Instructors have provided the following information to generally describe what to expect in their classes.
Chemistry
Class Format
Face-to-face classes consist of interactive lecture, plus time for practice problems or other learning activities in small groups or pairs. Lecture handouts will be given out regularly, and you are encouraged to take notes on these during class. I welcome student questions during both lecture and practice problem time, and I often ask questions of students during class. Short quizzes are given regularly throughout the semester, and these are announced in class a few days ahead of time (with topic). For lab, there will be a brief lab lecture followed by a hands-on experiment or activity.
Resource Use
- A textbook is required for independent reading, note-taking, and additional practice problems.
- A non-programmable (non-graphing), scientific calculator is required for use during class, quizzes and exams. I strongly recommend the TI-30X-II model for use in lecture and lab.
- An access code for the online homework program is required. You will earn the majority of the homework grade from the weekly assigned online homework.
- Lab: Lab manual, lab coat, goggles and a calculator are required.
Assessment
Four or five regular exams will be given during the semester, plus there will be a comprehensive final exam. Take note of the exam dates provided, as there are generally no make-up opportunities. Regular exams are worth 60% of your grade and the final exam is worth 20%, with quizzes and assigned homework each worth 10% of the grade. The lowest two quiz scores will be dropped in the final calculation of your grade. Exams are all given in person. A mandatory hands-on laboratory exam is also held toward the end of the semester.
Homework Policy
Solving practice problems and completing readings and homework daily is the best way to succeed in general chemistry courses. Homework will be assigned weekly through Mastering Chemistry, although this will likely not provide enough practice to be proficient. Additional practice problems will be handed out in class for group work, as well as separate exam practice problems before each exam. I encourage you to take advantage of office hours to ask questions about homework or practice problems and concepts.
Attendance Policy
For face-to-face lecture classes, attendance is considered mandatory and is monitored, but there are no “participation points” or actual point deductions/penalties for being absent. The class format is considered “face-to-face”, so lecture materials and quizzes will not be regularly available in an online course format. There are no make-up opportunities for quizzes (no exceptions), however, the lowest two quiz scores will be dropped to account for (occasional) unavoidable absences. Laboratory attendance is mandatory, and there are no make-up sessions.
In general, students who attend class regularly perform better than those who do not. All announcements will be made in class as part of the lecture handouts, including quiz dates and topics. I am happy to provide in-class materials upon request for occasional absences due to non-academic responsibilities or illness.
Availability
I have five office hours per week, mostly scheduled before or after class. Students may also email to request an appointment. Feel free to email any time with questions or concerns, and I will generally respond within 24 hours or less.
