Chem 1770 – Course Policies and Intro Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering key policies, tools, and introductory chemistry concepts from the first lecture of Chem 1770.

Interchangeable sections

Two lecture sections (01:10 PM and 11:00 AM) are taught by the same instructor; students can attend either and both share Canvas and the same gradebook.

Head TA

Thomas Simer Kotzini; head of all TAs who can substitute for the instructor and may handle communications with students.

Office hours

Times to meet with the instructor (often before class); in-person in or near Gilman Hall; can be by appointment or via Teams for virtual meetings.

Canvas help forum

Public discussion board on Canvas for course questions (avoid posting personal information); used for homework questions and class help.

Course email convention

Use the official course email and include Chem 1770 and your section in the subject to help the instructors identify you; responses typically within about 24 hours.

Workday add/drop policy

Workday may show seats as available even when full; for section changes, email the chemistry support address (Adam Wade assists); some changes require official updates in Workday.

Recitation vs Discussion

Recitation sessions (Thursday) are small groups (20–25) with a TA; include problem-solving worksheets and a graded quiz.

Co-requisite lab

You must be enrolled in the lab or have credit for it; labs are separate from lecture with their own Canvas and instructors; coordinate with your adviser to add if needed.

Lecture recordings

All lectures are recorded and posted after class; attendance is encouraged but not strictly required because you can catch up later.

Chemistry Diagnostic exam

A short, ungraded diagnostic in basic skills; due Sunday 11:59 PM; taking it with genuine effort can add a 10 to your worksheet scores.

Top Hat

ISU’s in-class engagement tool; registration via the Top Hat app; not graded by the instructor but used for interactive questions and group activities.

Calculators policy

A scientific calculator is required; programmable calculators may be used but should not store data during exams; you may use your own calculator or a provided model.

Periodic table cheat sheet

A card-stock periodic table (blue, with an empty back) given in recitation as a cheat sheet; follow the instructor’s instructions for use.

Top Hat activity structure

Topic questions appear on devices; students turn to a neighbor to discuss, then answer on Top Hat; the class reviews the results together.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Free peer-led review sessions (three times a week), led by an SI leader; not a lecture but facilitates learning with worksheets and exam reviews; scheduling survey used to plan times.

Absences policy

Lectures are recorded; illness or emergencies are accommodated; students should catch up via recordings and announcements; attendance is encouraged but not strictly required; two or more missed exams can be problematic.

Exam vs final policy

Three regular exams weigh heavily; missings exams requires advance notice and a solution; missing two exams can lead to course withdrawal or failure; final exam date is determined by the registrar.

Mastering Chemistry access

Required e-book and homework system; immediate access is provided; opting out means losing the graded homework; register via Canvas guidance rather than buying access.

Chapter e – essentials

First chapter focusing on units, measurements, and problem solving; learning objectives and PowerPoints are available in advance in the module; post-class documents are uploaded later.

Final exam scheduling

Final exam is scheduled by the registrar; date could fall between Oct 15 and Dec 18; plan early to avoid conflicts with other courses or travel.