Course Syllabus

CHM121N: Chemistry and Society

 

Course Information 

Course Title: Chemistry and Society  

Course Prefix/Number: 121N 

Class Days/Times: Asynchronously Online

Credit Hours: 4  

 

Instructor Information 

Name: Dr. Hamidou Keita

E-mail: hkeita@tocc.edu

Office location: Zoom 

Office hours: MW 8:00-10:00 AM

 

Course Description 

This course covers the foundation of chemistry and its relationship to everyday experiences.  Skills such as conversions and problem solving techniques are also covered. Students will be  introduced to laboratory techniques and participate in experimental activities that promote the  development of basic and advanced scientific skills 

 

Student Learning Outcomes 

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to : 

1. Differentiate between physical and chemical properties and changes, and between elements, compounds, and mixtures.
2. Discuss current science problems and potential problems of the future.
3. Use appropriate chemical terminology and conventions to interpret symbols and formulas, balance chemical

equations, name and write formulas for common inorganic compounds, and identify various types of chemical reactions.

4. Perform calculations involving the metric system, scientific notation, the mole concept, and concentration terms including molarity, percent, ppm, ppb and dimensional analysis.
5. Use a periodic table to identify metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, and list general physical properties for each category including Lewis dot structure.
6. Identify and properly use lab equipment such as flasks, balances, beakers etc.

 

Course Structure 

This course is an integrated lab/lecture course. This course consists of PowerPoint, lectures, assigned reading, homework, chemical thinking research report, discussions, laboratory projects and several quizzes. 

Course Learning Materials and Textbook Information 

The following books can be used. (copy and paste the link in your browser) 

https://d3bxy9euw4e147.cloudfront.net/oscms-prodcms/media/documents/Chemistry2e-OP_TkF9Jl3.pdf

https://openstax.org/details/books/chemistry-2e ( to read the book online )

 

 Lab Kits 

CHM 121N1 is a lab loaded course and for that you have to get the chemistry lab kit. TOCC has promised to purchase a kit for every student. Please have this kit before the course begins.  Use the link below to enroll in Chem 121 lab.

Student Enrollment Link

https://myhol.holscience.com/enroll/fhxf-psbr-dpxp-cchk

 

 

DISCLAIMER: This syllabus is designed to evolve and change throughout the semester based on class progress and interests.  You will be notified of any changes as they occur.  

 

Courses Outline and Important Dates 

Courses Outline: 

1. Classification and Structure of Matter  /Lab 1

• Atomic, ionic, or molecular nature of all material 
• Atomic structure 
• Electronic arrangement 

2. Radioactivity / Lab 2

• Nuclear decay, radiation types 
• Power source 
• Societal implications, current usage 

3. Compound Formation from Elements /  Lab 3

• The Periodic Table of Elements 
• Metals and non-metals; their valence electrons, and periodic perspective 
• Atomic elements to ionic or molecular compounds; electron transfer and sharing 

4. Electron Transfer: Electricity, Oxidation and Reduction   / Lab 4

• The electrochemical cell 
• Construction of batteries 
• Corrosion, rust, and bleaching

5. Acids, Bases and Salts   /  Lab 5

• Definition and reaction with indicator dyes
•  pH Scale 
• Common acids and bases; and their relative strengths
• “Acid Rain” or other environmental topics related to pH 

 6. Chemical Quantities  /  Lab 6

• The mole concept 
• Calculation of molar mass of pure substances
• Interconversion of mass, mole and number of particles
• Molar solutions 

 7. Stoichiometry   /  Lab 7

• The balanced equation 
• Equation molar and mass relationships 

8.The Liquid State   /  Lab 8

• Water and its unique properties 
• Solutions and solubility 
• Contaminants and purification

9. The Gas State   /  Lab 9

• Comparison to solid, liquid states: particle density 
• Effects of temperature and pressure on volume 
• The atmosphere and atmospheric pressure 
• Modeling the gaseous state 

 10. Special Topics  /  Lab 10

• Traditional Knowledge of Chemistry 
• Lab techniques: use of flasks, balances and other classroom 
• appropriate activities 
• Other special topics selected by instructor as relevant 

 

Evaluations and Grading & Assignments: 

A=90% and above

B=80 - 89% 

C=70 - 79%

D=60 - 69% 

F=Under 60% is Failing  

 

Your grade will be determined by the following: 

1 Final exam 150 points            = 15% 

3 Exams 150 points (3 x 50)      =15% 

5 Quizzes  (5 X 20) 100 points   =10%

Labs/Reports 350 points           = 35% 

Research projects   50 points      =5%

10 Homework 200 points ( 10 x 20) =20% 

 

Total percentage= (1000 points)  100%

 

Himdag Cultural Component  

Himdag Cultural Component: Course will explore existing elements, materials and environmental issues where this applies to culture chemical thinking to continue improving or restoring  components of Himdag. Students will also formulate a personal ethic regarding the use of  chemical thinking in science teaching and research, incorporating perspectives from Western  science and TOCC Core values.  

 

Policies and Expectations 

Time to complete each module may vary from week to week. If you want to get the most out of the materials presented and earn the best grade you can, you should plan to spend at least 7-8 hours on the reading and assignments each week.

I want you to be successful in this course. Each week you will have reading, online lessons, homework, lab experiment and quizzes every other module to complete. There is a temptation to think in-person activities are more urgent than your online work. The problem is, then your online assignments pile up and you fall behind. Follow the weekly schedule and stay on top of your assignments.

I recommend that you log in at least three times per week to complete your work. 

Course Policies:  

1) As a fully online course, students are expected to manage their own time regarding completing course modules and assessments on time. All course materials will be available online and it's your responsibility to read them in a timely manner.

2) Students are expected to contact the instructor prior to absences. 

3). There is no regular scheduled meeting for this class and therefore students are solely responsible for managing their time in order to complete the course according to the datelines for each assessment.

4) Class participation and preparation are essential to student success. Students must read textual material, prepare for projects, complete required research as stated on the course schedule.  No face-to-face or zoom classes, however, you are welcome to contact me for office hours.

5) Students are expected to log in to canvas at least 3 times a week and work diligently throughout the whole time. 

6) Submissions of homeworks/assignments through emails are not allowed and will not be graded.  

7) Failure to submit a project results in a grade of zero (0). An F is a better grade! 

8) No work accepted after the last class

9) There are no extra credit work for this class 

 

Student Faculty Communication. A faculty member will respond to a student’s communication  within 24 hours of receiving the communication excluding weekends and college closures. If a  course is online a faculty will login their Canvas classroom a minimum of three times per week - spread evenly through-out the week - and respond to any discussion posts and check on  student progress in the course. 

STUDENT COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS 

Check your mail  at least once every 24 hours each weekday and plan to login into Canvas at least three times per week. 

 

Make-up policy:  

Late assignments are not accepted and will be given a zero. There is no make up policy unless  documented and convincing evidence are provided for such makeup assignment(s)/homework(s) or at Instructor discretion. 

Attendance Policy  

You are expected to arrive to class on time and be prepared to participate in each class period.  Four unexcused absences may result in withdrawal and a “W” or “Y” will be recorded. You may  request to be excused from class for religious observances and practices, for illness, for school  or work-related travel or for personal or family emergencies. If you will be absent, please notify  the instructor as soon as possible (approved by Faculty Senate April 2014).  

Incomplete Policy  

Incomplete (I) grades are not awarded automatically. The student must request an "I" from the  instructor who can choose to award an Incomplete only if all three of the following conditions  are met:  

1. The student completed 50% of the course. (Note: Students who have emergencies before 50% of the course is complete should withdraw "W" from the course)
2. While completing the course the student was in "good standing" (i.e. had a grade of "C" or better and had good attendance).
3. Reason for not completing the course was COVID related (ex. student contracted COVID, student had to care for someone with COVID or had to take on major caretaking roles, had change in job, etc.)

 

For the incomplete the Instructor must develop a plan with the student and obtain permission from the student to grant an Incomplete. The student has until the end of Spring 2022 to complete the incomplete. 

 

Student Withdrawals 

Students may withdraw from class at any time during the first 2/3 of the semester  without instructor permission and without incurring any grade penalty. Please be  sure to withdraw yourself by 11/03/2021 if you do not expect to complete the class, otherwise  you may receive an "F" grade. 

 

Special Withdrawals (Y) Grade 

The “Y” grade is an administrative withdrawal given at the instructor’s option when no other  grade is deemed appropriate. Your instructor must file a form stating the specific rationale for  awarding this grade. “Y” grades are discouraged since they often affect students negatively.  Your instructor will not award a "Y" grade without a strong reason. 

Equal Access Statement/Disability Accommodations 

Tohono O’odham Community College seeks to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. The College will comply with all applicable regulations, and  guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as required to ensure an  equal educational opportunity. This process includes self-identifying as a student with a disability, providing supporting documentation of their disability, and being approved for services  through the Disability Resources Office (DRO).It is the student's responsibility to make known to their instructor(s) the student’s specific needs within the context of each class in order to receive appropriate accommodations. We will work together in order to develop an accommodation plan specifically designed to meet the individual student's requirements.  

For more information or to request academic accommodations, please contact: Anthony Osborn, TOCC Disabilities Resource Coordinator, aosborn@tocc.edu, or 520-383-0033 for additional information and assistance. 

Title IX  

Tohono O'odham Community College encourages each student to have the knowledge and  skills to be an active bystander who intervenes when anyone is observed or being harassed or  endangered by sexual violence. Sexual discrimination and sexual violence can undermine stu dents’ academic success and quality of life on campus and beyond. We encourage students who  have experienced or witnessed any form of sexual misconduct to talk about their experience  and seek the support they need. Confidential support and academic advocacy can be found with: Student Services Title IX Coordinator/Counselor, Alberta Espinoza, M.Ed. located in I-We:mta Ki: Room 18. Phone 520-383- 0033 email: aespinoza@tocc.edu  

 

Conduct: Bias, Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment 

Tohono O’odham Community College faculty and staff are dedicated to creating a safe and  supportive campus environment as a core value. Harassment based on age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status will not be tolerated.