Course Overview
In this course you will learn about some of the important
topics in chemistry. We will start with some essential math
skills and use these to cover such topics as density, atomic
structure, the nature of light, nuclear chemistry, molecular
structure, and chemical reactions. The textbook for the
course is Investigating Chemistry: A
Forensic Science Perspective, 2nd edition by Matthew
E. Johll. Published by W.H. Freeman and Co., ©2009
What to Bring to Class
Missing Class
If you are tardy or miss class you must present me with an
absence slip from the main office. This will clearly indicate
whether it was excused or unexcused. If you come to class
without one you will be asked to go to the office to obtain
it.
If you miss class, and it is an excused absence, then you may
make up the work you missed. You must see me before class
starts or after it has ended and ask for the work. It is your
responsibility to find out what you missed and to do it. You
must complete the work no later than the due date plus the
number of days absent or the usual late penalties will apply.
Late Work
Lateness is not acceptable unless you were absent and have
shown me proper documentation to prove your absence was
excused. Arrangements to hand in work missed when absent must
be made at the first class meeting upon your return.
Late work is subject to a penalty of 25 points on a
100 point assignment. Late work will be accepted
only within two days of the original due date. After that it
will not be accepted. An incomplete lab handed in on time
will not be eligible for a do-over. Incomplete work handed in
late will not be accepted.
Lab Safety
Safety is of paramount importance in the lab. Warnings of
particular hazards will be given in the introduction to each
lab activity. Students will be reminded once of safety rules.
Students who do not heed such reminders will have to sit out
the lab and take a zero.
Office Hours
7:35
am -
7:40
am and 2:05
pm - 2:10
pm every day (5
min before and after classes)
Also: Thursdays 2:10
pm - 3:10
pm and Fridays 6:55
am - 7:35
am
If you are struggling, make an effort to come and see me. In
my experience this one action can improve your understanding
(and your grades) immensely.
Recitation
Once a week I will hold a Recitation session. Students may
attend at will and will receive two points toward the next
quiz for each session they attend. This will be held
Thursdays at 2:10 pm. Recitations last one
hour. Points will be given for attendance and participation:
come prepared with questions and problems you are having
trouble with.
