Course Syllabus and General Information
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry 100 Instructor: Dr. Frank M. Dunnivant
Spring, 2007 344 Hall of Science
526-4751 (office)
Lecture: MTTh 9:00 – 9:50 Geiser Hall of Science
Office hours: Anytime you can find me, but most Fridays work best (check in room 341 if IÕm not in my office). Appointments available on request.
Text and Supplies:
Chemistry Fundamentals: An Environmental Perspective, by Buell and Girard, 2nd Edition, available at the bookstore or on Amazon.com. ISBN 0-7637-1074-1
The Revenge of Gaia by James Lovelock. Available in the bookstore or on Amazon.com.
The packet of CHEM100 notes, available from the bookstore, are a must. These are more important than the textbook.
The Internet (pros and cons)
There will be additional handouts throughout the semester.
A calculator capable of displaying scientific notation and logarithms (base 10 and
natural logs, ln).
An open mind, willingness to learn a wonderful subject, and dedication.
There is no one textbook that will suffice for this class, but we will use the text by Buell and Girard for starters. There is an additional General Chemistry textbook, on reserve in the library, for material not contained in your textbook. Lectures will be based on a combination of material: the textbooks, handouts, chalkboard work, and computer simulations. You must keep up with your reading and assignments. I welcome chemistry or environmentally related news stories. My goal is to make science interesting and understandable.
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
I can never predict how long it will take to cover a subject or exactly when exams will be. I promise to give you at least a week notice before major exams. Exams will be given on Fridays from 12:00 to 4:00. You may take it at your convenience during this time in the assigned room. Exams will be closed book, closed cell phone, closed neighbor, and closed notes.
Chapter 1: What is Chemistry
Chapter 3: Atoms and Atomic Structure
Supplemental info: The Periodic Table
Chapter 4: Atoms and Chemical Bonding
Supplemental info: Lewis Dot Structures
EXAM 1 on Chapters 1-4 and the Periodic Table (Exam 1-2004) (Exam 1-2005) (Exam 1-2006)
Chapter 5: Nuclear Chemistry
Supplemental info: Kinetics (MATH!)
Chapter 6: Chemical Reactions
Supplemental info: The Flow Chart (MATH!)
Chapter 7: Reactions in Solution
Supplemental info: Equilibrium (MATH!)
EXAM 2 on Chapters 5-7 (Exam 2-2004) (Exam 2-2005) (Exam 2-2006)
Chapter 8: Carbon Compounds (limited material)
Chapter 10: Water Resources and Water Pollution
Supplemental info: DO, BOD, and the Streeter-Phelps Equation
Chapter 11: The Air We Breathe
EXAM 3 on Chapters 8-11 (Exam 3-2004) (Exam 3-2005) (Exam 3-2006)
Fate and Transport Modeling using Fate¨
Chapter 18: Toxicology
Chapter 19: The Disposal Of Dangerous Wastes
More Fate and Transport Modeling (as time permits)
EXAM 4 on Chapters 18-19 and the book on Gaia (Exam 4-2004) (Exam 4-2005)
Research talks as time permits
FINAL; Comprehensive exam for the semester
Office Hours: I generally keep an open door policy; if you can find me I will help you. The best time to catch me is on Fridays when I am in my research laboratory. This is across the hallway from my office. I am also around most afternoons between 1:00 and 3:00, but I also have meetings and other work occurring during these times. Special times can be arranged by appointment.
Overall Grading: Grades will be based on the following basis:
Item Points
Four-hour exams (multiple choice & problems) 400
10 weekly quizzes (first thing Monday morning) 100
Book discussion (discussion and night meeting) 50
(there will also be exam questions on this)
Final exam (comprehensive) 200
Total 750
The above represents an approximate breakdown. I reserve the right as instructor to take into account attendance, effort, participation, and overall professionalism in my final grade evaluation. This has pleasantly effected several grades in the past.
You can constantly check the status of your grade, if you choose to participate in the Òvirtual grade bookÓ on my home page. I encourage you to do this since I am also capable of making mistakes and if you have access to your grades you can call the error to my attention.
Academic Integrity/Honesty Policy: A very clear policy is given in your student handbook. I adhere to the CollegeÕs policy of Academic Honesty, which you have or will sign in the present of your advisor. This means that cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty, as defined in the policy, will not be permitted in this class and that the penalties stated in the policy will apply. Cheating of any type (on quizzes or exams, conducting dry labs, or when the lab reports of two students are too similar) will guarantee you a trip to the Dean of StudentÕs office and depending on the severity of the offense, an ÒFÓ on the assignment or in the class.
Keys to Earning A Good Grade:
- use multiple forms of learning
- come to every class
- read the textbooks and handouts
- work the suggested homework problems
- come to me for help when you do not understand something (well in
advance of the exam!)