Course Syllabus

Spring 2024 | CHE-1031-VU02 - General Chemistry I

In Person Class

Standard courses meet in person at CCV centers, typically once each week for the duration of the semester.

Faculty

Vidula Srivastava
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jennifer Guarino

General Education Requirements

VSCS Natural Science

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This is the first course of a two-semester sequence on the fundamental principles of chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, stoichiometry, gas laws, thermochemistry, modern atomic theory, liquids and solids, and molecular structure. Prior learning in College Algebra or equivalent is strongly recommended. Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra or above.

Essential Objectives

1. Distinguish between the chemical and physical properties of matter.
2. Demonstrate mathematical proficiency within the SI measurement system.
3. Classify and use balanced chemical equations to solve stoichiometric problems.
4. Use systematic nomenclature and standardized symbols to represent atoms, molecules, ions and chemical reactions.
5. Determine the solubility, concentration and ionic properties of compounds dissolved in aqueous solution and apply these concepts to the solution of physical problems.
6. Describe the intermolecular forces influencing properties of gases, liquids and solids.
7. Use theoretical models to predict atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular geometry.
8. Apply simple gas laws, ideal gas law and Dalton’s law to chemical problems.
9. Explain the laws of thermodynamics and the concepts of energy, heat and work work and apply these concepts to the solution of physical problems.
10. Predict periodic trends and formulate energy diagrams using the quantum mechanical model of the atom.
11. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding, interpreting, evaluating and applying quantitative data and information.
12. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss the impacts of diversity and inclusion on scientific research and practice.
Lab Objectives:
1. Apply knowledge of the scientific method to:
a. formulate and evaluate real-world scientific questions;
b. ethically plan and implement accurate data collection;
c. analyze and evaluate data;
d. generate conclusions based on analysis and justify claims with evidence;
e. integrate the related work of other scientists; and
f. propose ideas for further inquiry.
2. Communicate findings in a format appropriate to the discipline and type of investigation, such as a laboratory notebook, laboratory report, observational study, field investigation report, poster, or presentation using appropriate evidence to support these findings.
3. Understand the structure and purpose of peer-reviewed publications.
4. Evaluate scientific information for validity, accuracy, reliability, and methodology.
5. Identify and follow lab safety techniques that are aligned with CCV’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, Lab Safety Agreements, and chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV IT Support page. https://support.ccv.edu/general/computer-recommendations/

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course uses one or more textbooks/books/simulations.

Spring 2024 textbook details will be available on 2023-11-06. On that date a link will be available below that will take you to eCampus, CCV's bookstore. The information provided there will be specific to this class. Please see this page for more information regarding the purchase of textbooks/books.

CHE-1031-VU02 Link to Textbooks for this course in eCampus.

The last day to use a Financial Aid Advance to purchase textbooks/books is the 3rd Tuesday of the semester. See your financial aid counselor at your academic center if you have any questions.

Methods

This is an on ground course and we will be meeting at CCV Winooski campus.

• Classes will be held in person on Mondays and Wednesdays.
• Chapter power point will be available in the weekly modules in Canvas.
• Lesson specific videos will be assigned
• Single and group discussions will be assigned in Canvas
• Quizzes and the final exam will be during the class meetings.
• As we move through the semester there could be circumstances which may get in the way of learning, life happens and I am fully understanding of this. Should you find yourself in extenuating circumstances, please let me know and we will work on creating a timeline to submit your work on a later date.
• In the emerging world of AI, good use of SMART goals for writing and math can be very useful. For an enriching experience with reports and write-ups, after receiving feedback from AI tool hold discussion session with a teacher or peer.
• Make prudent use of interactive platforms like chatbot or virtual tours. Stay curious to dive deep into the intricacies of machine learning and neural networks.

Evaluation Criteria

Overall grade will be comprised of:

• Homework, Discussion participation 20%
• Labs 30%
• Quizzes 30%
• Final exam 20%

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

• Participation makes up for 20% of your grade. Participation will be reflected in your class discussions and during the homework review.
• Students will be expected to actively engage with pre-lab discussions and assignments.

Missing & Late Work Policy

• Late assignments will be accepted with a 5% penalty to the grade. Inform me via email and a plan for late submission can be worked out.
• Weekly homework will be reviewed and discussed in class.
• Labs will be due on the following lab day.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/discover-resources/students-with-disabilities/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity