CHEM1109-02/03

GENERAL CHEMISTRY I
FALL 2019

Instructor: Dr. Daniel J. Fox

Office: Merkert 312A
Email: daniel.fox.3@bc.edu
Telephone: 617-552-6351
Office Hours: MW 10:30-11:30; Th 1-2:30; and by appointment

Lecture Schedules: MWF 1:00-1:50 PM in Merkert 127 (CHEM 1109-02)

MWF 2:00-2:50 PM in Merkert 127 (CHEM 1109-03)

Teaching Assistants: TBA

Office Hours (Merkert Lobby):
TBA

All students MUST be registered in one of these discussion sections which meet in Merkert 129:
CHEM1113-07 CHEM1113-08 CHEM1113-09 CHEM1113-10
(M 2-3) (M 3-4) (T 3-4) (W 3-4)

CHEM1113-11 CHEM1113-13 CHEM1113-15

(Th 3-4) (M 4-5) (W 1-2)

CHEM1113-20 CHEM1113-25 CHEM1113-26

(W 10-11) (F 11-12) (F 2-3)

Texts
Required:
 Chemistry: A Molecular Approach, 4th edition by Nivaldo J. Tro, Pearson: Boston,
2017. (ISBN: 9780134112831)
New copies of the text from the bookstore come packaged with the solutions
manual and (in some cases) the MasteringChemistry online learning tool which is
NOT required (although you may find it to be useful).

Expectations: While there is no specific chemistry prerequisite for this course, it is

important to recognize that this is a course designed to meet prerequisite
requirements for the chemistry courses that follow. Also, reasonable
understanding of algebra and other precalculus-level mathematics is
expected.

Grading: 10%: participation (Chem101 and weekly discussion problems; see below)
15%: quizzes
45%: regular exams
30%: final exam

There is no extra credit in this course.

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All sections of General Chemistry target a goal of a B- average. Should the class reach this
average or exceed it, grades will be as earned (see list below). If the average is below B-,
grades will be adjusted up at the end of the semester.

Percent Points Earned Course Grade

93.0-100 A
90.0-92.9 A-
87.0-89.9 B+
83.0-86.9 B
80.0-82.9 B-
77.0-79.9 C+
73.0-76.9 C
70.0-72.9 C-
67.0-69.9 D+
63.0-66.9 D
60.0-62.9 D-
0-59.9 F

Chem101: We will be using Chem101 as a learning tool that will allow you to work
through problems electronically both during class and outside of class time. In order to
make use of this tool you will need to download the app or visit the website: 101edu.co.
The cost for Chem101 is $20 for the semester. Specific instructions for your course
section are posted on Canvas. Evaluation of your work using Chem101 will be based not
on whether you answered a question correctly, but instead on whether you are
completing the assignments.
Access code for CHEM 1109-02 (MWF 1 PM): V5SHE3
Access code for CHEM 1109-03 (MWF 2 PM): P834UE

Weekly Discussion Problem: A discussion problem will be posted each week to be handed
in and discussed in the following week’s discussion. Students who hand in the problem
to their TA in discussion will receive participation credit whether the question was
completed correctly or not assuming that a reasonable attempt was made to solve the
problem.

Homework: As much as I would love it if every student walked out of lecture with a
crystal-clear understanding of all of the material covered that day, your success in this
class depends most on what you do OUTSIDE of class. For this reason, suggested practice
problems will be posted every time class meets. While these problems will not be
collected, your ability to complete them on your own without using your textbook or class
notes is necessary in order for you to succeed in this class. Everybody will make mistakes
or struggle with some concepts. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

An additional ungraded homework option is to use MasteringChemistry. One assignment

for each chapter will be available if you have purchased an access code with (or separately
from) your textbook. The course ID to access these assignments is MCFOXFALL2019.

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 Quizzes: Ten minute quizzes will be given at the end of class five times during the
semester. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped in determining your overall quiz average.
Calculators cannot be used for quizzes unless otherwise stated. Quizzes cannot be made
up at another time.
Quiz 1: September 6 (Friday)
Quiz 2: September 18 (Wednesday)
Quiz 3: October 18 (Friday)
Quiz 4: November 15 (Friday)
Quiz 5: November 25 (Monday)

Exams: Three exams will be given during the semester. Make-up exams will only be given
in extreme circumstances with prior approval from your Class Dean:
https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/mcas/about/contact.html
Exam 1: October 2 (Wednesday)
Exam 2: November 4 (Monday)
Exam 3: December 6 (Friday)

Final Exam: The final exam for this course is cumulative and scheduled for 12:30 PM on
Monday December 16 (CHEM 1109-02) or 12:30 PM on Wednesday December 18 (CHEM
1109-03). You will be given three hours to complete the exam. The final exam cannot be
rescheduled for any reason.

A Note about Grade Corrections: All exams and quizzes will be returned to you by your TA in
discussion sections and all grades will be posted on Canvas in a timely fashion. All re-grade
requests for exams and quizzes must be made in writing no later than two weeks after the exam
or quiz was returned in your discussion section. With the exception of arithmetic errors, the entire
exam or quiz will be subject to re-grading (not just the question(s) in dispute).

Email: All Boston College students are assigned a BC email account. These University-assigned
student email accounts are the University's official means of communication with all students.
You are responsible for all information sent to you at your BC email account.

Calculators: A calculator with scientific functions is a necessity for the course and the lab.
Calculators may be used for exams, but they may not be shared.

Electronics in the classroom: While you will need to use an electronic device during class in order
to use Chem101, the use of phones, laptops, and other electronic devices during class at other
times is distracting to me and to your classmates and will not be tolerated. Those found to be
using such devices at inappropriate times will be asked to leave the classroom.

Canvas: I will do my best to post relevant information on Canvas during the course of the
semester including (but not limited to) quiz and exam answer keys, and homework assignments.
I will do my best to post up-to-date grades as well. It is your responsibility to check your current
grades to ensure that they are correct (see note about grade corrections above).

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Academic Integrity: Cheating on quizzes, examinations, and other work, constitute unacceptable
academic conduct. While you may work with other students on homework assignments, you may
not work with students who are not in this course. Academic dishonesty will be reported to the
appropriate academic dean. For details on Boston College’s Academic Integrity policy, go to
https://www.bc.edu/offices/stserv/academic/integrity.html.

Disability Statement: If you anticipate issues related to the format or requirements of this
course, please meet with me. I would like us to discuss ways to ensure your full participation in
the course. Accommodations for students with learning disabilities and attention deficit
disorder are coordinated through the Connors Family Learning Center. Students with other
disabilities receive accommodations through the Office of Disability Services.
Connors Family Learning Center: http://www.bc.edu/connors
Office of Disability Services: http://www.bc.edu/disability

Mental Health Statement: As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can cause
barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, health issues, alcohol/drug
problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, or feeling ill. These concerns
or other stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or may reduce your
ability to participate in daily activities. Boston College services are available to assist you in
addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the
broad range of medical services and confidential mental health services available on campus at
the following websites:
University Counseling Services: http://www.bc.edu/counseling
University Health Services: http://www.bc.edu/uhs

Course Withdrawals: The last day to withdraw from this course is Monday December 2.

Outline of chapters to be covered in Tro:

Chapter 1 Matter, Measurement, and Problem Solving
Chapter 2 Atoms and Elements
Chapter 3 Molecules, Compounds, and Chemical Equations
Chapter 4 Chemical Quantities and Aqueous Reactions
Chapter 5 Gases
Chapter 6 Thermochemistry
Chapter 7 The Quantum-Mechanical Model of the Atom
Chapter 8 Periodic Properties of the Elements
Chapter 9 Chemical Bonding I: The Lewis Model
Chapter 10 Chemical Bonding II: Molecular Shapes, Valence Bond Theory, and
Molecular Orbital Theory