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Prof. Christopher Masi |
Office: 307B Wilson Hall |
Course Description: Fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry will be discussed. Topics to be discussed will include nucleosynthesis, bonding theory, molecular symmetry and its relationship to vibrational spectroscopy and bonding, electronic structure and its relationship to electromagnetic spectroscopy, and coordination chemistry. Where appropriate, emphasis will be placed on the mechanisms of reactions and the relationship between structure and reactivity. Time permitting, this class may also examine additional topics, for example, the role that inorganic compounds play in biochemistry (bioinorganic chemistry), or the formation of covalent bonds in metal-carbon compounds (organometallic chemistry).
Grading and Assignments: There will be three tests, six graded assignments (three reworked tests and three small projects), and a final. Unless explicitly instructed otherwise, all of the graded assignments are to be done individually.
More on the three reworked test: Reworking questions for which you did not receive full credit does not add points back onto your test. The reworked tests are separate assignments and each one will account for five percent of your overall score. Thus, it is important that each of the assignments be completed, both from a learning perspective and from the point of view of your overall score.
The letter grade (with +'s and -'s) will be based on an average score. The average score will be calculated as follows:
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The three tests will be averaged, and their average will account for |
50% |
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The final will account for |
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The six assignments will be averaged, and their average will account for |
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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. 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.
Text: We will be using an Open Educational Resource (OER) hosted by LibreTexts. Inorganic Chemistry Haas et. al. https://commons.libretexts.org/book/chem-151351
A pdf of the text can be downloaded. Be aware that there are a few formatting issues with the downloaded version of the text, and the download does not include any videos or interactive content. In other words, keep the text bookmarked in your browser for the complete experience.
Helpfull app: WebMO.app available in the Google play store and the Apple App Store. WebMO has a free version and a very inexpensive version that allows the user to build larger structures. Among other things, it is useful for viewing molecular geometries and molecular orbitals.
Office hours: Monday from 11:15-12:00, Wednesday 11:15-12:00, Thursday 11:15-12:00 and Friday from 11:15-12:00. I am available most Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons outside of posted office hours and often on Tuesdays and Thursdays for unscheduled pop ins. On the other hand, please don't show up just before class unless it is absolutely necessary. If you need to see me before class please make an appointment, and in general, making an appointment to make certain I'm available outside of my posted office hours is always a good idea.
Academic Honesty: Students are encouraged to work together while learning, but grades are based on individual achievement. Thus, any work that a student submits for a grade must be that student's work. Academic honesty is important, and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Scientific integrity depends on academic honesty. Lack of scientific integrity has serious consequences: people have been terminated and sued for releasing trade secrets, court cases have been thrown out for dishonest behavior in crime laboratories, and lives can be lost if scientific data is misrepresented. 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. The academic honesty policy (https://catalog.westfield.ma.edu/content.php?catoid=30&navoid=1348#Academic_Honesty_Policy) includes additional potential consequences including suspension or dismissal from the university.
Students may not work together on graded assignments unless explicitly told to do so.
Crib sheets are not allowed during tests; a periodic table will be provided. Students may bring molecular modeling kits to tests if they wish.
Topics: We will be exmining the following topics in this order.
Chap 1 Introduction.