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Department of Chemistry
Western Illinois University
Fall 2012, Course Syllabus
Course Title:
Chem. 374, Physical Chemistry I
Classroom:
315 Currens, M, W & F, Time: 11-11:50
Instructor:
Gilles Kouassi, PhD, Associate Professor
Office:
Office hours:
Office phone:
Office e-mail:
519C Currens Hall
T, W, & Thurs, 11:30-1:00 or on appointment
309-298-1727
[email protected]
Course objective: The objective is to provide the students with a rigorous treatment of
physical chemistry and to teach a clear and interesting way of learning the concepts and
methods of physical chemistry. Students are expected to grasp the basic theory of
physical chemistry and to find them useful whether they are chemistry majors, biologists,
engineers or medical scientists. Furthermore, this course should help the students to learn
how to solve numerical problems that emphasize features in the underlying theory and
illustrate practical applications.
Course Format: Chem. 374 focuses on thermodynamics, chemical equilibrium and
kinetics. In physical chemistry, mastery of a concept is exhibited by the ability to solve
problems. Mathematics is an integral part of physical chemistry and you need to
understand the math well enough to solve the problems. I expect that you will work and
understand all of the assigned problems. Problem sets will be due approximately once per
week, likely on Friday. Late problem sets will not be accepted. Problems sets will be
returned in class. You are encouraged to work in your problem sets in study groups. Each
person should hand in his own solutions to the problem sets and should understand them.
Prerequisites:
You must have completed Chem. 202, one year of physics, and one
year of calculus.
The book for the course is Physical Chemistry 4th Edition, by Silber, Albert,
and Bawendi. ISBN: 978-0-471-21504-2
Laboratory Textbook: Experiments in Physical chemistry By Carl W. Garland, Joseph
W. Nibler, and David Shoemaker, 8th edition, Publisher: McGraw
Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-282842-9-ISBN0-07282842-0 (hard copy:
acid-free paper).
Texbook:
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of all chemicals utilized in the laboratory can be
found at the following web site. http://physchem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/#MSDS. E-copies are
free of charge.
Approved eye protections are used for the laboratory component of this class. A simple
scientific calculator without extensive memory functions (i.e. Texas Instruments model
30, equivalent, or less sophisticated models).
Attendance: You are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. All students are
responsible for all information and materials given in class whether they are present or
not. Any student who receives four or more absences may be dropped from this course
without notice. All unexcused absences at a test should result in a zero. Individual with
excused absences should be given consideration at the end of the semester. Absences will
be excused on the basis of official university policy. To secure an excused absence, bring
verification to Dr. Gilles Kouassi.
Grading:
3 exams
3 quizzes
Homework assignments
Class participation
Comprehensive final exam
Total
Grading scale
A
A−
B+
B
B−
C+
C
C−
D+
D
D−
F
300 points
100 points
100 points
20 points
150 points
670 points
92% - 100%
87% - 91%
83% - 86%
80% - 82%
77% - 79%
73% - 76%
70% - 72%
67% - 69%
64% - 66%
62% - 63%
60% - 61%
59% and below
TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE
Thermodynamic
1. Zeroth law of thermodynamics and equation of state
2. First law of thermodynamics
Exam 1 September 17
3. Second law of thermodynamics
4. Fundamentals law of thermodynamics
5. Chemical equilibrium
Exam 2 October 19
6. Phase equilibrium
7. Thermodynamic of Biochemical equations
Exam 3 November 14
8. Experimental kinetics and gas reactions
Final comprehensive Exam December 10-14
IMPORTANT DATES
Last day to add course during open registration:
Last day to add by permission or delete course:
Last day to drop course with "W" grade:
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08/24/2012
08/31/2012
10/28/2012
August 20, Mon. -- Classes Begin
September 3, Mon. -- Labor Day -- No Classes/University Closed
September 4, Tues. -- Classes Resume
October 12, Fri. -- Fall Break -- No Classes
October 15, Mon. -- Classes Resume
November 19-23, Mon.-Fri. -- Thanksgiving Break -- No Classes
November 22-23, Thurs.-Fri. -- Holiday -- University Closed
November 26, Mon. -- Classes Resume
December 10-14, Mon.-Fri. -- Final Exam Week
December 15, Sat. -- Commencement
Statement on Ethics: Western Illinois University, like all communities, functions best
when its members treat one another with honesty, fairness, respect, and trust. Students
have rights and responsibilities (http://www.wiu.edu/provost/student/). Plagiarism,
cheating, and other forms of academic dishonesty constitute a serious violation of
university conduct regulations. Students who engage in dishonesty in any form shall be
charged with academic dishonesty. (http://sjp.wiu.edu/CodeOfConduct/index.asp)
Emergency Preparedness: WIU Office of Risk Management and Emergency
Preparedness provides resources on how to respond to emergency situations. Please view
the video resources at www.wiu.edu/rmep/ (Click “Resources” on the right side of the
page).
Students with Disabilities: In accordance with University policy and the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic accommodations may be made for any student
who notifies the instructor of the need for an accommodation. It is imperative that you
take the initiative to bring such needs to the instructor’s attention, as he/she is not legally
permitted to inquire about such particular needs of students. Students who may require
special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire, tornado, etc.) should contact
the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in such an emergency.
Contact Disability Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services.
Any student requiring accommodations should contact Disability Support Services at 117
Seal Hall. Telephone (309) 298-2361.
SYLLABUS MAY BE SUBJECTED TO CHANGES WITH NOTICE