Fall 2006

Administrative Information

Class Section 002 meets: MWF 9:05-10:00 am in ST133
Class Text: Chemistry, 4th ed. Olmsted & Williams

Instructor: Dr. Jeremy Kua
Office: ST 381
Phone:  (619) 260-7970
E-mail:
Office hours: M 2:30-4pm, Tu 2:30-4pm, W 10-11am, Th 2-3pm
Class web site:  http://home.sandiego.edu/~jkua/chem151fall06/

Course goals: To learn the fundamentals of chemistry from a molecular perspective. The course covers atomic and electronic structure, chemical bonding, structure of matter (gases, liquids, solids), the Periodic Table, writing chemical reactions, and stoichiometry.

Course requirements:
1a. There will be four in-class hour long exams and one comprehensive two hour Final Exam.
1b. There will be twelve to sixteen 5-minute quizzes that will take place right at the beginning of class. These will take place randomly over the course of the semester. Only the top eight will count.
1c. There will be suggested problems to practice from the textbook. It is highly recommended that you attempt these before the next class period. There is no credit for doing this but they will help you on the exams and the quizzes (and I might just ask you to solve a homework problem in a quiz or exam). Solution to problems will be provided every four to five lecture periods.

2a. Collaboration is allowed (even encouraged) on suggested problems.
2b. There will be NO collaboration on exams and quizzes.

3a. Grade breakdown is as follows:
                8 Quizzes at 0.5% each               4%
                4 Exams at 16% each               64%
                Final Exam                               32%
3b. 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. 

4a. 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).
4b. There are no make-up quizzes.

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

6. 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.