Fall 2003

Administrative Information

Class meets: MWF 1:15-2:10 pm in ST130
Class Text: Inorganic Chemistry, 2nd ed. Gary L. Miessler and Donald A.Tarr

Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Kua
Office: ST 376
Phone:  (619) 260-7970
E-mail: jkua@sandiego.edu
Office hours: TBA
Class web site:  http://home.sandiego.edu/~jkua/chem140fall03/

Course goals: To learn about the wide world of inorganic chemistry including all those other elements in the periodic table that you always wondered about. The course will cover symmetry, group theory, the fundamentals of chemical bonding (with an emphasis on molecular orbital theory), acid-base chemistry, coordination chemistry. Applications and special topics will include an introduction to organometallic chemistry, solid state, and bio-inorganic chemistry.

Course requirements:
1. There will be three in-class hour long exams and one comprehensive two hour Final Exam. There will be problem sets spread out over the semester on non-exam weeks composed of a mixture of assigned questions both from the text and from me. Some problem sets will include using the computer/workstation. There will also be two written assignment: (1) literature view on a specific topic related to inorganic chemistry, and (2) proposal on that specific topic.

2. A good grasp of general chemistry is important for understanding the material and completing the problem sets and exams. Since quantum chemistry (Chem114A) is a pre- or co-requisite, I will be making reference to material you have learnt or are learning from that class. It is your responsibility to refamiliarize yourself with your other chemistry texts if you need a refresher.

3a. Collaboration is allowed on problem sets but each student must write up their own work.
3b. There will be NO collaboration on any exam.
3c. Each student will have their own unique specific topic for the proposal and paper/review.

4a. Grade breakdown is as follows:
                Problem Sets                             10%
                3 Exams @ 15% each               45%
                Final Exam                               30%
                Topic Proposal                            5%
                Topic Paper/Review                  10%
4b. Tentative Grading Scale (subject to change by the instructor at any time)
                A     85-100%
                B       70-84%
                C       55-69%
                D       40-54%
                F          0-39%
Appended + and - will approximately constitute 3% widths at either end of the scale for A-D grades. 

5a. Late problem sets will receive no credit (although I will go through your answers with comments).
5b. There are no make-up exams. If you have a very good reason for missing an exam you have to let me know beforehand or as soon as possible. If I judge the reason to be valid and you did let me know beforehand or ASAP, an alternative will be available (probably in the form of an oral exam where I ask you anything I would have expected you to know on the exam).
5c. Late written assignments will receive reduced credit with a half-life of 1 day. This expires after three half-lives and no credit is received beyond that. Due dates for written assignments are posted in the syllabus below.

6. For detailed information on paper topics and proposals see link below.

7. Students are most welcome to come in during office hours. Outside of my office hours, if I'm in my office and not swamped with work, I will be happy to answer questions and discuss coursework. I check my e-mail reasonably often during working hours so you can contact me that way too. (Don't expect replies on weekends and evenings.)

8. All students are expected to adhere strictly to the Academic Integrity policy. Violations will be dealt with through the Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, in accordance with the University of San Diego policy on academic integrity.