Course Description: This introductory course will cover basic aspects of chemistry with emphasis placed on the relationship between the real world and the chemical world. Chemical principles will be used to explain aspects of forensic science, medicine, energy production, and environmental issues. Topics that will be explored include atomic and molecular structure, physical and chemical changes, and bonding and reactivity.

As this class is included as a Traditional Lab Science in the Common Core I have been directed to include the core course criteria that appears below.

CORE CRITERIA - TRADITIONAL LAB SCIENCE/ALLIED SCIENCES

The intent of Traditional Lab Science/Allied Sciences core area courses is to provide students with opportunities to further develop their understanding and appreciation of physical and natural processes, as well as the scientific theories and methodologies used to describe them.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
A core course in this area should enable students to:
1. Identify and understand the scientific theories and processes of the physical environment and the natural world;
2. Employ scientific methodology;
3. Recognize, understand and appreciate the ethical issues and societal impact of scientific endeavors;
4. Recognize and understand the relationships of scientific theories and concepts to human behavior and development.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRADITIONAL LAB SCIENCE
In support of these objectives, courses in this sub-area must:
1. Introduce and reinforce the vocabulary, elements and concepts of science;
2. Introduce and demonstrate how to utilize the tools and techniques for scientific methodology;
3. Provide a laboratory experience, in which students are required to formulate questions, develop hypotheses, design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and prepare scientific reports;
4. Promote and develop an understanding of the implications of scientific results upon society.

During the first unit of the class we will discuss measurements, we will examine atomic structure, and we will see how these topics relate to energy, medicine, and forensic science.

During the second unit, we will look at the manner in which atoms are combined to form larger structures, the properties expressed by these structures, how those properties affect the interaction of one structure with another, and how these interactions can be exploited.

During the third unit we will examine chemical changes and the way that these chemical changes can be used.

During the final unit of the semester we will examine the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions, how these changes can be measured, and where these changes effect our daily lives.

Grading and Assignments: There will be two (edited 5/6, announced in class 4/22) tests, two (edited 6/5 announce in class 4/22) graded assignments (re-worked exams), in-class exercises, quizzes, and a final.

• Assignments that are to be submitted for grading (the re-worked exams) will be announced in class and are usually due one week later. Late assignments will not be accepted.
• Exams will be announced one week in advance of the exam.
• Quizzes will be announced one class in advance of the quiz.
• In class exercises will be announced at the beginning of class.
  
• The final for this class is Friday, May 10 from 12:20 to 2:20. You must attend the final during this time period.

Additionally, students are required to attend one laboratory session each week and to complete any work assigned in the laboratory (consult the laboratory syllabus for details).

Grades will be determined as described below with the following caveats:

The letter grade (with +'s and -'s) will be based on an average score. The average score will be calculated as follows:

Averages greater than or equal to 90 will earn an "A-" or better.
Averages greater than or equal to 80 will earn a "B-" or better.
Averages greater than or equal to 70 will earn a "C-" or better.
Averages greater than or equal to 60 will earn a "D" or better.
Averages < 60 will not earn a passing grade.

The scale may be altered if appropriate.

Attendance: Students are expected to attend class and arrive on time.

• The grades assigned to the in-class exercises and quizzes will serve to formalize the relationship between your grade and attendance. For example, if you miss a class and thus an in-class exercise or a quiz, your average will be negatively affected (zeros tend to do that to averages).
  
• There are no make up exams. Missing an exam is a serious problem. Missing two or more exams will result in a failing grade. Extenuating circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. It is best to deal with these issues promptly.

Text: Chemistry for Changing Times, 12th edition, Hill, McCreary, and Kolb, Pearson/Prentice Hall (2010).

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 2:30-3:30. Available by appointment too.

Additional Resources:

• Chemistry for Changing Times, 10th edition Student Study Guide, Jones and Hill, Person/Prentice Hall (2004) is on reserve in the library.
• http://www.westfield.ma.edu/cmasi/

Laboratory Manual: Experience the Extraordinary Chemistry of Ordinary Things, 4th edition, Richardson and Chasteen, John Wiley and Sons (2004).

Academic Honesty: Students are encouraged to work together while learning, but some grades are based on individual achievement. Thus, any work that a student submits as the student's own work must, believe it or not, actually be that student's work. For example, students are encouraged to work together in class, but students are not allowed to work together while re-working exams, or while taking quizzes and exams. Academic honesty is important, and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. If an instance of academic dishonesty is uncovered, the student(s) in question may receive a 0 for the assignment or fail the class altogether. Additionally, crib sheets are not allowed during tests and quizzes; a periodic table will be provided.