CHEMISTRY 211 GENERAL CHEMISTRY Lecture Syllabus Section 002 Tu/Th 3:00 – 4:15 ENT
103 ________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________
Text:
Chemistry, The Molecular
Nature of Matter and Change
by M. S.
Silberberg 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill (2008)
Instructor:
Dr. Keith M. Davies Office: 410 PW-OB
email:
kdavies@gmu.edu
Tel:
703-993-1075
Office Hours: Tu/Th
10:00-1100, 1:30-2:00 (ST1
402A)
Chapter in
Text
Sept
1, 3
1
Matter and
Measurement
8,
10
2
The Components of
Matter
15, 17
3
Stoichiometry of
Formulas and Equations
22, 24
3
Classes of Chemical
Reactions
29,
1
4
Exam I
- Sept 29 (Chapters
1-3)
Oct
6, 8
5
Gases
15
6
Thermochemistry Columbus Day Recess- No class
on Oct 13th
20,
22
6,
7
Quantum Theory and Atomic Structure
27,
29
7
Exam II
- Oct 29 (Chapters
4-7)
Nov
3, 5
8
Electronic Configuration
and Periodicity
10, 12
9
Models of Chemical Bonding
17,
19
10
Shapes of
Molecules
24
Exam III - Nov 24
(Chapters
8-10)
Thanksgiving Recess: Nov 25-29
1, 3
11
Covalent Bonding
Theories
Dec
8,
10
12
Solids, Liquids and Intermolecular
Forces
15
Final Exam (cumulative)
1:30 - 4:15 p.m.
Examinations
Mid Term: Sept 29, Oct 29, Nov 24
Final:
Dec 15,
1:30-4:15
Grading
Mid-Term Exams
30%
Final Exam
20%
Quizzes
12%
Homework
13%
Lab
25%
Course Content and Policies.
CHEM 211 is the first semester of a two semester General Chemistry sequence for students majoring in science and mathematics, or preparing for entry into health professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary science. CHEM 211 will provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, properties of gases, liquids and solids, and chemical thermodynamics. Emphasis will be placed on quantitative aspects, particularly when discussing gas laws and chemical change. The importance of developing critical thinking and problem solving skills will be stressed throughout the course.
Student Preparation. Success in General Chemistry is determined largely by the amount of time that a student puts into the course outside of the classroom. A number of learning aids are available (lecture notes, textbook, study guide, homework and a Textbook web site learning center). Different approaches to learning will work for different students. Some will learn mostly from the textbook, while others will be stimulated by an animated/interactive web site. The most important thing is to spend a minimum of several hours a week working on the course material using the learning method or methods that work best for you. Since numerical chemical calculations constitute a large part of many chapters (and of scheduled tests and quizzes), practicing numerical problems should constitute a large part of your preparation.
Make Up Exam Policy. An absence from an exam will be excused ONLY if adequate documentation is provided. (e.g. an official note from a physician, preferably ahead of the exam date). For an excused absence, the mid-term exam% for the course will be determined from the mean of the other two mid-terms (i.e. the point values of the other two exams will be increased proportionately to cover the missed exam). Only one missed mid-term exam will be permitted (a second missed exam will result in a zero score for the exam). All students must take the Final Exam to pass the course.
Grading Policies. Grades will not be based on a 100% scale ( A equates to 90+%, B to 80+%, etc) but relative to the rest of the class. The class average will be equated to a middle -high C, and the rest of the grades will be determined relative to this norm.
Online Resources (http://aris.mhhe.com): McGraw-Hill's ARIS (Assessment, Review, and Instruction System) is an electronic homework and problem solving center that enables students to take self-paced tests, with feedback, on specific material from each chapter. Students can also access additional problems, referenced to the Silberberg Chemistry text. The problem-solving center also contains a 3-D Visualization Center where students can work through visualization tutorials (real-time manipulation of computer generated molecular models as well as animations) to gain a better conceptual understanding of molecular structure.
Laboratory Course. To complete the Chem 211 course, each student must also enroll and obtain a passing grade in a Chem 211 lab class. If a student is repeating the course and has previously obtained a passing grade in the lab (at GMU or elsewhere) he/she can be exempt from the lab. To achieve this, the student must provide evidence of their prior lab grade and fill out a Lab waiver form in the chemistry office (ST 343). They must also notify the lecture instructor of their lab exempt status.
Problem Sets, Quizzes and Practice Problems. The recommended homework and problem sets are designed to help students digest and comprehend the course material, by working on it regularly prior to the mid-term examinations. To be successful in Chem 211, it is essential that you also attempt many of the Practice Problems, which are listed at the end of each chapter. This will help you to maximize your understanding of the course material, and sharpen your problem-solving skills in preparation for the examinations.