Grading: Grades will be based on the following:
3 Midterm Exams 30%
Final Exam 30%
In Class Quizzes 20%
Homework 10%
Papers 10%
Final Grades will be assigned according to the following scale:
Percentage Grade Percentage Grade
93.0-100 A 73.0-77.0 C
90.0-93.0 A- 70.0-73.0 C-
87.0-90.0 B+ 67.0-70.0 D+
83.0-87.0 B 63.0-67.0 D
80.0-83.0 B- 60.0-63.0 D-
77.0-80.0 C+ <60.0 F
Note: There are no extra points available. It is the instructor’s duty to ensure that every student in this course is evaluated fairly and equally. Letter grades will be objectively assigned with no exceptions.
Midterm Exams: There are three midterm exams, to be completed on the designated day unless prior arrangements have been made. If you are going to miss an exam due to a university excused absence, you will need to take the exam early. While the first three exams will focus on the material in that section, chemistry by its nature is cumulative and therefore the midterm exams are cumulative as well. It is departmental policy that exams not be returned, although students can examine them in my office. Scantrons are required.
Final Exam: The final exam is comprehensive. The final is made to be similar to the final exam produced by the American Chemical Society. Therefore, it is to your advantage to learn as much as possible throughout the semester. The test is multiple choice and you will need to bring a scantron and #2 pencil.
Chapter Homework: A few problems will be assigned from the book (see files in canvas) each day except those days when a test is administered. The problems are due before the next day of class. These will be awarded points by one of two means: on some days assignments will be graded, on other days full points will be awarded for turning in a complete answer that represents an honest effort (including work). A coin will be flipped to determine which one it is. Assignments for completion will be worth 1 point, while ones graded are 10 points.
In Class Quizzes: There will be announced quizzes throughout the semester to measure student learning and encourage attendance. Time to complete these quizzes will only be given in class unless prior arrangements are made. No make up will be allowed for quizzes. If a quiz is missed due to a university sanctioned absence (an athlete participating in a sporting event, for example), the quiz will need to be made up on the first day available (preferably taken before the event).
Pet Metal Paper: Choose a main group metal on the period table. Learn about the chemistry it participates in. I have an excellent book to help you learn about that metal. The library may also be of great use. Primary literature will be expected as the main source of information. A rubric will be provided in the canvas assignment.
Crystal Structure Paper: Choose a mineral and find out what type of crystal structure it has. Find a journal article that discusses it. A rubric will provided in the canvas assignment.