Chemistry
2002-2003

Instructor: Prof. J. Schierenbeck

Textbook: Chemistry, Herron and others, Heath, 1996
Chemistry - Laboratory Experiments, Hall and others, Heath, 1996

Calculator: Each student must have a scientific calculator available to use in and outside of class.

Duration/Credits: Two semesters/1.0 credits

Prerequisites: Adequate understanding of algebra I.

Course Objectives:

• To gain insights into the present understanding of the makeup of matter and the and the laws which govern how matter reacts chemically.

• To develop skills in laboratory procedures and techniques, and experimental design.

• To become 'chemically literate'.

• To develop and refine problem solving skills.

• To become academically prepared for a collegiate general chemistry course.

• To further appreciate the inner workings of God's creation.

Topics Covered:
    Activities of Science
    Describing Matter
    Chemical Reactions and Equations
    Molar Relationships
    Stoichiometry
    Gases and Their Properties
    Predicting Gas Behavior
    Composition of the Atom
    Nuclear Chemistry
    Electrons in Atoms
    The Periodic Table

    Chemical Bonding
    Condensed States of Matter
    Solutions
    Thermodynamics
    Reaction Rates
    Reaction Equilibrium
    Acids and Bases
    Electrochemistry
    Chemical Analysis
    Organic Chemistry

Assessments:

Homework: Homework will be assigned approximately two times per week on average. It will normally be due 1-4 days from after it is assigned. The homework will usually be corrected. Assignments should be started early so that you can get assistance if you run into difficulty.

Exams: There will ordinarily be an exam upon the completion of a chapter or a pair of chapters. This amounts to an average of 6 exams each semester. Each semester, the lowest exam score for each student will is not averaged into the course grade.

Extra Credit: On most homework assignments, additional problems will be assigned as optional work. These problems will be due before the exam for that chapter is taken. Extra credit points will be given for completion (or partial completion) of these problems. These points will be added to your exam total.

Final Exam: A cumulative final exam will be given at the end of each semester.

Grading:

                Tests 40% (lowest score dropped each sem.)
                Final Exam 20%
                Laboratory 15%
                Homework 15%
                Projects 10%
                Letter Grade Conversions

Office Hours: It is not expected that you should be able to succeed in this course without ever having any contact with the instructor outside of class time. You can anticipate that you will have questions throughout the year. You must make it a point to get those questions answered to your satisfaction. This can hopefully be achieved through your own thinking and reading, consultation with classmates or others, and through communication with the instructor in and outside of class time. I will generally be available in my Northwest Hall office during the office hours posted on my office door. You are welcome to come by any time I am available in my office. If you would like to arrange a specific time at which to meet, that could certainly be arranged. You may always contact me by telephone at either my office or at home. My office number is 836-6630 and my home number is 839-8938. There is an answering machine at both locations, so you can leave me a message if I am not there. Do not feel timid about calling me at home on evenings or weekends; it's not a problem at all. But, if calling my home, please call before 10:00 pm. You may also contact me via Email at jeff.schierenbeck@ilc.edu.

Late Assignments: Unless otherwise specifically stated, all work assigned to be turned in on a particular date is due at the beginning of the class period on that day. NO CREDIT WILL BE RECEIVED FOR HOMEWORK THAT IS HANDED IN LATE! If, because of an excused absence, you are unable to be in class on the day that work is due, you will be expected to turn in that assignment at the beginning of the next class period which you are able to attend. If circumstances arise which would not allow you to get your assignment in on time, then let me know as early as you can. It may be possible for you to receive an extension. However, if you inform me of your situation just before class on the day that the work is due, do not expect me to be too gracious! Start on the assignment early so that you can get questions answered that arise.

Information Missed Due To Absence: Whether present or absent (excused or unexcused), you are responsible for any information given out during the class periods. This includes lecture material, laboratory or other activities, homework assignments, quizzes, announcements of test/quiz dates, or any other matter that is discussed. Therefore, if you are absent for a class period, be sure to contact a responsible classmate, or me, to be filled in on any important information that you may have missed. Of course, if you need help catching up on any material that you missed, I will be happy to assist you.

If you miss a period in which a test or quiz is given, you will be responsible for contacting me as soon as possible to arrange a time to make up the test. If I don't hear from you, be prepared to take the test during the next class period which you are able to attend.