Quizzes will each have two parts,
a take-home problem set assigned at the preceding class and an in-class component.
All quizzes will be "open book," to permit access to tables of data,
constants and equations you will need. Quizzes will address both class and
laboratory concepts; while the primary focus of each quiz will be the new
material introduced since the previous one, the cumulative nature of the
course will require some dependence on material covered earlier.
Laboratory experiments will begin with a brief quiz
during the first ten minutes, to acertain whether you have read and understood
the day's assignment, and will conclude with either a work-sheet or a written report.
The work-sheet or report will be due either before leaving the lab or at the beginning
of the following week's lab period, as specified by the instructor.
You must bring to lab with you each week, and use in lab regularly,
a bound laboratory notebook such as the department has required in
CHM 103-4 or 107-110. You must also wear safety goggles, plus appropriate
clothing and footwear, in the laboratory at all times. A summary of the Chemistry
Department's safety regulations will be distributed at the first class
meeting, and you will not be permitted to work in the laboratory
until you have signed a statement that you have read, understood, and
agree to abide by these safety regulations.
By department policy, you must complete satisfactorily
and report all of the assigned laboratory experiments in order for me to
award you a passing grade in the course. Thus, you must make up any missed
laboratory work during a time when the laboratory, you and I are all simultaneously
available. That can be challenging to arrange. Any absences for other than
truly compelling circumstances will result in major grade reductions in the
made-up work. My experience has been that course laboratories go smoothly
and productively - and become really enjoyable experiences for both the
students and the instructor - when all students prepare thoroughly and
show up regularly and on-time to do the work.
The three-hour Final Exam will address concepts and
skills covered in both the classroom and the laboratory.
Each student will make an individual presentation to the class, lasting about 20 minutes (plus a few minutes for questions or follow-up discussion. The presentation should focus on some assigned material from the syllabus (for example, a particular analytical procedure), and the date of your presentation will be chosen so that it fits as smoothly as possible into the flow of the course. You should select your topic, in consultation with the instructor, before Spring Break.
Other issues:
- I have tried to avoid scheduling quizzes on religious celebration days or major holidays (OK, I know Quiz #5 is scheduled for April 27, the day US and Canadian citizens celebrate Administrative Professionals Day; but I think we can all deal with that). If I have not successfully avoided days that are important in your traditions and practices, please let me know.
- If you have a disability, whether visible or not, that makes it more difficult for you to complete the course's classroom or laboratory assignments under the usual circumstances, I urge you to bring that disability to the attention of the college's Disability Services Coordinator Susan Duques and/or to me so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
- Please feel free to discuss your progress and standing in the course with me at any time.
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