, and each topic comes in the following format:

  • Concept Video: Learn the content from the topic 
  • Example Video: Watch a tutor apply the concept to an example problem 
  • Practice Video: Practice and master how to solve related problems yourself

You will be expected to watch all assigned content for this class (Concept, Example, Practice). A portion of your grade will be determined by how many of the assigned videos you watched.

Clutch Prep Video Homework Assignments: Clutch Prep makes textbook-specific video-based concept and practice content for this course. This semester our class will be using Clutch Prep homework assignments for graded homework.

Every question on your homework assignments comes with a video solution. You will get credit based on answering the problems and watching the video solutions. If you answer a question incorrectly, you can earn back credit by watching the video solution.

Clutch Prep Technical Difficulties or Account Questions: If you run into any technical issues or have questions about your Clutch Prep account, message the Clutch Prep Customer Service using the blue help chat button in the bottom right corner of the screen. This will be the fastest and most effective way to resolve your issues. The help button looks like this:

Instructional Method: 

Lecture, Problem-solving, Review, Test analysis, and Laboratory. Students are required to bring a computer, calculator, handouts every time you come to the class, and assignment and review sheets for problem-solving and review class.

 

Course Requirements: 

Three 50-minute tests; 125 points each                       375 points 

Four quizzes, 50 points each                                          200 points 

12 Labs, 20 points each                                                  240 points 

The completion of homework                                        60 points 

Final exam (Chapters 9-11)                                            160 points 

                                                                                    --------------------- 

Total                                                                                 1000 points 

 

Grading/Evaluation 

A+                 970 - 1000 points

A                    900 - 969 points

B+                  870 - 899 points

B                    800 - 869 points

C+                  770 - 799 points

C                    700 - 769 points

D+                  670 - 699 points

D                    600 - 669 points

F                     Below 600 points

 

Attendance: Class attendance will be checked regularly. Absence without a reasonable excuse will be recorded and will be taken into account when the final evaluation is made. 

 

Cell phone conversations and personal conversations will not be tolerated because of the disruptions to the class. 

 

Policy of Make-up Quizzes/Tests and Late Assignments: A make-up test or quiz will be arranged only if the student who misses the test/quiz has a valid reason with a written document to support it (e.g. a signed medical excuse). The student should report to the instructor the first day he/she returns to the class and the make-up test/quiz must be completed the first week the student returns to class. Five points per day will be deducted from the test/quiz score for every day after that first week. The make-up test/quiz will be different from that for the class. Ten points will be deducted from the make-up test without a written document to support the excuse. 

 

Withdraw for Class Procedure: Students must complete a withdrawal form with the Registration office if they stop attending class. Students who do not formally withdraw will receive an “F” or another appropriate letter grade. 

Important Notes:

  • Students with Disabilities: Mid-Plains Community College is committed to providing a discrimination-free environment for its students with disabilities. If you are a student with a documented disability, and assistance is needed, please contact: Robin Rankin, MPCC North Campus and MPCC Extended Campuses, 308-535-3637. Chris Turner, North Platte South Campus, 308-535-3715. Jacob Brandl, McCook Community College, 308-345-8128. Or contact us through e-mail at disabilityservices@mpcc.edu.

  • Mid-Plains Community College is committed to academic integrity and honesty as an essential component of MPCC as an academic institution. All members of MPCC’s academic community: administrators, staff, faculty and students, share the responsibility of maintaining that integrity.  Violations of academic integrity include acts, such as plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, obtaining unauthorized materials from the internet, allowing others to write or compose your work; or using the work of other students, not citing the original sources, facilitating misconduct, and/or assisting others in actions that are related to these violations of academic integrity. Students who partake in violations of academic integrity at MPCC are subject to sanctions as described within the official MPCC Academic Integrity Policy. This policy can be found online in the Student Handbook or College Catalog.  Students are granted due process and the right to appeal any decision regarding an academic integrity violation. It is the responsibility of the student to know and follow MPCC Academic Integrity standards. Ignorance of the MPCC Academic Integrity standards and/or unintentional violation(s) of the standards do not excuse the violation. Students who have questions about Academic Integrity or the MPCC Academic Integrity policy may direct their questions to any faculty member, division chair or the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

  • If you are pregnant or become pregnant during the semester, please be advised that we need to discuss (on an individual basis), the potentially harmful chemicals used in this class. If you are allergic to latex, formaldehyde, carbolic acid (phenol), isopropanol, propylene glycol, or ethylene glycol, you may be exposed to them during the lab.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due