Syllabus
In this course you will get a hands-on introduction to scientific research. The first six weeks will introduce techniques and instruments commonly used in modern chemistry. The remainder of the semester will be spent working in small groups on some part of an active research project.
By the end of the semester, you will be able to
- explain how natural scientists create knowledge through scientific methods
- understand and use the vocabulary and concepts of chemistry so that issues can be understood and intelligently discussed
- address ethical issues involved in experimentation and interpretation of data
- Value, appreciate and work effectively with diverse viewpoints, uncertainty and ambiguity, and remain open-minded towards alternatives
- Employ quantitative and qualitative analysis to solve problems, identify the component parts of complex issues, and describe their interrelationships
- discuss the value and relevance of science in your life
Instructors
| Section | Time | Instructor | Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Tues 1:15-4:15 | Jim Ford | Sci 167 |
| 11 | Wed 1:15-4:15 | Luci Benedict | Sci 350 |
| 12 | Thur 1:15-4:15 | Hank Tracy | Sci 228 |
Text
Your general chemistry text will be sufficient. You are required to have a bound laboratory notebook that produces carbonless copies. A calculator will be helpful.Evaluation
Your grade in this course will be based on the following components. See the links to the left for guidelines on each component.
- Performance (15%)
- You are expected to arrive prepared for lab, having read any assignments and attempted any prelaboratory exercises. In the lab, you will work in a careful manner, mindful of all safety considerations. Before leaving the lab, you will clean up your area and any common areas.
- Laboratory notebook (15%)
- You are expected to keep accurate records of your activities in lab. To facilitate this, purchase a laboratory notebook with carbonless duplicate pages; at the end of each week you will hand in the duplicates. Your notes should be a complete record of your team's activities and observations, and should clearly indicate YOUR contributions. Your notes will be graded on clarity and completeness.
- Laboratory reports (25%)
- At the completion of each experiment you will prepare a lab report describing your findings. These reports must be submitted electronically.
- Presentation (20%)
- Each team will present a poster at the Thinking Matters Symposium April 18th, 2008. Posters should be prepared according to the presentation guidelines. You should arrange to be present during the "Posters Staffed by Authors" portion of the day's activities; last year this was from 1:30-3:00. During this time you should be prepared to speak about your project as visitors come around with questions. Your instructor will also expect a short presentation from each team member.
- Final Report (25%)
- By the beginning of finals, you will submit a written report summarizing your research experience. This report should be no more than five pages long.
Academic integrity
Collaboration is an important part of research, and this course will develop your ability to work as a productive member of a team. You are strongly encouraged to discuss procedures, results, and interpretation of those results with your teammates and classmates. The oral presentation at the end of the semester is a team effort. However, all written reports must be your own individual work.
Support for students
- If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, please inform your instructor during the first week of the semester, after consulting with the Office of Academic Support for Students with Disabilities, 242 Luther Bonney (780-4706).
- For problems with writing or study skills, make an appointment at the Learning Center, 253 Luther Bonney (780-4228.
- Help is also available from the Counseling Center, 106 Payson Smith (780-4050.
- The Chemistry Department keeps a list of students willing to provide tutoring in chemistry. Check with your instructor or in the department office.
- Students experience difficulty in courses for a variety of reasons. If you are having trouble with this course or feel that you could be performing at a higher level, do not wait. Consult your instructor as soon as possible.