CHEM 101 (Online) - Syllabus (2024)

Course Outcomes

• Make predictions about the atomic structure and chemical properties of the elements based in their position in the periodic table.
• Use standard names and symbols to represent elements, isotopes, ions, compounds, and chemical reactions.
• Identify patterns in bonding, molecular geometry, and chemical reactions.
• Explain the physical properties of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions.
• Understand the principles of kinetics and thermodynamics as applied to the rates and equilibrium positions of chemical reactions.
• Apply quantitative reasoning skills to determine quantities of matter and energy involved in physical and chemical changes.

Description

Chemistry 101 is an introductory course for students without prior experience with chemistry. The course is for students studying agriculture, exercise physiology, occupational safety, or preparing for applying for nursing or dental hygiene programs. It serves as a prerequisite for Chemistry 150.

Prerequisites

Completion of or concurrent enrollment in FDMAT 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, or 119.

Required Materials

• A notebook for taking notes
• A scientific calculator (graphing calculators are not allowed on exams)
• Computer with high speed internet access
• Web camera and microphone

Note: This course does not use a textbook. Content is primarily delivered through videos contained in the course.

Learning Model Architecture

It is important you understand the approach to online learning used at BYU-Idaho. Familiarize yourself with this by viewing the Orientation to Online Learning at BYU-Idaho (also provided in the Week 01 Module). Be aware this is not an independent study course. You progress through the course activities along with your classmates. Do not expect to work through the course at your own pace.

As in all BYU-Idaho courses (both on campus and online) the structure of this course is founded on the BYU-I Learning Model. It utilizes the key steps of prepare, teach one another, and ponder and prove. In most weeks, the Learning Model steps will be implemented in the following ways:

Prepare

• Watch instructional videos that describe and demonstrate chemistry principles.
• Keep a notebook with questions or comments about the videos.
• Complete study guides that contains activities and problems related to chemistry topics. Each week has two to four topics and a study guide is provided for each topic. Answer keys for the study guides are available. Study guides are not submitted and have no points associated with completing them. However, they are essential to your success in the course!
• For each topic, answer practice questions to help you gauge your level of understanding, solidify concepts in your mind, and prepare for the associated quiz.

Teach One Another

• You are strongly encouraged to meet in a study group and work through study guide problems together.
• Optionally participate in the weekly Support Forum where you give and receive help for study guide problems and other questions.
• Participate in a discussion to analyze common chemistry misconceptions.

Ponder & Prove

• Complete multiple quizzes every week to demonstrate the degree to which you meet the weekly objectives.
• Take remotely proctored exams every other week to demonstrate your mastery of chemistry principles.

Time Commitment

CHEM 101 is a three-credit course. University policy specifies that you should spend three to four hours per week on coursework for each credit hour. Thus, you should plan to spend 9 to 12 hours per week to be successful in this course.

Course Navigation

Navigate the course using the Modules view (or navigate to specific modules from the Home page). The I-Learn Calendar and To Do list provide helpful reminders, but you will have a more cohesive experience if your primary means of navigation is through the Modules view.

Grading Policies

A significant part of your grade is based on your ability to submit assessments on time, read and follow instructions, pay attention to detail, and not make simple mistakes. There is no make-up for failure to complete an assessment by the scheduled due date and time.

Graded Activities

Concept Test: A concept test will be given at the beginning and end of the semester. The test is administered through I-learn. You receive points for completing these tests, not on your performance.

Quizzes: Each week is subdivided into two to four topics. After completing the study guide and practice activity for the topic, you take a quiz. A quiz is administered for each topic, so there are multiple quizzes per week. Quizzes have five or more multiple choice questions. Quizzes are to be taken without assistance from any outside source (notes, book, internet, other person, etc.). Quizzes have time limits that vary according to the number of calculations or structural drawings that are necessary to answer the questions.

Exams: Six exams are given in the course. Each exam consists of 33 multiple-choice questions and tests your understanding of concepts presented in the instructional videos and study guide. Exams are administered through I-Learn and are remotely proctored using the online proctoring service, Proctorio, that integrates with I-Learn. (More information about proctoring is found in the syllabus section below titled, “External Resource: Proctorio.”) Exams are taken without the use of any outside resources such as notes, books, internet searches, or assistance from other individuals.

Final Exam: There is a comprehensive final exam for this course. It consists of multiple-choice questions and is remotely proctored.

Teach One Another Discussion: Most weeks have a “Teach One Another” discussion where you analyze common chemistry misconceptions. You are expected to write a response for each scenario on your own and share one of them with the class by making an initial discussion post. You then review your classmates' posts, paying special attention to scenarios you struggled with, and respond to at least two of them. Grades for the discussion are determined by your participation. You also complete a Reflection quiz after each Teach One Another discussion where you submit your scenario document and report what you learned from the activity.

Grade Breakdown

Grading Standards

From the BYU-Idaho Catalog:

• “A” represents outstanding understanding, application, and integration of subject material and extensive evidence of original thinking, skillful use of concepts, and ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Demonstrates diligent application of Learning Model principles, including initiative in serving other students.
• “B” represents considerable/significant understanding, application, and incorporation of the material which would prepare a student to be successful in next level courses, graduate school or employment. The student participates in the Learning Model as applied in the course.
• “C” represents sufficient understanding of subject matter. The student demonstrates minimal initiative to be prepared for class. Sequenced courses could be attempted, but mastering new materials might prove challenging. The student participates only marginally in the Learning Model.
• “D” represents poor performance and initiative to learn and understand and apply course materials. Retaking a course or remediation may be necessary to prepare for additional instruction in this subject matter.
• “F” represents failure in the course.

Grade Scale

External Resource: Proctorio

Course exams are remotely proctored using a service called Proctorio. There is no cost for you. Proctorio requires you to use Chrome as your browser and to download a software extension on the device where you take exams. Instructions for completing the download and accessing the exams are included in the course. If you would like more information now, see the Proctorio Help Guide. In Week 02 of the semester (one week before the first proctored exam), you are required to take a practice proctored exam. This allows you to test your technical setup and seek support if necessary.

Tutoring

Students in Rexburg Area

If you are on or near campus, there are chemistry tutors from 5:30–7:30 nightly at the Romney building room 277.

All Students

All students may arrange for tutoring through the Academic Support Center which is designed to assist online and campus students in their coursework. This is a free service for BYU-I students. To arrange a tutor, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the Academic Support Center webpage.
2. Click on the large text near the top of the page that reads, “Request a Tutor.”
3. Follow the prompts to arrange a tutor.

Online Support Center

If you experience technical difficulties any time during the course, contact the BYU-Idaho Online Support Center before contacting your instructor.

Phone: 208-496-1411
Email: byuisupportcenter@byui.edu
Website: http://www.byui.edu/online/online-support-center
Text Messaging: 855-808-7102
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM, MST
Skype: onlinesupportcenterbyui
Live Chat: Available on the Online Support Center Website.

Missing Content

Some browsers block content that does not meet certain security specifications. For this reason, there may be times when content in this course does not display properly. If that occurs, check to see if you must specifically allow the object to be viewed.

If you are unable to resolve missing content issues or you experience other technical difficulties like broken links at any time during the course, contact the Online Support Center before contacting your instructor. (See the information above.)

Copyright Notice

All materials provided through participation in this course are protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). These materials are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be retained or further disseminated.

Policies

Academic Honesty

Academic honesty is required and any violation with be dealt with according to the University Academic Honesty Policy.

Policy on Sexual Discrimination/Harassment

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an education program or activity that receives federal funds, including Federal loans and grants. Title IX also covers student-to-student sexual harassment. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please contact the Personnel Office at 208-496-1130.

Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability that may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, (208) 496-9210. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by this office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Personnel Office at 208-496-1130.

Personal Conduct

All of your correspondence with the teacher or other classmates must be respectful. Writing something disrespectful or “venting” is unprofessional and not becoming of a university student. In addition, it is not in accordance with the Honor Code of BYU-Idaho and you will be subject to discipline accordingly. You are invited to reread the BYU-I Honor Code and the “Principles of Personal Honor.”

Disclaimer

This syllabus is for the guidance of students only and is not a legal contract between BYU-Idaho, the instructor(s) and the students. Changes in the course, its content, procedures, grade computation, or assignments may occur due to the sole discretion of the instructor. The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus at any time during the semester in order to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified prior to any changes that may take place.