Download COURSE SYLLABUS CHEM-UA 127 - Advanced General Chemistry I

COURSE SYLLABUS
CHEM-UA 127 - Advanced General Chemistry I
Fall 2012 (5 credits): lecture, laboratory and recitation
Lecture: 09:30 - 10:45 T, Th Location: LL25, 7 East 12th St.
You are responsible for ALL information in this syllabus!! Please read it completely!!!
Course Instructor: Professor C. J. Eckhardt
Office Hours: 13:30 - 15:00 TW or by appt.
Office: 1001E
Telephone: 212-998-8400
Email: [email protected]
Recitation/Laboratory Instructor: Dr. M. Mandziuk
Office Hours: M (3-4PM); W(6-7PM) or by appt.
Telephone: 212-992-9573
Email: [email protected]
Location: 1018 Silver
Preface
This syllabus contains most (at least all I can anticipate) of the information about the goals of the course, its
management, timelines, grading policy, etc. Unless there are unforseen calamities or new university actions, the
information should not be subject to change. Of course, you will be apprised if any occur and should always feel
free to ask about anything that is unclear or not addressed.
Essential Information
CHEM-UA 127 is the first semester of an advanced general chemistry course designed for students with superior
high school backgrounds in chemistry, physics and calculus. . Only students who have AP 5s’ in Chemistry, Physics
and Calculus OR who have passed the qualifying examination for the course may matriculate. If this is not the case,
see me or Prof. Bart Kahr, Director of Chemistry Undergraduate Studies. The course will rapidly review high
school chemistry and then focus on atomic structure, bonding, phases of matter, basic thermodynamics and
materials. The course has an associated laboratory. Information on the laboratory will be provided in a separate
document.
Goals and Philosophy
You already have obtained a very good background in elementary chemistry or you would not be in this course.
Thus, advanced general chemistry is aimed at both deepening and expanding that knowledge. It is an introductory
course in physical chemistry which is that branch of chemistry that develops the basic physical principles for
chemical processes. The famous American chemist, G. N. Lewis (yes, THAT Lewis), defined it as “the study of
that which is interesting.” By the end of the course I hope that you will appreciate his definition. Because all of
chemistry flows from basic physical principles, this course is aimed at students who can handle such material.
Physical chemistry is usually taken only in the Junior or Senior year, but for students with excellent backgrounds
in chemistry, physics and mathematics, an introductory approach can be of great value in understanding all the other
subdisciplines of chemistry at a much deeper level. It is obvious that the chemical bond is the core concept for
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chemistry, but what is it really? This can only be addressed through quantum theory, one of the fundamental
theories of modern physics. But it is also clear that energy is associated with chemical reactions and to properly
understand how, thermodynamics must be understood. But then, what is the relation, if any, between
thermodynamics and quantum theory? How does that apply to chemistry? So the course, in essence, is about
concepts and how to use those concepts in understanding chemistry, regardless whether it is the chemistry of a
biological system, a nanomaterial, or the winning of a metal from an ore. Over the two semesters of the course you
will develop the physical concepts basic to understanding chemical processes and see how these concepts can be
used to address a variety of problems. Their power is in their generality. Because of this, you will find this course
to be significantly different from your high-school courses. Parts will seem familiar, but do not be lulled into
thinking that there is not new material and that what is required will not challenge you to think more deeply about
what you think you know.
Course Content
The first semester of advanced general chemistry will cover Chapters 1 - 9 (see text below) and a review of
Fundamentals (pp. F1 - F104). The Fundamentals will be treated very quickly, since it is material you should know
well and with which you should be very comfortable. If that is not the case, this is not the course for you. A
tentative schedule of pages that should be read before the relevant lecture is attached. It is tentative because
sometimes topics take more time to develop than anticipated.
The textbook and online materials are only a subset of what will be covered by the course. There will be topics
or developments of material that are not found in the text. You can read, so my purpose is to give you different
insights, different points of view and even other approaches and not to present the text material back to you. The
goal is, most of all, for you to have a firm grasp of the concepts and how to use them. Material of current interest
will also be treated to give you a sense of where contemporary chemistry is and what problems are being addressed.
Lecture notes will be posted on Blackboard at least the day ahead of the lecture and may be downloaded and printed
so that you can annotate them, thus allowing you to attend more closely to the lecture. It is crucial to realize that
all parts of the course are complementary and often topics will not be treated in lecture and left for you to master.
You are proven scholars with high academic achievement so you will be facing larger challenges than the average
student and you will be expected to perform at a higher level. The course will move very quickly and cover a great
deal of material, some of it is left for you to figure out. Because of this, you should expect to work harder and
more efficiently than you ever have done before. But you must work smart. Just putting in time will not suffice.
Time must be spent in very active thought. If you do this you should do well; if not, you will find yourself left far
behind the rest of the class.
If you feel you need help with any facet of the course, don’t wait, even if you feel you are doing reasonably well
in the course and are getting most of the concepts. See either the course or recitation instructor during office hours
or by appointment to get help! A measure of how well you are studying is that you should feel it necessary to visit
either instructor at least twice a month to clarify something. Otherwise, you are probably not thinking about the
material deeply enough. I will usually know if you are falling behind or having difficulty, but the responsibility
to do something about it is yours and yours alone. We will do everything we can to guide and assist you, but you
must first seek the help.
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Chemistry: A Physical Science
The role of physics and mathematics
The physical sciences are broadly concerned with nonliving matter, energy, and the physical properties of the
universe. Increasingly, that definition is blurred as it becomes more clear that living matter is also governed by the
basic laws of physics and chemistry and it is only the incredible complexity of living systems that prevents, at least
for now, their reduction to a physical science. A measure of how physical a science is by how much mathematics
is used in describing, analyzing and predicting phenomena. The more results are expressed quantitatively, i.e.
numerically, the more physical the science is deemed to be. To obtain these numbers requires a mathematical
representation, a model, of a phenomenon and then sufficient mathematical competence to solve the resulting
equations. Mathematics is the language of science and the more it is used, the more quantitative (physical) is the
science. Mathematics is the ideal language for the sciences, but it can only be used when a model can be described
by it. There are many models that do not admit to mathematical description, moreso in chemistry than physics, and
it is one of the major failings of the general public and many students to grasp that mathematics is distinct from
science much like spoken language is not the idea it describes.
In this course, you will be expected to be conversant with algebra, most certainly, but also trigonometry, simple
vectors, and, of course, calculus. The textbook, the Recitation Instructor and I assume a basic competence with
such mathematics and if you do not possess it, you should see me or Prof. Kahr immediately. The course will use
mathematics freely, but it is not the core of the course.
Perhaps even more important is that you have a good knowledge of basic physics because, as mentioned, the course
will pay great attention to the role of physical principles in understanding chemistry. For a couple of centuries the
sciences have grown apart and evolved into many subdisciplines. However, that trend is now reversing and the join
between them is becoming more seamless. Although physics is arguably the Fundamental Science, chemistry may
be regarded as the Central Science. Chemistry is the link between physics and almost all the other sciences. It is
difficult to find any branch of science, other than physics, but nowadays even including the Fundamental Science
because of nanomaterials, where chemistry does not play a major role. Chemistry is the inter-face in the sciences
where the quantitative and mathematical meets the qualitative and descriptive.
Lecture/Seminar
Because the enrollment is small, the class will be run as a mixed lecture/seminar. The lecturer will often make
presentations but, normally, not for the entire class period; some times there will be no presentations by the lecturer
but only by students. A student who is absent and is called upon will be given a zero grade unless excused for
reasons beyond her/his control. There is a real advantage to a small class for it allows students to participate
actively. It is an old axiom, proven time and again, that one learns best by teaching others. Thus, you will be called
upon to make presentations of 15 - 20 minutes length. The topics to be covered will be announced prior to the class
meeting to give time for preparation. Presenters will be chosen at the beginning of the class period so every
member of the class must be prepared to make a presentation on the assigned topics. Presenters will be selected
by either a draw or a random number generator so it is possible that one might make a presentation on subsequent
lectures. The grade will be based on organization, clarity, completeness and correctness. However, you will also
be graded on how you participate in the class, especially with presentations by your peers. Of particular note will
be whether you help the class increase its understanding and how creatively you contribute to the discussion.
Scientists seek the truth and it is the responsibility of all to pursue that goal and respect the efforts of all who are
engaged in the quest. The total grade for the class participateion will be equivalent to two unit examinations.
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Recitation and Laboratory
All students are required to register for and attend one 75 minute recitation per week. [ Room assignments and
schedules are in the Fall 2012 NYU Schedule of Classes. ] The emphasis is on solving problems such as those
found at the end of each chapter in the text. The class may be divided into groups that will be assigned a specific
problem during the recitation. Points may be awarded based on the performance of the group. Graded online
homework assignments will be given through Sapling Learning ( SL ) as well as assigned from the exercises in
the textbook. Unannounced quizzes may be expected in the recitation. No make-up quizzes will be given but the
score will be dropped for a valid (determined solely by the instructor) and documented reason. Study assignments,
homework problems, etc. may be made in recitation. Due dates, etc. will be announced in your recitation section
and on the SL website. Details regarding the laboratory will be in a separate handout. Recitations and laboratories
meet the first week of class.
The recitation is a vital part of the course. It is where problem solving and problem solving techniques and
strategies will be addressed. There is insufficient time in the lecture to dig into this save for some instructional
examples or general concepts. Quizzes, which cannot be made up due to absence for any reason may be given in
the recitation, along with other homework or online assignments, and other information regarding operation or
changes in the course. It is a vital component of your learning.
The Recitation/Laboratory Instructor for the course is Dr. Ma³gorzata (Margaret) Mandziuk. Dr. Mandziuk is the
instructor for both the recitation/laboratory sections. She is assisted by Ms Anna Powers, a graduate student. We
collaborate closely on the course but I am ultimately responsible for the course in all details and particulars. In this
light, you should NOT be addressing your concerns and issues to Dr. Mandziuk but to me.
Classwork
Graded homework will be done online using Sapling Learning (SL). This is a very useful tool for learning since
you will have access to tutorials, animations, prompts, etc. to help you with problems at the time you are having
difficulty. There will be a mix of straightforward and complex problems with the former usually at the beginning
of an assignment. Due dates will be posted on your SL website; late assignments will be rejected by SL. If there
is a valid reason (something entirely beyond your control) for missing a due date, you may be granted an extension
by contacting me and presenting your case. You will be afforded multiple attempts for each problem. The
assignments will be graded but no single low score on a section will affect your course points significantly, but
many poor scores will.
The more complex problems will be assigned and are meant to stretch you. Study groups can be an effective
learning experience for addressing these and you are encouraged to form them. There is no better way of learning
than explaining problems or concepts to other persons who are critical of your argument. The online problems are
varied for each user so you cannot take a problem from the study group and enter it into your SL assignment. In
fact, you cannot even anticipate what your problem selection will be. SL will always provide you with hints, the
answer and the solved problem, if requested. Thus the task of your study group should be to hone itself on problem
solving concepts by using problems in the text as vehicles for that goal. The Chemistry Connections section at the
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end of each chapter is strongly recommended. A more creative approach is to devise your own problems and try
to stump your colleagues. Some groups might have a prize pot that is won by the person who can outwit the group
the most or whose problems took the greatest amount of time to solve.
Unannounced quizzes may be given in either recitation or the beginning of lecture. They will be brief and
straightforward. Their purpose will be to reveal your grasp of the material and whether you are prepared for the
lecture or recitation.
Attendance is not taken, but failure to attend lecture and recitation places you in jeopardy of missing important
announcements, quizzes, assignment changes, and other practical items relevant to the course. The lecture will
present material that is not in the text and may be the only source of the information.
A NOTE ON HOW TO STUDY
You are strongly advised to adopt the following study routine: For lecture, rewrite your notes in good English and
augment them from material in your textbook and/or other sources; redo drawings as soon after lecture as you can.
You should approach this as if you were writing something you could read and understand ten years from now. It
is known that almost all people learn best by actually handwriting the material they must learn. Only reading it
is much, much less effective. After you have written (not typed) the notes as soon after the lecture as possible,
then turn to to study SL online tutorials and simulations relevant to the material in the chapter you are studying.
Then edit what you have written being sure that you have addressed the topics in the “Skills You Should Have
Mastered” section at the end of the relevant chapters. But don’t just write. THINK about what you are writing!
Next, do all the relevant assigned homework. Your recitation instructor may assign specific problems which may
be collected for evaluation. Those done online will be scored online. Due dates, etc. will be indicated online or
set by your recitation instructor for those assignments. If you have difficulty with any aspect, then seek help from
the course instructor, recitation instructor or SL ASAP. [If you never have a troubling question at some time for
most chapters, you are probably not studying correctly.] For exams, return to SL or your text and attempt optional
problems for self-evaluation. A way to test readiness for an exam is to review the “Skills You Should Have
Mastered” section and do at least two Integrated Exercises at the end of the relevant chapters.
A unit examination should be regarded as an experiment and, if you do not do well, it means you are not studying
correctly and must change something in the way you are learning the material. If you cannot figure out what is
going wrong, then see the instructors for advice in helping you analyze your method of study No good scientist
repeats a failed experiment identically and expects different results.
The Nuts and Bolts
Textbook:
Atkins and Jones: Chemical Principles: The Quest for Insight ( 5th Ed.) W.H. Freeman and Co.
[loose leaf or bound] with an online Sapling Learning package that can either be purchased as a
package with a new text or separately (if you buy a used text) at www.saplinglearning.com for
$29.99 (one semester) or $49.99 (two semesters). Required homework assignments are done online
with Sapling.
Prerequisites: High school chemistry, physics and calculus
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Examinations: There will be two unit exams on Oct. 19 and Nov. 16 from 14:00-16:00. Mark these dates
and times on your calendar! The location will be posted on Blackboard prior to each exam. It may differ from
exam to exam. Bring pencils/pens, and a calculator. If you are late to an examination, you will not be given extra
time. If you miss an examination for any reason, except that resulting from circumstances completely beyond
your control (a situation you will have to prove), you will have to take a zero score for the examination. If your
reason is acceptable you will be allowed to use grade replacement (see Grading below) on the final exam for the
missed test.
Scored exam papers will be returned in recitation. If you feel an error has been made in grading your exam, explain
in writing what you feel is in error on the provided section on the cover sheet of your exam. Return both the written
explanation and your exam to the course or recitation instructor within two days of receipt of the graded exam and
it will be re-evaluated as quickly as possible. Please be aware that the entire exam or any section thereof may be
regraded and that scores may, therefore, go either up or down, depending upon the regrade. You are required to
keep all graded examination papers and laboratory reports as part of your own records and to present these to the
course instructor within 24 hours of receiving a request for them.
The final exam for lecture will be held on Dec. 20, 10:00 - 11:50 and for the laboratory: Dec. 21, 10:00 - 11:50.
Those who have completed all assignments and have more than 1100 points on Dec. 14th do not have to take the final
but must then accept a prorated grade based on previous performance. (Students who have an excused absence from
a unit exam must take the final.) IF you are eligible, you will be notified by email with the prorated grade and the
procedure you must execute to complete the course without taking the final.
Having to work or participate in an extracurricular activity is not a bonafide reason for missing an exam or
quiz. Make necessary arrangements to facilitate your taking the exams at their scheduled times. If you know
that you cannot be present for a test and believe you have a legitimate excuse, call AND email the instructor in
advance to discuss the possibility of alternative arrangements. The decision to grant or deny a make-up exam rests
exclusively with the course instructor as does the method in which the make-up may be given, e.g. written or oral.
Course Websites: The course websites are your Blackboard account and Sapling Learning
[www.saplinglearning.com]. The former has announcements, current information, course lectures, identified errors
in the textbook, and the latter (SL) has required homework assignments and problems, tutorials, simulations, etc.
Your new textbook purchase packet should have access codes to the SL website. Information for logging onto SL
accompanies your textbook materials and on the SL website. The SL website is an integral part of the course.
If you did not purchase a package but obtained the text in another fashion, you may obtain access to the Sapling
Learning website by following these steps:
1. Go to http://saplinglearning.com
2a. If you already have a Sapling Learning account, log in and then skip to step 3.
2b. If you have Facebook account, you can use it to quickly create a SaplingLearning account. Click
"create account" located under the username box, then click "Login with Facebook". The form will
auto-fill with information from your Facebook account (you may need to log into Facebook in the
popup window first). Choose a password and timezone, accept the site policy agreement, and click
"Create my new account". You can then skip to step 3.
2c. Otherwise, click "create account" located under the username box. Supply the requested
information and click "Create my new account". Check your email (and spam filter) for a message
from Sapling Learning and click on the link provided in that email.
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3. Find your course in the list (you may need to expand the subject and term categories) and click the
link.
4. Select a payment option or enter your access code and follow the remaining instructions.
Once you have registered and enrolled, you can log in at any time to complete or review homework
assignments. During sign up - and throughout the term - if you have any technical problems or grading issues,
send an email to [email protected] explaining the issue. The Sapling support team is almost
always more able (and faster) to resolve issues than I am.
Computers are available for student use throughout the campus. You may find locations of student computer
labs listed at: http://www.nyu.edu/students/undergraduates/student-information-and-resources/computer-labs.html
Grading: Your final grade for the course will be determined by your performance in class presentations (200
points - lowest score will be discarded), the unit exams (two @ 200 points each), the final exam (300 points),
recitation (100 points), on-line (SL) assignments (250 points) and laboratory (450 points). The course final letter
grade will be determined on total earned points. The final examination will be divided into three parts, the first two
of which cover material of the corresponding unit examination (e.g. the first section examines material assigned for
the first unit exam). If the percentage of points earned in a given section of the final examination is higher than the
percentage obtained in the corresponding unit examination, the unit examination grade points will be replaced by
that for the final exam’s section (% × 100) provided the relevant unit examination score was at least 40 points. The
unit examination score will not be lowered by poorer performance on the corresponding section in the final. Thus,
your final grade can be most greatly improved by mastering material on the unit examination for which you
had the POORER performance.
You are required to see the instructor during office hours at least once during the first three weeks of class; failure
to do so will result in a 25 point penalty. Subsequent visits to either the instructor or recitation assistant during
office hours will earn 5 points for each visit up to 15 IF your visit is “legitimate”, i.e. if you have a serious question
that you are prepared to discuss. All the office hour points are extra credit. Your final grade, based on the total
number of points you earned in the course, will be awarded according to the following schedule:
Grade
point/grade break
A +*
A
A!
B+
B
B!
C+
C
C!
D+
D
F
$1425
$1320
$1245
$1170
$1095
$1020
$945
$870
$795
$720
$645
<645
*An “honorary” grade, meant to note exceptional performance, that NYU will only officially list as an A.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty is incompatible with the practice of science or any profession.
If evidence of dishonesty is found, the College of Arts and Sciences’ policy will be followed
[http://cas.nyu.edu/object/bulletin1012.ug.academicpolicies]. This includes any form of plagiarism, copying,
collusion or cheating during an examination of any kind. All such cases are reported to the Director of
Undergraduate Studies . University policy is: “Students who engage in such behavior will be subject to review and
the possible imposition of penalties in accordance with the standards, practices, and procedures of NYU and its
colleges and schools. Violations may result in failure on a particular assignment, failure in a course, suspension
or expulsion from the University, or other penalties.” If suspended or expelled from the University, a notation will
be made on your record as to the cause.
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A notation is very SERIOUS and is comparable to a dishonorable discharge from military service. Such a notation
means no professional school of any kind, e.g. medical school, graduate school and, quite possibly, great difficulty
in finding a job.
Excellent students such as you are probably offended at even the mention of cheating. But temptation can arise even
among the accomplished. If you find you are having problems, then come talk to Dr. Mandziuk or me. If that does
not suit you, then go to the Student Services Section of the CAS Dean’s Office on the 9th floor of Main. But reread
the above before you consider compromising your integrity - and your future.
You are too early in life to have the scarlet letter “C” follow you for the rest of your days.
Students with Disabilities are encouraged to contact the instructor for a confidential discussion of their
individual needs for academic accommodation. It is the policy of NYU to provide flexible and individualized
accommodation to students with documented disabilities that may affect their ability to fully participate in course
activities or to meet course requirements. To receive accommodation services, students must be registered with the
Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) ([email protected]) as soon as possible. Any student who needs a
reasonable accommodation based on a qualified disability is required to register with the CSD for assistance.
CSD will send the course instructors official notification of your accommodation needs. Please make an appointment
with the instructor to discuss the accommodations and how course requirements and activities may impact your
ability to fully participate.
Classroom Etiquette: Courteous and civil behavior is expected and anything apart from that will not be
condoned. A university exists for the free but critical exploration of ideas and developing understanding of a myriad
of topics. This can only be achieved through respect for the institution itself and among the scholars that comprise
it. Anything other than polite ( which does not exclude passionate or spirited ) behavior is inexcusable. The
fundamental rule is pretty basic: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This means that in order to
prevent distractions, to allow others to concentrate on proceedings, and to make learning as efficient and facile as
possible, certain things have been found necessary to proscribe. Violation of the following will lead to requesting
you leave the classroom:
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No DVD, mp3, mp4, etc. players; netbook, tablet, laptop, PDA, tablet computers or any other personal,
portable electronic device other than a calculator is allowed. The use of electronic devices is distracting to
others (certainly to the instructor) and renders attending class pointless. Attendance is not taken, so nothing
compels you attend class (you are paying for it!). If you prefer to indulge in other activities, then do so out
of the classroom. Only students approved by the CSD may have personal electronic devices in the classroom
or laboratory.
No foods, soft drinks ( water is OK ), etc. are allowed in the classroom.
If you chew gum (no tobacco), please do so QUIETLY and dispose of it properly.
Any distraction to others such as conversation, electronic devices, smoke signals, etc. is not acceptable.
Turn OFF cell phones. If your cell phone makes a disturbance, you will have 25 course grade points
deducted.
If you need to leave the class, avoid disruption as much as possible. If you suspect or know you may have
to leave class early or otherwise, sit at the desk nearest an exit door to keep disruption at a minimum.
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