Chemistry Fundamentals I – Quick Reference Notes

Course Overview

• Chemistry Fundamentals I (in-person)
• Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 10:30–11:20
• 4 credit class tied to lab portion
• Instructors: Selena Som (Dr. Som); UCF PhD; background in chemical ecology and catalyst development
• ULA: David Frohlich; in-class help for workloads and questions
• Contact: best via Canvas; use syllabus email for correspondence
• Office: PSB 236 (hours to be announced)

Materials and Tools

• Textbook: Pearson Mastering Chemistry (course materials on Canvas)
• Lab textbook: McGraw Hill (required for lab)
• Calculator: non-programmable (no graphing calculators)
• Pink scantrons: 5 blank (free at Student Union)
• Computer with webcam/mic for online quizzes; LockDown Browser required
• Library computers available if needed
• Modules include: slides, in-class notes, annotated notes later, supplementary videos (Dr. Laparous)
• LockDown Browser: download link in modules; ensure ready before first quiz

Grading and Policies (highlights)

• Discussion (Frolich, Tammy): 12.5%
• Homework (Pearson Mastering Chemistry): 11%
• Quizzes: 12.5% (one per chapter; 2 attempts)
• In-class worksheets: 4%
• Four midterms: 10% each
• Final exam: 20%
• Grading scale: A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, F < 60
• In-person attendance required; unannounced worksheets to encourage participation

Quizzes, Homework, and Exams (policies)

• Quizzes: open web quizzes for each chapter; LockDown Browser required; 3-day windows; auto-release of answers after due date; two attempts; two lowest quiz scores dropped
• Homework: 3 attempts per question; estimated 75–120 minutes per assignment; no extensions; up to 3 days after due date with 33.3% penalty
• In-class worksheets: groups of 2–4; single submission per group; closed-notes; must include name and ID; 25% curve; must have instructor signature to receive full credit; group member absence => automatic zero for the whole group
• Exams: in-person; pink scantron; no hats/earbuds; if you miss an exam due to UCF-affiliated events or religious observance, email promptly for makeup
• Makeups: for sickness with valid documentation (doctor’s note) or approved events; otherwise makeup exam will be a free-response version (you’ll be graded on all work for math portions)
• Final exam: ACS final exam (American Chemical Society); 45 problems in approximately 55 minutes; must complete to pass
• If exam score is higher than a midterm, final can replace the lowest midterm score

Quizzes and Web Course Details

• Quizzes: one per chapter; due dates listed in tentative schedule and syllabus; two attempts; answers auto-released after due date; two lowest quiz rates dropped
• LockDown Browser: required for quizzes; download via module tab
• Face visible during quiz; two sheets of scratch paper; formula/periodic table sheets provided on the quiz
• If viewing materials fails (e.g., cannot view formula sheet), try a different browser or clear cache; contact instructor if issues persist

In-Class and Course Experience

• Class format: in-person with unannounced worksheets to promote collaboration
• Any missed lecture: contact peers; instructor cannot handle all missed inquiries due to large class size
• Emphasis on student responsibility for attendance, homework, quizzes, and exam preparation
• Interaction: early active learning and peer discussion encouraged

Chapter 1 Preview: Matter, Atoms, and Scientific Method

• Chapter goal: matter measurement and problem solving; introduction to atoms and molecules
• Key topics:
  • Matter: occupies space and has mass; states of matter: $ext{solid}, ext{liquid}, ext{gas}$
  • Substances: definite form and composition
  • Atoms and molecules: atoms are building blocks; molecules are bound combinations of atoms; example water: $H_2O$
  • Bonding geometry: specific bond angles influence properties (e.g., water’s properties)
  • Carbon allotropes: graphite (sheets) vs diamond (lattice) and resulting properties
  • States of matter changes with temperature and their impact on molecular freedom
  • Scientific method: observations → hypotheses → experiments → laws/theories
  • Law vs. theory: law summarizes observations and predicts outcomes; theory explains underlying reasons and is continually tested
  • Atomic theory (Dalton): matter is composed of atoms; conservation of mass in reactions
  • Conservation of mass: in chemical reactions, matter is neither created nor destroyed; mathematical expression often used: $m<em>{ ext{initial}} = m</em>{ ext{final}}$
  • Empirical knowledge and documentation (lab notebooks)
  • Basic math readiness: order of operations (ChemDust: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction); calculator familiarity; avoid last-minute calculator changes
• Practical takeaway: Chapter 1 sets the stage for understanding matter at the molecular level and the scientific approach behind chemical reasoning

Quick Reference Formulas and Concepts

• Water: $H_2O$
• Conservation of mass: $m<em>{ ext{initial}} = m</em>{ ext{final}}$
• Final exam format: $45 ext{ problems in } 55 ext{ minutes}$
• Quizzes: open for three days; two attempts; two lowest scores dropped
• Midterm replacement: Final can replace the lowest midterm score if higher

Quick Reminders for Last-Minute Study

• Use a non-graphing calculator; practice with the same calculator you’ll use on exams
• Ensure LockDown Browser is installed and tested before the first quiz
• Review the weekly modules for slides, notes, and exam outlines (exam outline released about 5 days before each exam)
• OpenStax is available as an alternative if Pearson materials are confusing
• Attend lectures and participate in in-class worksheets to maximize learning and grades
• Keep track of quiz and exam dates and mark them on your calendar