Introduction to General Chemistry – Course Syllabus and Study Guide

Introduction to General Chemistry

Course Overview

This course provides a foundational understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry. It is designed for students preparing for advanced chemistry courses or those seeking a general science requirement. The course covers the major fields of chemistry and basic chemical concepts necessary for further study.

• Credit: 3 hours (lecture-based, 3 credits)

• Pre-requisites: MAT 1033 (Intermediate Algebra) or MAC 1105 (College Algebra)

• Objective: To enable students to understand the fundamental principles of chemistry and develop a foundation of basic chemistry concepts.

Required Course Materials

• Textbook: Introductory Chemistry, 7th Edition by Nivaldo J. Tro (required)

• Mastering Chemistry Access: Online homework and resources platform (required)

• Scientific Calculator: Must be able to do exponential notation. TI-30XS Multiview or TI-36X Pro are recommended. (Graphing calculators are not allowed.)

Note: Temporary 2-week access to Mastering Chemistry is available if you are waiting for your code.

Instructor and Contact Information

• Instructor: Dr. Jessica Edwards

• Email: [e-mail]

• Phone: [phone] Ext. 6020

• Division Chair: Melda Ellis, [e-mail]

• Campus Safety: David Thomassee, [e-mail]

Student Accessibility Resources (SAR)

Gulf Coast State College provides an inclusive learning environment. Students needing accommodations must register with Student Accessibility Resources. Documentation and approval are required before accommodations are granted.

Attendance and Withdrawal Policies

Attendance

• Active participation is required. Check-Up Quiz by August 22nd, 2023 is mandatory to remain in the course.

• Failure to complete the Check-Up Quiz or other required materials may result in being reported as a No Show and removal from the course.

Withdrawals

• Students must submit a withdrawal form to the Office of Enrollment Services.

• Withdrawing after the add/drop period may result in a grade of W, and may have financial or academic consequences.

Course Assessments

Tests

There will be five (5) tests throughout the semester. The average of these tests will count for 60% of your total course grade. Tests are proctored and require a web-cam and lockdown browser.

Exam	Chapters	Testing Time Frame
1	1 - 4	September 15th – September 16th
2	5 & 6	October 2nd – October 3rd
3	7 & 8	October 23rd – October 24th
4	9 & 10	November 10th – November 11th
5	11 & 13	December 3rd – 4th
Final Exam	Comprehensive	December 10th – December 11th

Important: Do not wait until the last minute to take exams. Plan ahead and start early.

Homework

• Homework counts for 12% of the overall grade.

• Assignments are completed in Mastering Chemistry.

• Homework due dates are strict and will not be extended except under extenuating circumstances.

• Each homework part will allow multiple attempts, but a small deduction is applied for incorrect answers.

Quizzes

• Quizzes are available for each chapter in Mastering Chemistry.

• Unlimited attempts are allowed, but the average of the scores will count for 8% of your grade.

Grading Breakdown

• Tests: 60% of total grade

• Final Exam: 20% of total grade

• Homework: 12% of total grade

• Quizzes: 8% of total grade

The lowest test score will be dropped before computing the test average. No homework or quiz scores will be dropped.

Computer and Online Course Requirements

Computer Systems

• Students must have a computer compatible with Canvas and Mastering Chemistry.

• A web-cam and reliable internet connection are required for proctored exams.

• Backup plans are recommended in case of technical issues.

Student Computer & Canvas Skills

• Basic web-browsing and Canvas navigation skills are required.

• Students should plan to log in to the course at least 5 times per week.

Netiquette

• Use clear and specific language; avoid abbreviations.

• Be polite and professional; avoid all uppercase letters and excessive punctuation.

• Respect the opinions of others and disagree respectfully.

Additional Information

• Cheating and plagiarism are not tolerated and may result in disciplinary action.

• All course communication should be professional and respectful.

• Students are responsible for keeping up with assignments and deadlines.

Summary Table: Grading Components

Component	Percentage of Grade
Tests (Best 4 of 5)	60%
Final Exam	20%
Homework	12%
Quizzes	8%

Example: Using a Scientific Calculator

• For chemistry calculations, you may need to use exponential notation. For example, to enter Avogadro's number ($6.022 \times 10^{23}$), use the "EXP" or "EE" button on your calculator.

Additional info:

• This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of course expectations, grading, and required materials for an Introduction to Chemistry course. Students should refer to the official syllabus and course website for updates and detailed policies.