Course Syllabus

Fall 2024 | CHE-1020-VO02 - Introduction to Chemistry

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Traci Jensen
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Ryan Joy

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 course is an introduction to the concepts, principles and applications of chemistry. Includes atomic structure, periodicity, structure of matter, solutions, and an introduction to organic chemistry. Includes lab sessions which illustrate the principles of quantitative interpretation of data. Prior learning in Intermediate Algebra or equivalent is strongly recommended.

Essential Objectives

1. Define, and distinguish between, science and pseudoscience.
2. Define and employ the terms necessary to the study of chemistry.
3. Describe Dalton's atomic theory and modern atomic structure.
4. Explain the organization of the periodic table and how to use it.
5. Name, and be able to write chemical formulas for, binary ionic and covalent compounds, including those with common polyatomic ions.
6. Describe basic classes of chemical reactions and write complete, balanced chemical equations.
7. Apply the systems of measurement and unit conversions used in chemistry.
8. Apply the concepts of acid-base chemistry according to Arrhenius.
9. Describe the concept of equilibrium.
10. Describe the fundamental characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases.
11. Explain chemical bonding and molecular structure.
12. Demonstrate the quantitative reasoning skills required to understand, calculate, and interpret stoichiometric data for formulas, chemical reactions, and solutions.
13. Explain how knowledge created in the natural sciences has contributed to the creation, maintenance and dismantling of social inequalities and discuss how diversity improves science.
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

CHE-1020-VO02 Link to Textbooks/Resources Information 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.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

Methods

Learning chemistry requires a hands-on, active approach. There will be a weekly discussion forum in which you will be able to apply concepts from the chapter or collaborate on problem solving. Video tutorials (my own and others) will supplement the online textbook readings. Most weeks we will do an onlinelab or demonstration, primarily using Pivot Interactives and PhET simulations. There are six quizzes, in which you will be asked to show your work and explain your thinking. The class will culminate in a final project, where you can explore an application of chemistry that is of particular interest to you.

Evaluation Criteria

Homework: 20%

Lab Activities: 20%

Class Discussions: 20%

Quizzes: 25%

Final Project: 15%

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.

Missing & Late Work Policy

• Late assignments can be submitted up to one week past the deadline, with a 10% deduction.
• Late work is not accepted in the discussion forum. Interacting with classmates is an essential part of online discussions and cannot be made up after the fact.
• Extensions will be granted only in extenuating circumstances. If a lengthy medical problem or other emergent personal issue will result in missing weekly discussions and/or assignments, please contact your instructor as soon as possible.
• Students who know that they will not have course access for any given week should make arrangements with their instructor to complete assignments and participation requirements prior to the absence.

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