Course Ref. No. 43845
MWF 9:00 - 10:05 am
Shattuck Hall, Room 212
Professor Carl C. Wamser
Office: Science Bldg 1, Room 327A
Office Hours: MTWRF 11 - 12
e-mail address: WamserC@pdx.edu
Textbook (required): "Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry," 3rd edition, by John McMurry, including a Study Guide. Molecular model kits and computer simulation programs are also available in the PSU Bookstore.
Class Schedule: We will cover Chapters 9-17 from the text, according to the schedule on the back. Note that we will be starting with Chapter 13. Each chapter is allocated three class periods: an overview pointing out the major areas of emphasis that you should study, practice consisting of problem-solving exercises, done individually and in groups, and applications to pull together everything we have gotten from that chapter in preparation for the quiz the next day.
Technology: As with last term, this class will take part in a research project to determine the effectiveness of technology in supporting learning. Specialized programs will be used in class and some will be made available in the Learning Lab, NH-96. Most of the elements of the class can be found on the class home pages at http://www-adm.pdx.edu/user/chem/Wamser/CH332W97/ which are updated regularly. Internet connections are available from most of the PSU computer labs, or from home if you have a computer with a modem. We also have a class discussion list CH331-L@freya.cc.pdx.edu Once you sign up for the discussion list (see instructions on the home pages), you can post messages and you will get copies of all messages that I or other students send. You are encouraged to use this format for general-interest questions. For personal communications with me, use my e-mail address above. I typically respond within 24 hours.
Grading: For each chapter, there will be a 15-minute quiz, worth 10 points, on the same scale as exam points. The lowest score of the nine quizzes will be dropped. There will be no make-up quizzes. There will be three midterm exams, worth 100 points each, and a final exam, worth 200 points. Missing an exam will require a written medical excuse, in which case an appropriate fraction of the final exam score will replace the missed exam. There will be no make-up exams. The final course grade will be determined by total points accumulated. The maximum is 580, based on the sum of exams plus quizzes, as outlined above. The expected grade distribution is: A: 80-100%, B: 65-79%, C: 50-64%, D: 40-49%, F: under 40%.
Extra Credit: No more than once per week, you may e-mail a request for a molecule. Individual molecules will be sent out once per week at about 8 am Monday. Specific information about the molecule must be e-mailed back for up to 2 points extra credit. You cannot get another molecule if you have one unreturned. Maximum extra credit is 18 points, on the same scale as other points.
How to Succeed in This Course: 1) Clarify for yourself what you want to get out of this course, 2) Participate actively in all course activities, 3) Practice solving problems and developing appropriate skills, and 4) Use the technology and other learning resources that are made available, including each other as study groups.
Miscellaneous: University policy will be strictly followed with respect to course withdrawal, academic honesty, and related subjects. Please ask the instructor or consult the latest PSU Bulletin if you have any questions.