CHEM 007 – Fundamentals of Chemistry: Syllabus and Course Overview

Course Overview

Introduction

This course, CHEM 007 – Fundamentals of Chemistry, is a survey of the basic principles of inorganic, organic, and biological chemistry. It is designed for general students and covers essential concepts relevant to General, Organic, and Biological (GOB) Chemistry.

Course Structure and Logistics

Class Meetings

• Lecture: MW 3:00pm–5:05pm (DM 23)

• Lab: MW 11:30am–2:35pm (MSTC 205)

Instructor: Duyen Pham Contact: [e-mail]

Office Hours

• Tuesday: 2:00pm–4:00pm

• Thursday: 3:00pm–5:00pm

• Location: North Annex 3, #5

MSSC Hours

• Tuesday and Thursday: 11:00am–12:30pm

• Location: Math 4

Required Materials

• Textbook: Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 13th Edition (Timberlake), ISBN #9780134421353

• A standard scientific calculator (no cell phones allowed on exams and final)

• Pens and/or pencils and paper

Important Dates

• September 9: Last day to ADD full-term classes

• September 14: Last day to DROP with refund

• September 16: Last day to DROP without a "W"

• November 21: Last day to DROP with a "W"

Grading Policy

Grade Breakdown

• Homework: 10%

• Quizzes: 5%

• Lab: 20%

• Exams: 43%

• Discussion: 2%

• Cumulative Final Exam: 20%

Letter Grades

Percentage	Course Grade
≥ 90%	A
80% – 89%	B
70% – 79%	C
50% – 69%	D
< 50%	F

Coursework and Assessment

Homework

• Assigned weekly, based on chapter readings and problems.

• Graded on completion.

Quizzes

• Four take-home quizzes throughout the semester.

• No make-up quizzes will be offered.

Exams

• Four exams during the semester.

• Exams may include various question formats: responses, fill in the blanks, matching, multiple choice, etc.

• No make-up exams. A score of zero will be assigned to any missing exam.

Laboratory Policies

Lab Attendance and Attire

• Attendance at the first lab meeting is mandatory to retain your place.

• Missing three labs results in being dropped from the class.

• Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required; goggles must be worn during experiments.

Pre-lab Assignments

• Must be completed and checked for completeness before lab entry.

• Students without a completed pre-lab will not be permitted to participate and will receive a zero for that experiment.

Lab Reports

• Each experiment requires a lab report, including pre-lab assignment, report sheet(s), and post-lab questions.

• Lab reports are individual work and must be submitted before the next lab meeting via Canvas.

• Missing more than 3 lab reports results in being dropped from the class.

Late Work

• Late assignments (homework, quizzes, lab reports) are penalized 10% per day.

• No late work is accepted for exams and the final.

Academic Integrity

Cheating and Plagiarism

• Zero tolerance policy for academic dishonesty.

• Examples of cheating include copying answers, using unauthorized materials, or submitting another's work as your own.

• Consequences include a zero for the assignment and possible disciplinary action.

Improper Behaviors

• Disruptive or disrespectful behavior, or not following safety protocols, will not be tolerated.

• Violations may result in removal from the class.

Accessibility and Accommodations

• Students with disabilities should contact DSPS for accommodations.

• Electronic devices are not permitted during exams or class unless approved by DSPS.

Student Responsibilities

• Attend lectures and keep up with course materials.

• Check email regularly for course communications.

• Lectures may not be posted online; attendance is important.

Course Catalog Description

This course is a survey of the basic principles of inorganic, organic, and bio-organic chemistry presented on a level for the general student.

Tentative Schedule

• Lecture and lab schedules are subject to change and will be posted on Canvas.

Example: Application of GOB Chemistry

• Understanding the structure and function of biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids) in biological systems.

• Applying chemical principles to real-world contexts such as medicine, nutrition, and environmental science.