Hybrid C1151-02

 

Principles of Chemistry 1

 
 

 

 
    Instructor:  Kirk Boraas (kirk.boraas@minneapolis.edu)
Spring 2015 Syllabus
   

Links:  D2L Power Point Viewer Download

12/31/14 KB

Click here for  the  online  course  syllabus
Click here for a video course introduction .
Click here for a Powerpoint lecture example.
Click here for an Almost Live Lecture (A.L.L.)

If you have registered for Principles of Chemistry (ONLINE),
please email Kirk Boraas  before the beginning of the semester.

 

WARNING....Are you ready to take a challenging course?

Principles of Chemistry 1 might be the most difficult course you’ve taken so far in your college career.  New terminology, abstract concepts and mathematical problem solving all contribute to a demanding course that requires a lot of time spent studying and working problems.  I’ve selected a very good textbook, created narrated lectures and utilized on-line resources to give you the best chance at mastering the material.

However, you must be able to devote yourself to this course and you be reasonable about your responsibilities outside of class.  If you work and have a family, this one course could be too much to manage.  Use the table below to determine what course load is realistic for you.  Keep in mind that courses with required laboratories will require additional work outside of class.
 

Working
 (Full Time)
Working
 (part time)
Family Recommended Number of Course(s)
Yes No Yes                1   (very challenging)
Yes No No                1
No Yes Yes                1
No Yes No                2
No No Yes                2
No No No                3 (full time student)

 

C1151-29  is NOT self-paced.

  • Exams will be scheduled at the beginning of the semester. Exam dates are not negotiable.
  •  It is up to you to NOT fall behind.
  • Don't take this class unless you are self-motivated, organized and have the time for a challenging course.
  • 15 hours per week minimum time requirement!
     
  • Checking daily the D2L website and my blog is highly recommended.
     
  • High speed internet is required (File Size >20MB).
     

  • Textbook:  Principles of Chemistry: A Molecular Approach  Author: Nivaldo J. Tro  Publisher: Prentice Hall

Communication:
Communication is very important in this online class.  

  • Lectures: Completely narrated and available in MS PowerPoint format are available on the course's D2L website.
     

  • A.L.L.: Almost Live LecturesHand written/narrated tutorials demonstrating interesting experiments and problem solving techniques.
     

  • Kirk's Daily Blog: The daily blog emphasizes important topics, class announcements and suggestions for study.
     

  • Discussion Forum: Chapter by chapter discussions of important ideas and homework problems.  If you have a content related question, please post it on the discussion board.
     

  • Email:  Used for confidential communication only.  For chemistry related questions, please use the D2L discussion board.

Homework

  • Assigned homework problems will be available on the Mastering Chemistry website (www.masteringchemistry.com)
     
  • You will need to register on the Mastering Chemistry website at the start of the semester (cost~$50).  Registration details available in the syllabus (see link above).
     
  • Additional homework problems may be assigned throughout the semester.
     
  • Regular D2L quiz scores will also be incorporated into the homework grades.

 

Exams

  • Two exams (20% of course grade) delivered online
     
  • On Campus mid-semester exam (25%).
     
  • On Campus end of semester exam (25%)
     
  • On Campus Cumulative Final Exam (Optional).
    Can be used to replace the lowest of the two on campus exams listed above.

     
  • Refer to the syllabus for more details.
 

Laboratory is required.

  • Be sure to register for a lab section that fits your schedule and make arrangements to be on campus at that time.
     
  • Students must arrive in the first 10 minutes of lab and pass the laboratory quiz with 60% or better (one attempt) to be able to do the day's experiment.
     
  • Lab is important.  You can miss at no more than 3 experiments before being dropped from the class.

Lab Materials

  • Lab handouts will be made available in .pdf file format on the C1151 here.

 

Syllabus

  • The syllabus (see link above) contains a schedule that contains a complete schedule with testing dates. 
    Read it carefully!
Office hours
  • Campus office hours will be announced early in the semester.
  • Online office hours will be announced early in the semester.

Grades

  • 2 ONLINE exams.........................................20 % .................................... (Refer to syllabus)
  • 1 Mid-semester Exam (3 hours)...................25%  ....................................(Refer to syllabus)
  • 1 Mid-semester Exam (3 hours)...................25%  ....................................(Refer to syllabus)
  • 1 Optional Final Exam (3 hours).................................................................(Can replace one of the mid-semester exams)
  • Laboratory Quizzes (single lowest score is dropped)......10 % of course grade
  • Laboratory Reports (single lowest score is dropped)......10% of course grade
  • Homework and D2L quizzes .........................10 %....................................Available at www.masteringchemistry.com website