click here for the lab syllabus, including lab handouts.

CH 104:  Introductory Chemistry I

Fall Quarter, 2009, 4 c.h.  CRNs 40401, 40402, 40403

Carol Higginbotham, Ph.D.

  201 Ochoco                       383-7552              chigginbotham@cocc.edu

Office Hours:  8:45-10:15 am Monday, 12:45-1:45 pm Wednesday,

11:45-12:45 and 2:35-4:05 pm Thursday

CH 104 - Introduction To Chemistry I Introduces basic principles of general chemistry, including atomic theory, chemical formulas and equations, bonding, stoichiometry, acid/base chemistry, and solutions. Supporting laboratory work included. Prerequisite: one year of high school algebra or equivalent of MTH 060. Not designed for science majors.

When and where this course meets: 

Lecture Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:15 am till 11:45 a.m., Ochoco 123

Laboratory sections:  in Ochoco 225

            I.          3:15 – 5:30 p.m. M                    CRN 40402       
            II.          7:45 – 10:00 a.m. T                    CRN 40401       

            III.         10:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. T          CRN 40403       

Course Outcomes

Upon completing this course students will:

1. Demonstrate how to use the periodic chart to determine atomic structure, to find periodic changes in chemical properties and electronic structure, to rank reactivity of atoms within families of elements and to approximate the electronegativities of atoms.
   
2. Draw Lewis structures for ionic and covalent compounds.  To determine the polarity of bonds in a molecule.
   
3. Demonstrate the ability to use dimensional analysis in solving problems dealing with moles, atoms, grams, molarity, molecules, and similar mathematical issues.
   
4. Identify types of chemical reactions such as combination, decomposition, single replacement and ion exchange reactions.
   
5. Complete and balance chemical equations.
   
6. Use the mole concept to find numbers of atoms, grams, and molecules given atomic and molecular weights.
   
7.  Determine the concentrations of solutions using molarity and molality designations.
   
8. Find and use oxidation numbers to write correct formulas.
   
9. Define and apply oxidation-reduction concepts to 1) balancing equations, 2) electrolytic processes, and 3) voltaic cells.
   
10. Apply LeChatelier’s principle to equilibria.
    
11. Apply the universal gas law and the combined gas law to samples of gas.
    
12. Describe and distinguish between the physical states of solids, liquids, and gases.
    
13. Describe and distinguish between acids, bases, and salts.
    
14. Determine the pH of solutions of acids and bases using the principles of equilibria of solutions.
    
15. Name and draw molecules that fit the following categories:  alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and organic acids.
    
16. Put together a chain of reactions that moves one from a starting material to a desired product, when given various types of organic synthesis problems.
    
17. Describe and distinguish between:  proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids.
    
18. Interpret and carry out a set of written experimental instructions and then to convey the experimental results in a laboratory report.

Required Materials:

Text:  Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 5/e, by McMurry and Castellion, Prentice Hall, Inc. 2003, ISBN 0-13-187748-8 (older or newer editions are perfectly acceptable although problem sets may differ slightly.)

            Laboratory Safety Glasses or goggles

            Scientific calculator

Class Policies and Grading:

Attendance:  is expected.  Credit will be given for in-class activities.  I will not accept late quizzes, laboratory reports, or assignments, and will not schedule make-up sessions for these activities.   If you miss class only rarely, this will pose no problem for you.  If you miss class frequently you should expect a reduction in your grade.  If an emergency keeps you from an exam, you must have contacted me ahead of time if you are to receive an opportunity to make up the exam. 

If you are ill, do not come to campus if you risk infecting others.  If your illness keeps you from more than one class session, please call or email me.

Class time:  will be spent on a variety of activities, including group work, discussions, lectures, problem-solving sessions, and demonstrations.  Do not be intimidated by our interactive approach.  It will benefit you to participate enthusiastically, and I will keep the atmosphere in the classroom respectful and supportive at all times.  As time progresses, I will expect more and more independence from you, so you must take responsibility for your own learning:  use the text, work problems, and interact with your peers to maximize your learning.

Unless you make special arrangements with me, I expect your cell phone or PDA will be off during class.  Neither of these devices can be substituted for a calculator during exams.

Homework assignments Graded assignments will be made occasionally.  Homework may be graded in its entirety or by spot-checking certain problems.  Homework will usually come in the form of problem sets.

Cheating:  I may seem nice, but I do not tolerate cheats:  I give zeros and will report incidents to the college administration.  Remember that representing another’s words or ideas as your own is plagiarism.  If you are making use of the work of others, play it safe and cite the source.  If you have questions about what does and does not constitute cheating, talk to me before the questionable work is turned in.  

Contacting me:  Feel free to phone, email, or stop by my office or the lab anytime.  If you come at a time that is inconvenient for me, I may ask you to set up an appointment but I will be glad you asked!  My class schedule is available on my faculty web page.  I may not be available at other times, due to appointments and meetings that take me away from the office. 

Laboratory:  Your grade in lab is merged with your grade in the classroom portion of the course to determine your overall course grade.  You therefore receive just one grade for this course on your grade report.  However, you must pass lab to pass the course. 

If you are having trouble:  Your grade record will be available to you via the web during the term.  Instructions for accessing this resource will be given in class.  In addition, the college will distribute written progress reports to all students who are not earning a passing grade about mid-term.  This type of report is intended to foster communication before problems become insurmountable.  If you receive one, schedule an appointment to see me. 

Tutors are available through the CAP center in the lower level of the library.  This is a free service.  Call 383-7539 for information, and/or watch my office bulletin board for a schedule.

Students with Disabilities:  If you have documented disabilities and may need accommodations, if you have any emergency medical information the instructor should know of, or if you need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, you should make an appointment with me as early as is possible, no later than the first week of the term. Students may also wish to contact the COCC Disability Services Office in the Boyle Education Center, (541) 383-7583.

Grading:  Grades are calculated based on a percent of possible points, fit to a scale of 94-100% earned = A, 90-93% = A-, 87 - 89 = B+, 84 - 88 = B, etc.

Grades are calculated according to this scheme:

            Exams:  (2)                                           40%

            Big Quizzes     (3)                                15%     

            Homework + In-class work                   10%

            Laboratory Reports                              15%

            Final Exam                                           20%

TOTAL                                                             100%

Big Quizzes are approximately half the length of an exam.  A big quiz will be scheduled approximately one week before each unit exam.

CH104 Fall 2009  Course Content:

All dates are subject to revision.