Course Syllabus

Fall 2024 | CHE-1031-VU02H - General Chemistry I

Hybrid Class

Hybrid courses combine online instruction with limited in-person meetings throughout the semester. Hybrid courses can take place in standard or accelerated formats.

Faculty

Geoffrey Giampa
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Jen 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.

Fall 2024 textbook details will be available on 2024-05-20. 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-VU02H 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.

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

The following assessment tools will be used during this semester:

• Labs
  You will conduct experiments, individually or in pairs. Each lab will have a lab report due 1 week from the lab. You can work with your lab partner or other students on the report, but each lab repot submitted must be unique.
• End of Chapter Quizzes
  After covering each chapter, there will be a short quiz on definitions, broad concepts and related problems
• Online Discussions
  Discussions will focus on expanding understanding of concepts and finding connections between concepts and the world
• Research Paper
  You will write a research paper of at least 7 pages on an apporved chemistry topic
• Exams
  Exams there will be two to four exams, which will be decided on as a class on our first day.

Note: The Weekly Schedule gives the list of topics and what will be covered each week, and gives the expectation of what assignments are due. Some assignment due dates may be shifted to account for our determined exam schedule, or to provide extra time for difficult subjects.

Evaluation Criteria

Learning Chemistry requires persistence, diligence, and hard work. This course will cover a number of topics and the difficulty will quickly ramp up. To facilitate discussion, assigned chapters should be read before the week they are covered. There will be suggested problems for each chapter and they are strongly recommended for building skills. The suggested problems will not be graded, but the chapter quiz questions will be similar. The suggested problems are the minimum recommendation, and if you are not advancing through them quickly I recommend doing additional problems. A short quiz on definitions, broad concepts, and related problems will be given after each assigned chapter.

Your grade will be based on the points you earn from quizzes, labs, exams, discussion, and your research paper. The relative percentage of each towards your total grade and approximate number of points are listed below (actual percentage may vary slightly).

· 20% Chapter Quizzes

· 20% Labs

· 35% Exams

· 15% Research Paper

· 10% Discussion Forum

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

• Attend class regularly, on-time and for the full session
• Positively contribute to class discussions and activities
• Ask questions and seek help when you need it
• Challenge yourself to do your best work
• Posts should be substantive and demonstrate college-level writing. A substantive post is well-developed, a minimum 150 words, and references the reading or another appropriate source. A substantive post is NOT one or two sentences of general statements or unsupported opinion.
  Deadlines for posts will be provided with each assignment.

Missing & Late Work Policy

• Late assignments can be submitted up to one week past the deadline. You will lose 10% each day that an assignment is late. After a week, it will no longer be accepted for credit.
• Late work is not accepted in the discussion forum. Interacting with classmates is an essential part of 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.
• You are responsible for checking Canvas and getting any notes, materials and assignments for the class you missed. Please reach out and ask questions if anything is unclear.

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