CHEM – 103: Introduction to Chemistry - University of La Verne

Environmental CompliancePlease notice the safety codes and regulations require that extra care and caution be taken byevery student in handling all the chemicals while working in the laboratory. All respective MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheets) copies are available in designated areas in the lab and also on thechemistry computer system. Before using or handling any chemical, make sure that you read andunderstand the information on the respective MSDS. No hazardous material may be disposedinto the sink. These materials must be stored in designated containers for later treatmentand disposal. A pair of safety goggles with side guards for your eye protection and a lab coat isrequired at all times. Also, open shoes, such as sandals or shorts will not be permitted. Long hairmust be tied back. Students may never work alone in the laboratory. Lab technique is part ofthe total lab grade. You will need a lab note book and a scientific calculator.Classroom rules and AttendanceAttending lectures is important for you to master the course. Your attendance will be recorded.Try to be on time for each lecture and lab session. It is disrupting and inconsiderate when youcome to class late and disrupt the lecture discussion. Bring your textbook, periodic table andcalculator. Inappropriate behaviors will not be tolerated. Please turn off all cell phones (or setthem in vibration) during class. I will not tolerate texting and cell phone ringing duringlectures as well as students talking during class (unsolicited conversation).Course Organization1. Lectures: Tuesdays and Thursday 8:00 – 9:30 A.M., La Fetra Auditorium.Hour tests: Two such tests will be given during the semester. Each will cover all thematerial studied up to that time. These tests will be designed to be completed in onesession.2. Laboratory:The lab schedule for the entire semester is attached. Prepare for your lab by answeringquestions in the Prelaboratory assignments and as per lab instructions provided to you byyour lab Professor, Dr. Ricardo Morales.3. Questions and Conferences: Only if you do not study hard enough you will have noquestions! Have your questions answered as soon as possible; the staff is eager to helpyou. Please do not hesitate to ask for an appointment or make use of the office hourswhenever we can assist you in the understanding the subject matter in this course.4. Makeup Policy: In accordance with the University policy, make-up assessments will befor an illness or unavoidable official function of the University. Not being ready is not avalid excuse, and the time and date of the make-up will be at my convenience. Contactme prior to the date of the assessment if you are going to miss it for any reason. For aqualified make-up, make an arrangement with me. As noted on page 25 of the 2010-11University of La Verne Catalog, the University fee for a make-up exam is $40. No makeupquizzes will be done.5. Do not try to memorize your way through your learning process. With littlememorization, try to grasp the major concepts, facts, and basic principles and developlogic strategies to apply your knowledge to work the problems. For example, innaming chemicals, do not memorize the name of each compound. Instead, try to learn theconcepts and rules for naming the chemicals.6. University of La Verne’s Blackboard Course Software: I will use the Blackboardcourse software as a means of communicating with you. This means that the e-mailmessages I will send out from Blackboard will automatically go to your La Verne e-mailaddress. If you wish to receive messages using another e-mail address, that is fine,though you will need to go into the preferences in your La Verne account and auto-