Course Syllabus


Print Syllabus
Course ID: CHM130
Title: FUNDAMENTAL CHEMISTRY
Modality: Internet
Credit Hours: 3.00

Course Section Information

* please check your course assignment calendar for the correct number of weeks.

Institution: Rio Salado College

Section: 24110

Term: Spring 2015

Start Date: 4/13/2015

Weeks: 16

Last date to withdraw: None

Instructor: Erika Canonico

Course Materials

Be sure that you have all the necessary materials prior to the start date of your course.

Software Required for Course:

Word is required for this course. Please refer to Student Software Discounts for information on purchasing Word.

Required Textbook:

Title: Basic Chemistry
Author: Timberlake
ISBN: 9781269137119

Additional Materials Required for Course:

You will need a non-programmable scientific calculator for this course.

Rio Salado College has developed a unique Textbook Savings Program that uses customized textbooks and saves students up to 50% off the publisher’s advertised national price of the non-customized textbook. The discount is reflected in the price of the customized book at the Rio Bookstore and no additional discounts will be taken at the register. This textbook is included in the Textbook Savings Program and has been customized specifically for this course at Rio Salado College by Pearson Custom Publishing so that it contains information most relevant to the course.

Course Description and Competencies

Official Course Description
A survey of the fundamentals of general chemistry. Emphasis on essential concepts and problem solving techniques. Basic principles of measurement, chemical bonding, structure and reactions, nomenclature, and the chemistry of acids and bases. Preparation for students taking more advanced courses in chemistry. Designed to meet needs of students in such diverse areas as agriculture, nursing, home economics, physical education and water technology.
Official Course Prerequisite
A grade of C or better in [CHM090 or MAT090 or MAT091 or MAT092 or (MAT103AA and MAT103AB) or higher level mathematics course or satisfactory score on math placement exam] and [RDG100 or higher or eligibility for CRE101 as indicated by appropriate reading placement test score], or permission of the Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.
Official Course Competencies
  1. Define chemistry and describe its main branches.
  2. Describe the relationships between matter and energy.
  3. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties and changes.
  4. Interpret symbols and formulas in terms of numbers and kinds of atoms.
  5. Describe the physical states of matter with the aid of the Kinetic Molecular theory.
  6. Classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures.
  7. Describe the properties of metallic and non-metallic elements.
  8. Use the Unit-Factor Method in solving chemistry-related problems.
  9. Name and write formulas for simple inorganic compounds.
  10. Describe the relationship between the outer electronic structure of atoms and their chemical properties.
  11. Use the Periodic Table to estimate the properties of elements and compounds.
  12. Characterize the fundamental particles comprising the atom with respect to charge and mass.
  13. State the number of protons, electrons, and neutrons in any given isotope, neutral or charged.
  14. Use the Periodic Table in predicting the number of electrons, formula for a compound, and metallic or nonmetallic characteristics.
  15. Draw a Lewis structure (electron dot) for a given ion or compound.
  16. State the type of intermolecular force that exists for a given substance.
  17. Describe the properties of ionic and covalent compounds.
  18. Describe the shape and polarity of simple molecules.
  19. Complete and balance simple chemical equations.
  20. Solve elementary stoichoimetry problems.
  21. Classify a reaction as endothermic or exothermic.
  22. List the factors affecting the rate of a reaction.
  23. Describe the chemical and physical properties of water.
  24. Describe the properties of solutions.
  25. Identify substances as electrolytes or nonelectrolytes.
  26. Classify substances as acids, bases, or salts.
  27. Explain the behavior of buffer systems.
  28. Define the pH scale of measuring the relative acidity of solutions.
  29. Define and identify redox reaction as exemplified by single replacement and combustion reactions.

Course Requirements

  1. You must complete all 14 lesson-assignments in the course.
  2. Examinations: There are two in-person examinations: one midterm and one final. The midterm and final are both proctored exams. Students living in Maricopa County must take these exams at a Rio Salado Testing Site. Students living outside of Maricopa County must arrange a proctor through our Testing office. Prepare and plan ahead.
  3. Note: You must average 60% on the combined midterm and final exams in order to be eligible to pass the course.
  4. Remember that this is a three credit-hour class. As such, you will need to dedicate significant time to this course. Plan to spend at least three hours on course content and at least six hours on homework for a total of at least nine hours each week. Be prepared to double your weekly class and study time if you choose an accelerated calendar.

Grading Procedure and Scale

Grading Procedure

There are 3000 possible points for this course.

6 Quizzes = 600 Points
8 Essays = 600 Points
2 Exams (Midterm and Final) = 1800 Points
Total = 3000

Grading Scale

Letter grades for assignments, examinations, and the course will be determined by the following scale:

2700 - 3000 points = A (90% - 100%)
2400 - 2699 points = B (80% - 89%)
2100 - 2399 points = C (70% - 79%)
1800 - 2099 points = D (60% - 69%)
0 - 1799 points = F (0% - 59%)

Please Note: The grading procedure for this course is based on the total number of points possible.

The grading scale is administered equally to all students in the course. Do not expect to receive a grade higher than that earned by your total points. There will be no "point adjustments" made for such things as "class participation" or other subjective factors.

Please note: Extra credit is not available for this course.

Submitting Assignments

All assignments are listed under the "Reading Assignment" box and in the "Assessing Your Learning" section. The lessons can be accessed from the "Syllabus and Lessons" links on your Course Homepage.

Note to students: Keep a copy of everything that you submit.

Copyright Acknowledgements

Some images used in courses are from collections licensed by Rio Salado College.

Syllabus Acknowledgement

Special Note: The online syllabus acknowledgement (found in Lesson or Lab 1) should be completed prior to accessing any assignments for the class. If the online syllabus acknowledgement is not completed by its due date, students will be automatically purged from the course. Additionally, if a student is purged from class and has been provided permission by the department to be reinstated, the syllabus acknowledgement must be completed upon reinstatement into the class; even if it had been previously completed.

Late or Missing Assignments

Assignments that have due dates are due on time according to the due dates in your gradebook. If you need to request an extension for an assignment, a request must be made to your instructor via RioLearn prior to the due date. You can request a due date change using the “Modify Due Dates” feature from the “Due Dates” tab in the Gradebook.

See the course’s Welcome letter for the late point deduction policy for the department.

Course Completion Policy

A student who registers for a Distance Learning course is assigned a "start date" and an "end date." It is the student's responsibility to note due dates for assignments and to keep up with the course work.

Submitting Assignments

Online Submission Platform

The assignment due dates in this course are structured to complete all the lessons over the span of the course. Regular and consistent progress is expected in the course through the submission of assignments. The submission of an assignment can be no earlier than 7 days prior to the due date. Consult your course gradebook for specific due dates. Assignments/acknowledgments must be submitted through the online submission platform unless otherwise directed.

Final Grade Options

  • Letter grade (A, B, C, D, F)

  • Extension (in lieu of an incomplete grade): Students may request an assessment extension because of illness or other extenuating circumstances, if they have been doing acceptable work. Assessment extensions may extend up to two weeks beyond the established course end as indicated in the gradebook. Please Note: Assessment extensions are given at the instructor’s discretion. Instructors are not obligated to give extensions.

  • Withdrawn Failing (Y) – Students may be removed from their classes with a Withdrawn Failing (Y) grade for non-participation, which counts like an F in GPA calculation.

  • Withdrawal (W) - Students may submit a withdrawal request on or prior to the "Last Date to Withdraw" indicated in their RioLearn Gradebook.

  • Instructors are unable to submit a withdrawal (W) on behalf of a student. A student wishing to withdraw from a class within the stated timeline must do so by visiting View My Classes/Schedule in the Student Center, and selecting Drop Classes. In extreme circumstances, students do have the option of requesting a complete withdrawal from the college by submitting a "Request for Complete Withdrawal From All Courses" available under the Records heading on Rio’s Important Forms page.

    Before withdrawing, students should consider contacting their instructor and/or Rio's Counseling Services to see what options are available to help them stay in class.

    STUDENTS – STOP Before You Drop! A withdrawal request is irrevocable, and may affect future Financial Aid, Visa status, Veteran benefit eligibility, scholarship eligibility and may delay graduation. Please be sure that it is the right option for you before submission.

    STOP BEFORE YOU DROP

  • Credit/No Credit Option (P/Z) - Some courses may be offered with a credit/no credit option which, if offered, would be identified in the Grading Procedure and Scale section of this syllabus. See detailed information about the (P/Z) option here.

  • Note: Choosing the P/Z option is a permanent change to the gradebook. A P/Z grade will not be changed to a letter grade after the course end date.

Regular and Substantive Faculty-Student Interaction

The Rio Salado College faculty provide learners with frequent opportunities for regular and substantive interaction, which are critical components of a quality online program. At a minimum, faculty teaching online courses for credit monitor weekly due dates and initiate contact with students, post course announcements and/or "From Your Instructor" (FYI) notes that are academic and relevant, respond to academic inquiries within 72 hours, and provide detailed, personalized, and timely feedback. In addition, faculty regularly engage in synchronous and/or asynchronous interaction with students via tools such as discussion boards, rubrics, voice threads, video conferences, audio recordings, phone calls, email and/or text messages, social media, and online collaboration software. Though faculty members are responsible for initiating interaction, providing academic information, and facilitating learning, Rio students are responsible for remaining in regular contact with their instructors and engaging with the course content as active participants in the educational experience.

Requirement for Active Class Participation

Withdrawal for Non-Participation (Y) – Students need to communicate regularly with their instructor and engage in academic activities as determined by the instructor and department. Students may be removed from their classes after 14 days of non-participation with a Withdrawn Failing (Y) grade, which counts like an F in GPA calculation.

If you receive financial aid of any kind, it is your responsibility to protect your eligibility to receive financial aid by meeting the active participation requirements of this class.

Pregnant and Parenting Students

Students will not be discriminated against on the basis of a disclosed pregnancy. This includes discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. As a result, a pregnant or parenting student (a student during a defined postpartum period lasting up to 8 weeks after delivery), may be provided adjustments so they are able to access and participate in their educational program or activity.

Please visit the Working with Pregnant and Parenting webpage to learn more about this policy, reasonable adjustments and complete the Pregnancy Adjustment Form. If you have questions about the policy, please contact Rio Salado College’s Title IX/504 Coordinator Tafari Osayande at o.tafari.osayande@riosalado.edu or (480) 517-8196.

In the event of certain pregnancy-related medical complications, contact Disability.Services@riosalado.edu or call (480) 517-8562 for assistance in providing accommodations/academic adjustments.

Basic Needs

If a lack of basic needs such as food, transportation, school supplies, etc. is affecting your participation and/or performance in this course, please contact the Rio Salado Counseling Department at 480-517-8785 or via email at counseling.receptionist@riosalado.edu.

For additional services and resources:

Rio Salado College Counseling and Career Services
Maricopa Basic Needs and Community Resources

Library Services

The Rio Salado Library is committed to student success and provides a variety of materials and services to enhance student learning. Utilizing Rio’s online library for your research is the best way to ensure that your sources are validated, authoritative, and appropriate for college-level coursework. The library's Video Tutorials page provides instruction on how to use the online library to find books, articles, ebooks, and more. Librarians are available to help you at all times via our Ask a Librarian live chat service.

Please note that when library materials (e.g., articles, ebooks, and streaming media) are integrated into your lesson content, you will see the notation “…provided to you through the Rio Salado Library.

Academic Misconduct

Academic Misconduct includes cheating, conspiring to cheat, soliciting to cheat, attempting to cheat, plagiarism, fabrication on an assignment, or other forms of dishonest presentation.

Posting assessments on an unauthorized web site, soliciting assessment answers and the unauthorized acquisition of assessments, assessment answers, or other academic material is cheating. Turning in content created by essay generators or other types of artificial intelligence platforms is also academic misconduct.

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling or sharing of term papers or other academic materials. Information gathered from the Internet and not properly identified is also considered plagiarism.

We expect every student to produce his/her original, independent work. Any student whose work indicates a violation of the MCCCD Academic Misconduct Policy (including cheating and plagiarism) can expect sanctions as specified in the college catalog.

Rio Salado College uses software that uncovers plagiarism from student to student and other data sources on the Internet. If a student is found to have plagiarized content, grade consequences will be applied in accordance with departmental policies.

Civility Policy

The faculty of Rio Salado place a high value on the importance of general ethical standards of academic behavior and expect that communication between students and instructors or among students shall maintain the level of formality and mutual respect appropriate to any college teaching/learning situation.

Language or behavior that is rude, abusive, profane, disruptive, or threatening will not be tolerated. Activity of this type is Academic Misconduct as defined in MCCCD Policy AR 2.3.11. Students engaging in such behavior will be removed from the course with a failing grade. Additional sanctions may be applied pursuant to AR 2.3.11.

Honors Program

If you are taking this course for Honors credit, you must complete all assessments, including the Honors Project(s). The Honors Project(s) are listed in one or more lessons of the course and are designated for "Honors Students." Failure to complete the Honors Project(s) will result in a failing grade in the course and a loss of Honors credit.

Honors students are also enrolled in a non-credit Honors Achievement Award (HAA) or Presidential Honors Scholarship (PHS) section within RioLearn to submit co-curricular activity submissions. Co-curriculars must be completed in order to receive funding.

The Honors Department is here to support you! Connect with the college and other Honors students in our INSCRIBE community.

The Honors Department is available to provide additional resources and support to support your journey. Please contact the Honors department at RioSalado.Honors@riosalado.edu.

Classroom Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) and its associated colleges are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities to students with documented disabilities (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, chronic health, sensory, or physical). Visit district.maricopa.edu/mandatory-drs-title-ix-syllabus-statements for more information.

Religious Accommodations

Rio Salado College will reasonably accommodate the religious needs, observances, and practices of their students, when requested and the requests are made in accordance with the procedures set forth in ND-4. Any student may request a religious accommodation by making a written request for an accommodation to the appropriate faculty member using the Religious Accommodation Request form. To the extent possible, requests must be made at least two (2) weeks before the requested absence from class due to religious holiday or day of observance.

Addressing Incidents of Sexual Harassment/Assault, Dating/Domestic Violence, and Stalking

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, MCCCD prohibits unlawful sex discrimination against any participant in its education programs or activities. The District also prohibits sexual harassment—including sexual violence—committed by or against students, District employees, and visitors to campus. As outlined in District policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking are considered forms of "Sexual Misconduct" prohibited by District policy. Visit district.maricopa.edu/mandatory-drs-title-ix-syllabus-statements for more information.

Student Solution Center

Rio Salado College is dedicated to a quality learning experience and has provided the Student Solution Center webpage as a resource for students to raise issues to our attention. We look forward to the opportunity to provide an equitable solution for all involved parties. For grading or instructional issues, students should first contact their faculty member(s) in accordance with the Instructional Grievance Process. For non-instructional complaints, students may contact Institutional Integrity and Compliance by submitting the non-instructional complaint form, emailing studentcomplaints@riosalado.edu, or calling 480-517-8505. Students may also contact their state regulatory agency; the Arizona SARA Council; and/or the Higher Learning Commission to escalate their concerns.

Change of Address

Please notify Course Support at (480) 517-8243 or 1-800-729-1197 or by email at course.support@riosalado.edu. Please include your name, student number, phone number, and new address including city, state, and zip code.

Contact Us

Please see the following page for contact information.

Disclaimer

Course content may vary from this outline to meet the needs of this particular group.

Rio Salado College Copyright

Course Content © Copyright 2021 Rio Salado College. All Rights Reserved.