Late Breaking News

       The Chem 1A average grade was C+, just shy of B-.  Overal grades ranged fro A+ to F.  The average for Exam 3 was 111 (200 pts max); High = 191, Low = 3, Median 113.  Overall I think you guys worked hard and did great.  I also think you learned quite a bit.  I was quite pleased by your performance and appreciative of the effort you put into the course.  Please remember to use me as a Resource Person in the future.  Enjoy the Holidays and come back in January refreshed and ready to go.  ---Tom

General Information

The Chem 1A Homepage will be updated frequently.  It is your responsibility to check for revisions and updates periodically. 

Last Updated:   12/17/07 3:01 PM

Email: mailto:schleich@chemistry.ucsc.edu

Introduction

Course Enrollment:  Currently the course is full. There is no wait list nor will permission codes be issued.  Please check the AIS for enrollment frequently since some people invariably drop the course.  Please remember that enrollment in a Discussion Section is mandatory (see below). Quizz scores and Homework grades will be recorded by the TA in charge of the Discussion Section you are enrolled in.  Thus, it is imperative that you attend the section you are enrolled in.

Disability Statement

If you have a disability that interferes with your learning I encourage you to talk with me about it on a confidential basis so that we might collectively devise a strategy to overcome whatever barriers might exist. You should also consult with the Disability Resource Center .

About the Course: In this first course of General Chemistry (3 part sequence) we cover: the first eight chapters of Chemical Principles, by Steven S. Zumdahl (see below).  If you develop academic difficulties with anything contact Tom Schleich and/or look at the Higgins Plan for Academic Success which contains helpful hints. 

Please note the following:  This course requires significant effort for attaining a good grade, and in fact is critical for success in this course.  Plan now to study the assigned reading prior to and after each each lecture, work the homework problems with diligence, participate extensively in Discussion Section by asking questions and providing explanations to others, and by making active use of office hours.

None of the secrets for success will work unless you do!!

Text::  Chemical Principles, 5th Edition, by Steven S. Zumdahl, published by Houghton Mifflin Company.  It is available from the Bay Tree Bookstore and elsewhere.  Several copies of Zumdahl are also on Reserve in the Science & Engineering Library.  A Study Guide, prepared by P. B. Kelter, to accompany Zumdahl’s Chemical Principles is also available.  You may find this supplement useful, particularly if you are having difficulty solving problems.  A Partial Soutions Guide by T. J. Hummel and S. S. Zumdahl may also be of interest.  You will need a calculator, preferably a scientific based one, to work homework and exam problems.

Lectures and Reading Assignments: The tentative class schedule includes reading assignments and weekly homework problems from the textbook. Reading of this material BEFORE the lectures is greatly encouraged. Homework assignments should be submitted in Lecture on the indicated due date.  Lecture Powerpoint slides, lecture notes, and sample test questions from the past may be found under Chem 1A Lecture Notes.

Exams and Grading: Two 1 hour Exams will be given in Lecure during the quarter and a 3 hour final during Finals Week.  Please see the syllabus for dates and exam coverage.  Course credit will be assigned in the following way: 66% on the 3 Exams; 17% on Homework Assignments and 17% on Quizzes.  If you miss an exam because of illness or other extenuating circumstance (travel for family matters is not considered to be an emergency circumstance) contact the instructor to discuss your situation. Make-up exams generally will not be offered but other mitigating measures will be taken to compensate for a properly justified absence. To pass this course you must score at least 60% of the total available points.  Homework assignments are due on the indicated date (see following Lecture Schedule.  Late homework assignments will not be accepted. 

For each homework assignment select any 8 problems for submission and grading.  However, you are responsible foe knowing how to solve all of the assigned problems.  Consequently, you are most strongly advised to carefully consider all of the assigned problems to ensure understanding.

Academic Integrity:   Academic Integrity is the cornerstone of scholarship.   This class will adhere assiduously to University policy.

Other Stuff:   I will be prepared to present lectures on time and within the appointed time slots. I request that you show respect for your classmates and instructor by:

• showing up to lecture on time and prepared
• not talking during lecture or discussion or in any way causing unnecessary disruptions
• staying in your seat during lecture unless it is absolutely necessary to leave
• turning in assignments on time

Following these simple requests will enable all of us to focus on the endeavor that brought us together: learning chemistry.

Office Hours: The instructor will hold office hours weekly (W, 2:00 - 4:00 PM) and by appointment. You are encouraged to use this time to clarify course material and course issues.  In addition, each TA will hold office hours on a weekly basis and by appointment (see below).

Discussion Sections

Discussion Sections will begin Monday, October 1.  Discussion Section Quizzes will start Monday, October 8.  If you have a schedule conflict you must use the use the AIS System to enroll in a new Discussion Section.

Teaching Assistants

MSI Sections

MSI sections begin this week.  You are free to attend the MSI SEctions for Chem 1A-02 if the above schedules poses scheduling conflicts.  Use this link to access the complete MSI Section schedule for the entire General Chemistry Series.  MSI is a valuable learning resource.  You are strongly encouraged to participate in this optional program.

Lecture Schedule

(subject to minor revision as the need arises)

Chem 1A Lecture Notes (requires Adobe Acrobat and Password)