Chem 1770: Quick Reference — Course Policies, Tools, & Intro Concepts

Instructor: Christina Bonacorsi; Sections 1 (1:10 PM) and 2 (11:00 AM) are interchangeable; same Canvas and gradebook.
Head TA: Thomas Simercotzini; may substitute for instructor.

Primary contact: Canvas help forum (public; avoid posting personal info).
Email: instructor and head TA (subject line should include CHEM1770 and section to help routing).
Response time: ~24 hours; if no reply, send a gentle reminder after 24 hours.

Office hours between sections, just outside the classroom.
If you cannot attend in person, email to schedule a Teams (virtual) meeting; emergencies accommodated via Teams.

Lab is a co-requisite; must be enrolled in the lab or have credit for it or you may fail.
Workday issues: adding sections can show as full; email chem1770bqb@iastate.edu (through the instructor’s policy) to request section changes.
If switching lecture, you may keep your recitation; changes must be official for recitation if desired.
Third section (Tue/Thu) exists; official changes required via Workday.

Evening exams: 08:15 PM – 09:15 PM on 3 dates (Sept 17, Oct 15, Nov 19).
Final exam: scheduled by registrar; could be any time between Dec 15 and Dec 18; plan to stay on campus until schedule is posted.
Exam scope: ~3–4 chapters per exam; format is multiple-choice on bubble sheet.

Required materials: textbook with Mastering Chemistry (Immediate Access program); content already billed.
Do not buy separately if you have access via Immediate Access; opt-out option exists but loses the graded homework.
Register in Canvas: “How to register a Mastering Chemistry” guide; look for “Immediate Access” and avoid buying codes.
Pearson help: on-campus support in Gilman Hall Thu 9 AM–3 PM; virtual support available on specified dates.

Scientific calculator required; programmable calculators are allowed but may not store data during exams.
Top Hat: registration available in Canvas; already included with ISU tuition; used for engagement, polls, and class activities (not graded for attendance).

SI Leader: Waibavi; free review sessions three times a week.
SI sessions: not lectures; include worksheets and peer discussions; exam reviews available.
Scheduling survey: helps set SI session times; attending at least one session recommended.

Absences allowed for illness or emergencies; lectures are recorded for catch-up.
Attendance policy: no strict attendance enforcement by instructor, but being in class aids learning; responsibility on students to keep up.
Recitation quizzes/workshops: top 10 of 15 counted; lowest five dropped; absences may be dropped here.
Exams: missing exams is serious; inform ahead if possible; missing two exams typically requires dropping the course or failing.

Diagnostic (ungraded) covers basic logic, algebra, chemistry; due Sunday at 11:59 PM.
Canvas quirk: a score may show as 0% but that doesn’t reflect real grade.
Incentive: converting a good-faith effort to a 10; adds an extra 10 points to worksheets (effectively six drops instead of five).

Turn-to-your-neighbor activities occur via Top Hat; focus on chemistry content; stay on task.
Be respectful and avoid distracting neighbors; use devices to engage with chemistry content.

Chapter E: Essentials – units, measurements, problem solving; connects to all chapters.
Learning objectives: numbers, measurement, scientific method.
Scientific method sequence: Observation → Hypothesis → Experiments → Theory → Law (if consistently validated).
Example: gas behavior and Charles’ Law: $P = kT$ (for a fixed amount and volume, pressure proportional to temperature).
Ammonia: $ext{NH}_3$ ; main uses include fertilizer production and cleaning.
Nitrogen source: $ext{N}_2$ from the atmosphere; hydrogen mostly from water via hydrolysis.
Balloons demo: helium in some balloons is replaced by hydrogen; hydrogen + oxygen → water releases energy; caution with flames.
Real-world demo notes: experimental error possible; safety and attentiveness emphasized.

Announcements area (chem hub, office hours, SI, homework reminders).
Today’s focus: Chapter E – Essentials: units, measurements, problem solving; review of the scientific method; practical examples and gas laws.

Always check Canvas for syllabus, materials, and module structure.
Register for Mastering Chemistry via Immediate Access; do not purchase separately if already included.
Keep track of exam dates and potential conflicts early; contact instructor if conflicts arise.
Use SI sessions for exam prep and concept clarification.
Read and follow the blue periodic table rules during exams.
If you miss class, use recordings and announcements to catch up promptly.