Course Syllabus

Ms. Anu Sharma MS MEd MBA

Email : ASharma@peralta.edu

Chemistry Department, Berkeley City College

Voice Mail : 510-859-8509

PREFERRED CONTACT: CANVAS inbox

Office Hours: Tuesday

ONLINE - 4:00 pm–4:20 pm

ZOOM MEETING

	CHEM	30A	ON	4.00	Introductory General Chemistry		Berkeley City College
LECTURE 24967		JAN 26, 2021		MAY 25, 2021	Tuesday	1:30 PM - 4:20 PM	Synchronous
LABORATORY 24968		JAN 28, 2021		MAY 20, 2021	Thursday	1:30 PM - 4:20 PM	Partially Synchronous
		Instructor(s): Ms. ANU SHARMA (Lecture) & Dr. SAMUEL GILLETTE (Lab)

OFFICE HOURS: Reserved to help students to understandPRE ATTEMPTEDconcepts

MISSED LECTURES:Will not be repeated in class or during office hours

FINAL EXAM: Tuesday May 25^th, 2021 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm ZOOM ONLINE

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Fundamental principles of general chemistry: Metric measurements, matter and energy, atomic structure, chemical nomenclature, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gas laws, nuclear chemistry, properties of liquids, solids, solutions, acids and bases. 1905.00

Prerequisite : MATH 201, 208, 210 (completed with a grade of C or higher) OR Placement

MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENTS - Prerequisite Skills:

Before entering the course the student should be able to:

Apply order of operations to simplify algebraic expressions;
Solve linear equations in one variable;
Graph linear equations in two variables by various methods;
Add, subtract, multiply, divide and simplify rational expressions;
Apply algebraic methods to solve word problems;
Apply the properties of integral exponents;
Solve formulas for any given variable;
Find the slope of a line from the graph;
Understand multistep dimensional analysis;
Apply conversion factors

ADVISORY : Trigonometry, Statistics, Geometry, Basic Arithmetic courses are NOT substitutes for Math requisition. Students without adequate prerequisite math courses struggle much, however a passing grade of “C” with the help of extra credit assignments, tutoring and hard work is achievable in this course. Please be advised that a grade of “A or even a B” is not practical if a student has attained an “F” on 1 or more midterm tests.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES (REQUIRED)

General, Organic & Biological ChemistryKaren Timberlake 5^thed
eDevice with WORKING CAMERA and High Speed INTERNET access

GRADING

ASSIGNMENTS	100%	Grade	Range*
Homework @ 20 points each	15%	A	90-100 %
Labs @ 100 points each	15%	B	80-89 %
Quiz @ 20 or more points each	15%	C	70-79 %
MidTerms @ 50 or more point each	30%	D	60-69 %
Final Examination (cumulative) @ >100 pts	20%	F	< 60 %
Participation/Presentation/Attendance	5%

TOTAL 100%

Homework 15 %

Look for questions at the back of each chapter posted in HW modules. On a separate sheet of paper, answer these questions and show working. Check the correctness of your answers referencing to solutions manual posted under the modules or at the back of the book. Homework also includes -

(i) READING each chapter twice a week before the lecture and while doing the HW (ii) DOING CANVAS quizzes (iii) Doing EXTRA CREDIT assignments (iv) REVIEWING lecture notes (v) DOING worksheet (vi) Doing Lab Simulations (vii) Self studying. ALL ONLINE HW assignments need to be done EACH WEEK if you want good grades on tests, as these assignments prepare you for the tests. Take pictures of your work and upload in assignment in CANVAS as 1 pdf file.

Work Sheets (Part of 15% of the Lab grade)

Ca. 10 -12 Worksheets contain important questions that are bound to come on the tests. Each worksheet already contains answers, so that you can check for the validity of your answers yourself. Take the picture of the working shown on the worksheet and upload to CANVAS as 1 pdf file.

Extra Credits

Test 1, 2, 3 & 4 have extra credits assignments worth 5 pts. These are solved sample questions – worked example problems – within the chapter. Please do these questions on a separate sheet of paper.The grades on Final Exam, Midterm tests and Quizzes are a reflection of Mastery Learning. Extra Credit assignments provide a chance to learn more about the key concepts, but they will only help move up 1 letter grade in the following order – F > D > C > B > A. Those who receive “F” are required to consult with me. Please be advised that “F” can be moved to a “C”, but “F” will NEVER become a “B” or an “A” for that assignment. In order to offset one “F” on an exam, a student needs to work harder and score an “A” or a “B” to offset that “F”. No low scores will be dropped. So, try NOT to get a “F” in the first place. Plan and prioritize accordingly.

Quizzes 15%

Ca. 11 Quizzes Online in CANVAS. Quizzes are 20 - 40 points each. These are more like PRACTICE tests. You have 2 attempts to take these quizzes. So, you can easily get full points on them and still get an idea what the midterm would look like.

MID TERM Tests 30 %

3-4 Midterms on CANVAS will cover the material from homework, lecture, quizzes, worksheets etc. Each Midterm test contains 20 or 30 questions, each worth 2 - 3 points, tentatively, so about 40 - 60 points total. No makeup allowed on tests. You may be able to take only 1 missed test for a grade of “D” which becomes a “C” with extra credit. You can always make up the loss by working harder and attaining an “A” in next test. So please plan ahead and the hard work from day 1. Have a working camera turned ON as requirement to take exam. You cannot take the midterm tests if the camera is not showing you taking the test. The software will remove you from the session and you will not be able to rejoin, thus attaining a zero, "0" on the tests.

Final Exam 20 %

1 Final Exam: Cumulative. Final exam is ca. 100 or more points. There is no make-up final. So please plan in advance. Monitored by me. Have a working camera turned ON as requirement to take exam. You cannot take the exam if the camera is not showing you taking the test. The software will remove you from the session and you will not be able to rejoin, thus attaining a zero, "0" on the exam.

Labs 15 %

Ca.10 Experiments : Simulations based online Labs. Just follow the directions as indicated when you open in simulations and perform the activities. Scores are automatically added into CANVAS grades. There may be some video lectures, small projects, discussions as part of Lab exercises. Labster Simulations Lab Assignments work better when opened in FIREFOX in case Google Chrome doesn't work.

Course Participation 5%

Attendance: It counts towards classroom participation. Please be advised that Absences from lectures & lab is loss in conceptual understanding as well and it is your responsibility to catch up on your own. Be in class on time. You will be marked ABSENT for TARDINESS. Anyone getting >4 absences will be either dropped or will get a 1 letter grade reduction in their overall final course grade. Similarly, missing 2 labs accounts for a FAILING Grade. Look at the schedule and consult with me as needed. Your attendance in the lecture and lab session is CRITICAL.

Class Activities: Simple, casual 3-5 minutes of activities that help students be more engaged and learn from each other will be assigned from time to time. Depending upon the topic, you may be called to go solo or in pairs or in groups. You have the option to bring a prop or share a video or animation or use the white board to explain a concept. The whole idea is to include variety of learning styles during lectures or labs and keep the learning interesting and fun.

Questions / Discussions / Online Forum : Those who READ ACTIVELY and THINK through, contribute to classroom discussions intelligently.

Questions that emerge based upon the reading and thinking process contribute to healthy discussions and bring value to the overall learning environment in the class. Questions that emerge based solely on the attention getting needs of individuals or impulsivity often result in distraction and effect the learning experience of everyone. Similarly, “off topic” questions put forth when the lecture is in session will be seen as an interruption. Although I do take a few questions during the lectures, please be advised that due to time constraints, it is not feasible to have all questions answered in that class period. However, I highly encourage each student to feel FREE to post any question on the discussion forum. Each student in the class is similarly encouraged to respond to questions on the forum. Those questions posted on the forum that are perceived to offer a learning value for others as a whole, will be included in the lesson plan. However, questions that are related to homework or quiz or something else while the lecture is in session will be seen as an interruption. Please be mindful that as instructors, we create a “Lesson Plan” that is our “objective” for the day, which gets disturbed in case of unwarranted questions. Please POST your question on the forum, or bring your question to me AFTER the class, so that it could be included in the next lesson plan or answered in office hours as appropriate.

Reading: If reading itself is a challenge, I encourage you to follow SQ3R technique, form study groups, take the support from the disability office, watch online videos, check out e-books, audio books, seek tutoring, see other resources at the learning center and in the library.

Presentation: In the last week of the semester, students are required to form groups of 3-4 and make a presentation on the concepts covered in the course. Points will be awarded and will count towards your participation grade. See presentation guidelines for details. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.

PLEASE NOTE: INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE / MODIFY THE SYLLABUS / SCHEDULE in order to meet the COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO) as needed.

Communications:Students are REQUIRED to map their EMAILS with course page in CANVAS and are required to check the ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPDATES in timely manner. Please send me messages via INBOX in CANVASand I will respond as feasible. I will not be able to take your phone calls as I am working elsewhere in other times.

LATE POLICY: 50% REDUCTION in grades after the DUE date. Please see the schedule.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES for Chem 30A

Upon completing this course, students will acquire the following knowledge and skills:

Solve quantitative chemistry problems using simple algebraic processes related to mole concept and reaction stoichiometry.

Demonstrate the knowledge of Periodic Table and Trends in periodic properties of elements, write chemical formulas as per IUPAC system of nomenclature and write and balance the chemical equations.

TYPICAL LECTURE LESSON PLAN :(Tentative)

Question of the day on the board (if needed)
Group Discussion – Reading Recap
Brain Storm – What was read? Bullet points
Student Presentation – Icebreaker (if needed)
Lecture – Interactive
Group exercises (as needed)
White Board Activities
Wrap up (important announcements)

INCOMPLETE “I”, WITHDRAWAL “W”, FAIL “F” & DROPPING OUT :Please check the ACADEMIC CALENDER for deadlines to seek REFUND and / or take a “W” grade. Those students who do not withdraw on their own and stop attending the class run the risk of getting a “F” – a failing grade. A grade of Incomplete “I” is given only in rare cases, upon proof validating the reason for unavoidable circumstances, such as death / funeral / medical emergency on the FINAL EXAM DAY ONLY. Refer to ACADEMIC CALENDER for deadlines to WITHDRAW and get REFUND or “W”

STUDENTS with MEDICAL NEEDS :

Having a medical condition does not entitle a grade of “A” or “B”. Students who enroll in the course with a pre-existing medical condition OR develop a medical condition that requires medication and supervision of health care providers, are advised that their learning may get impaireddue to the demands of their medical needs. Since grades are a reflection of learning, a failing grade of “F” or “D” may result if excessive learning loss and absences occur. In such cases, please discuss your situation with me at the earliest OR check with A&R regarding “Petition to Remove Substandard Grades” OR withdraw from the course on your own in timely manner.

PLEASE NOTE: Pregnant students in final trimester with their due dates falling near final exam are RESPECTFULLY suggested to WITHDRAW from this course.

SPECIAL NEEDS ACCOMMODATIONS:Colleges have excellent Program & Services for Students with Disabilities. Disabled Student Resource Center (DRC) operates under mandates set forth in Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990; and Title V of the California Code of Regulations. Please Schedule an appointment with a DSRC Counselor in Room 2400or by calling 510.723.6725Pleaselet me know what accommodations are needed by the 2^ndweek. For further details - Please visit – DSPS office.

CANVAS –

The MAIN HUBfor this course. Please visit this site for assignments, lecture recordings & notes, links to many FREE online resources, grades, announcements, tests, quizzes and INBOX etc. as needed.

TESTING STANDARDS : ALL TESTS (Midterms, Final Exam) -

CAMERA MUST BE TURNED ON throughout the test.

You will be dropped out of ZOOM meeting if the camera is not turned on and the instructor cannot see you.

Your face should be visible on the screen and some part of your desk.

You are allowed to use HANDOUTS and Class Notes.

You cannot search the internet or use phone or take help from other people through text messages or chats when the TEST is in session.

Once the test is distributed, DO NOT WALK OUT of the testing room without notifying the instructor.

Students are to use CALCULATORS ONLY on the tests.

Everyone will be muted. Students can communicate with me while the test is in session through the private direct message chat in the ZOOM.

ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION & TARDINESS STANDARDS :

Please, plan to stay for FULL TIME of the class sessions. I may take attendance at random times. All of which will be graded and counted towards classroom participation. Please consult with me when you plan to be absent from lecture sessions. Only absences occurring due to medical or unavoidable reasons are excused upon furnishing a valid proof of inability to attend. Lectures are SYNCHRONOUS and Labs are partially ASYNCHRONOUS. All Lectures will be recorded. Those who miss the lectures need to look at the recording and make up on their own.

MAKE UP TEST: Those who miss the test can take the test at home for a grade of “D” which becomes a “C” after the addition of extra credit. This provision is allowed only once. Please provide a proof that validates your inability to take the test on time.

TIME MANAGEMENT: OUTSIDE of lecture and lab times – (Just estimates)

If you spend 4 hours each day, then 5 units X 4 hours = 20 hours / week = “A” grade

If you spend 3 hours each day, then 5 units X 3 hours = 15 hours / week = “B” grade

If you spend 2 hours each day, then 5 units X 2 hours =10 hours / week = “C” grade

INDEPENDENT LEARNING: To be successful in STEM careers, strive to become an independent learner. You can develop this habit by –

Reading frequently on your own
Organizing tasks
Setting up realistic achievable goals
Maintaining a schedule
Thinking through problems
Seeking solutions on your own
Practicing problems from the book

For more - https://www.brightknowledge.org/study-skills/top-tips-for-independent-learning

COOPERATIVE LEARNING:Forming GROUPS and learning from your peers makes learning fun and you also get to see different perspectives in understanding the same concepts. In order for GROUP LEARNING to be effective, please make sure that –

there is positivity and optimism
there are clear objectives
goals of the members are aligned
meeting is for 2-3 hours only
there is consistency and continuity
meeting occurs in distraction free environment
fair contribution of each group member
compare and improve notes

For more, read here - https://www.educationcorner.com/study-groups.html

HEALTHY MIND BODY SPIRIT CONNECTION: Make sure you relax, destress, enjoy life, do some fun activities that energize you more. Perform exercises, yoga and meditation, listen to calm music, and if possible, volunteer for a cause and /or perform some random acts of kindness that bring a positive difference in our communities. Enjoy yourself also.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT – Please refer to Student Handbook for more :-

A conduct that fosters learning is expected from students. Unacceptable behaviors are -

Plagiarism= Copying others’ work for grade and without acknowledging the author

Fabrication= Falsification of data

Deception= False excuses or false claim to submission of work

Cheating= Obtaining assistance on tests

Sabotage= Willfully disruption of class exercises/experiments/lectures

Harassment= Sexual and/or Intimidation (towards other students and/or professor)

Obstruction= Of teaching activities/administrative work/learning environment/ lectures

Defiance= Disobedience and/or Insulting behavior (towards other students & professor)

Possession= Firearms and/or drugs

Vandalizing= College property and/or of others

Stealing= Property belonging to college (including work sheets/tests/grade book)

Discrimination= Race, gender, religion, age, national origin, disability and statuses protected by law

Copyingis cheating hence an act of Academic Dishonesty which will earn you a “0” and a referral.

CLASS ROOM DISCIPLINE

Please follow the GOLDEN RULEof politeness, courtesy, good manners, respect and honesty. Saying our “Thank You”,“Sorry”,“Excuse Me”,“Pardon me”,“I apologize”,“I appreciate”– prevents heartaches. My request is, please help in maintaining class decorum, follow these CLASS RULES :

PLEASE DO –

1) Control your anger & stay calm

2) Raise your hand before speaking

3) Let others get a chance to take part

PLEASE DON’T -

1) Distract other students with negative talk or gossip

2) Interrupt the instructions with questions or comments

3) Argue or talk back rudely with instructor and other students

Recognize these “Class Killing Behaviors” –

Bullying Gossiping Dramatizing Complaining Fault finding Arguments

Class clowning Egocentricities Lack of purpose Attention seeking

Negative attitudes Frustrated feelings Prejudiced thinking Spreading negativity

Entitlement Ego Intellectualism Dominance of a single student

In cases when instructions & learning are effected, Following preventive actions will be taken -

Preventive actions :

1^st event : Personal Discussion

2^ndevent : Warning - Drop in a letter grade (as the case may be)

3^rdevent : Referral to higher authorities – Drop the class (as the case may be)

CALL SECURITY for immediate action (as the case may be)

REMEMBER :As in all human relationships, Respect Fosters Respect. Respect the rights of the instructor to teach and of students to learn. Speak with me in person in case you are experiencing difficulties. We are preparing you for STEM careers. Lets seek for solving problems in professional ways, just like they do in real world work places.

ZOOM MEETING ETIQUETTES & CODE OF CONDUCT IN ONLINE CLASSES:

Attend Zoom lectures like you would in a face-to-face classroom

Be ready for ZOOM lectures with your notebook, book, handouts, lose sheets of paper, calculators, and pen and take notes, participate in discussions (through chat), and calculate answers to the sample problems that are being shown on the screen.

Mute your microphone

To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your microphone when you are not speaking.

Take turns in speaking

Do not interrupt when anyone is speaking, wait for your turn to speak. Observe the screen, write your query in the chat so your input is taken into consideration.

Be mindful of background noise

When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise, such as shuffling papers, noise from TV and household activities.

Position your camera properly

Be sure to place the camera on the computer or edevice in a stable position and focused at eye level, if possible. Doing so helps create a more direct sense of engagement with other participants.

Limit distractions

You can make it easier to focus on the meeting by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone.

Avoid multi-tasking

You'll retain the discussion better if you refrain from replying to emails or text messages during the meeting and wait to work on that assignment until after the meeting ends.

Prepare materials in advance

If you will be sharing content during the meeting, make sure you have the files and/or links to your folder in google drive ready to go before the meeting begins.

Dress appropriately, sit professionally

Please attend the lectures in ZOOM Meetings in similar manner like you would in a face-to-face classroom meetings. That is, dress and sit appropriately, being conscious of the fact that all participants are visible in the meeting. Please maintain your own privacy and professionalism. Zoom meetings are recorded and shared with students. How you appear on screen can have a bearing on you long term. Ideal look on screen is your headshot – that is face up to the shoulders. Ideal dress code is covered attire such as shirts and tee shirts. FYI : Tank tops, strapless or low neck dresses are prohibited in chemistry labs for safety reasons.

Food and Drinks and other items

It’s alright to drink water, juice, coffee, light beverage or munch on light snacks during the meetings over a muted microphone (to avoid crunching noises). But, it’s not OK to smoke, vape, drink hard liquor or slurp on large meals while ZOOM lectures are in session. It’s equally in bad taste to talk while you eat, so use wise judgement. Please be mindful that ZOOM meetings are recorded and shared with students.

Remember the human

Your professor is as human as you are. Just like students have course load, deadlines, work, pressures and different priorities; similarly professors also have a full load of students and course work that they need to manage in order to meet the course and student learning outcomes. Since professors are also teaching from home, with limited resources that are available, it’s only humane to keep expectations realistic, hence your good positive attitude and patience is greatly needed and appreciated in the semester.

Adhere to higher standard of behavior

Continue to exercise good manners and behave in highest standards of ethics and morality. Continue to be polite and respectful, honest and fair, nice and decent with everyone, just like you would, in a face to face interactions in a regular classroom. Just like you would reach out to anyone needing help in a face to face interaction, similarly, feel free to extend your good self to help anyone in need.

Communication

Chose expressions that are positive over negative. Any one issue can be presented, both in positive and negative light. Before hitting the submit button, read again. If the language is derogatory, rude, impolite, inflaming, trolling, mocking, disruptive, angry, then rephrase your expressions using words that are positive, polite, pleasant, professional and suggestive of solution to any problem or issue at hand. You have learnt this in English classes. Remember that chats are seen by other students and are saved. Students spreading negativity will be removed from the meetings and subjected to disciplinary action on grounds of disrupting the class. Hence keep “FLAMES” under control, by controlling your emotions. Similarly, type in lower case and NOT IN ALL CAPS. Also, AVOID JOKES as they can be interpreted as sarcasm in written context. Instead, I like the use of EMOJIS. I prefer students use emoji’s as they express emotions better and keep communication light and fun.

Share expert knowledge

Internet was founded on the premise of sharing knowledge. Feel free to answer questions of other students, share information and knowledge of any concept you finding interesting through chats and discussions.

Respect other student’s privacy

Certain personal information, such as emails, phone numbers, environment at home, and even profile picture of students in the class, are all private information and personal property. Do not share such personal content without the permission of the owners. During screen sharing sessions, maintain the focus on the facial profile of the speaker. Students have the option of using a different background as available through ZOOM. Otherwise, students can maintain the privacy of their backgrounds by either placing the camera towards the wall or a window; or simply making sure that the closets are closed, beds are tidy and things are placed neatly and in order.

Stay on topic.

Don't post irrelevant links, comments, thoughts or pictures in chats and discussions. Similarly, when the ZOOM lecture is in session, stay on the topic that is being taught at that moment. Hold on to your questions on off topic subjects, such as tests and quizzes for later, when the professor opens the Q&A session or in office hours.

Practice kindness and forgiveness

At some point, you will see a stupid question, read an unnecessarily long response, or encounter misspelled words, or even mistakes posted in the chat; when this happens, practice kindness and forgiveness as you would hope someone would do if you had committed the same offense. It’s OK to mistake. It’s equally important to learn from it.

LABORATORY POLICIES & SAFETY RULES : (Just in case)

Behavior: DO NOT SCREAM in event of accident. STAY CALM. Call me.
Discipline: Be on time. No horse playing, running, loud talking.
Safety Goggles:Must be worn at all times in the lab. Use only prescribed ones.
Shoes:Must NOT be open toed, high heeled, sandals, flip-flops or dress shoes.
Food:Must be inside your bags. No eating, chewing, or drinking is allowed.
Dress code:No mini skirts, shorts, tank tops, sleeveless and midriff bearing tops. Neither very long flowing fabrics, delicate loose garments, skin tight attire, formal or fancy dress. Long hair should be pinned and tied in buns or braids. Remove heavy jewelry. Hats should be removed. Make up shouldn’t be applied inside the lab. Ideal dress is jeans, T-shirt or buttoned up long sleeve shirt and boots or sneakers.
Waste Disposal:Broken glasses, chemicals – used or unused go in labeled bins. Do your part. Clean up after each use of space – hoods, bench, common areas, sinks and waste sites. Notify me in case of spillage or breakage.
Chemicals & Apparatus: Handle with care. Do not mix, touch or fiddle with unassigned lab materials. Turn off water and gas knobs. Keep hood sashes low. Please place back the common lab apparatus and chemicals after each use. Read labels. Keep all areas clean. Wash your lab apparatus in your lab kit after finishing the experiment.

PLEASE NOTE : There will be DEDUCTON of 10 points for any INFRACTION in the safety policies. NO grades awarded for that experiment in case of REPEATED VIOLATIONS.

General Laboratory Guidelines:

Laboratory is a community environment. You will be working either singly in the lab or in pairs or small groups. Please, share all glassware, chemicals and apparatus. Do NOT remove items from common areas. Place all common use supplies back to the original spot immediately after each use.

CLEANLINESS is a very important requirement while working in the lab environment. Keep your bags, water bottles, food, books away from the working area. All accidental spills and breakages need to be addressed appropriately. Notify the instructor immediately. Do your part at the sink. Before leaving for the day, PLEASE WASH the apparatus and place all items appropriately for drying on the racks. Wipe the work bench with a paper towel when done before leaving. In a community environment, groups often watch for those who don’t do their part in maintaining cleanliness, those who leave mess in the sink, fume hoods, common areas, those who don’t play fair. Please be advised that 10 points will be deducted for not cleaning the lab space / apparatus after use.

The lab reports are due the SAME lab period after completing the experiment, unless otherwise announced. Please familiarize yourself with the scheduled experiment before coming to the lab. Do the prelab. Be prepared for laboratory discussions. Get my signatures on the Data Table in the Lab Report in each lab period, as a mark of attendance in the lab. All data, observations, and notes must be recorded directly onto the laboratory notebook in black or blue ink. If you make an error, put a single line through it and rewrite next to it. Do not erase it and do not use whiteout.

Do not copy answers from other student and do not allow other student to copy your answers. However tallying the results, discussion of theories and ideas are encouraged but copying is not acceptable.

Guidelines for Writing Lab Reports:

Please see separate handout for instructions on Writing a Good Lab Report.

HOW DOES ONE LEARN CHEMISTRY?

ONCE AGAIN, READING IS CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND CHEMISTRY. Active reading is pre-studyinga concept that builds your base for classroom participation and understanding lectures. Unlike other disciplines, Chemistry is NOT a linear subject. In order to understand one concept, one has to build a schema by linking other relevant concepts in various orders. Understanding Chemistry involves Remembering, Reviewing, Recalling, Researching, Reflecting, Relating, Reasoning, Realigning, Rebuilding and Redundancy. It’s like trying to make sense in a game of puzzle, hence generally a “jumpy feeling” as one goes back and forth linking many different concepts ultimately making sense. Experiencing a state of confusion, called Dissonance, is normal and is in fact a good sign as it shows that your mind is activated enough to build upon the next level in the schema. With Pre-Reading, you will get further clarification during the lectures, classroom activities and in the laboratory exercises. Read for homework, read again for quizzes and preparation for tests. Do word problems as you read. This will strengthen the understanding that becomes concrete with each layer of activity. Learning is a PERSONALIZED PROCESS, which comes in stages, however Pre-reading,Practice,Participation, Patience andPersistencein efforts are critical to gain mastery of content. It’s a LIFE LONG PROCESS !!!

MY TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:

I follow Jean Piaget’s “Constructivist Approach”where a student learns by being an active participantin his/her learning. The instructor generates inquiryin the minds of the students by asking questions and the students obtain response through thinking, reading, guessing, discussing, experimenting, observing and researching. The students are encouraged to explore and look for patterns and derive conclusions. I understand that students have different learning stylesand not everyone learns at the same pace, therefore I believe in giving opportunities for continuous learning, hence the curriculum remains open ended. I see my role as a facilitator in your learning. Please see Howard Gardner’stheoryof Multiple Intelligences (see chart on MI theory) and let me know your most preferred intellectual domain so I may understand you better and individualize your learning experience as needed. Constructivists also believe in the power of “Cooperative Learning”– that students learn from each other in teams and that they learn even more, when students teach each other– so, I do encourage sharing ideas, explaining concepts, presenting materials as and when needed. This form of teaching leads to experiential learning– where students learn through experiences. Therefore, classroom participationis very important and I expect each student to addvalue to the system in the best of their capacities. The focus during the course will be on building higher order thinking skills(see chart on Bloom’s Taxonomy) with special emphasis on analysis and synthesis of knowledge and understanding. Constructivists believe in the power of building upon the innate knowledge present in individuals, therefore pre studyingis critical to building a strong foundation for understanding. Pre studying will not only allow you to actively participate in the lectures, but also will give you the base to ask intelligentand thoughtful questions that bring value to the class as a whole. Students entering the class with an open mindbenefit the most from this approach. More on Constructivist Theory of Learning can be read in the following link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructivism_(learning_theory)

BLOOM’S TAXONOMY

We will be working on developing higher order thinking skills in this course

The Seven Types of Intelligence

Psychologist Howard Gardner has identified the following distinct types of intelligence in his Multiple Intelligences Theory ("MI Theory") in the book "Frames of Mind”. They are listed as -

Linguistic- They enjoy writing, reading, telling stories or doing crossword puzzles.
Logical-Mathematical– They possess logical intelligence and are interested in patterns, categories and relationships. They are drawn to arithmetic problems and strategy games.
Bodily-Kinesthetic– They process knowledge through bodily sensations. They are often athletic, dancers or good at crafts such as sewing or woodworking.
Spatial- They think in images and pictures. They may be fascinated with mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or spend free time drawing, building with Legos or daydreaming.
Musical- They are always singing or drumming to themselves. They are usually quite aware of sounds others may miss. They are often discriminating listeners.
Interpersonal– They are leaders among their peers, who are good at communicating and who seem to understand others' feelings and motives and they possess interpersonal and emotional intelligence.
Intrapersonal– They may be shy. They are very aware of their own feelings and are self-motivated. They are thinkers in the pack.

MI Theory teaches learners and educators to look for signs of innate precociousness that helps in understanding.

Please indicate your MOST PREFERRED intellectual domain in the Student Survey (Separate handout).

A Little bit about myself.

Born and raised in northern India, I have been living in US for past 25 years now. I hold MS Organic Chemistry(Clemson University), M Ed Secondary Education(Texas Christian University) and MBA General Business Administrationand 16+ years of industrial experience in pharmaceutical R&D space. I have been a recipient of Graduate Research Assistantship from National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct research on CONSTRUCTIVIST approach in teaching science. For two consecutive years, I had applied the methodologies in this style of pedagogy, to teaching undergraduate students from various disciplines at Clemson University.

I bring with me > 50 semesters of higher education teaching experience in community colleges and university classes, that is >10 years. I have been teaching lecture and labs of college chemistry courses – Chem 1A at De Anza College; Chem 30A & Chem 30B at Berkeley City College; Chem 30A & Chem 31 at Chabot College & Las Positas College; Chem 210 Lab at Skyline College; and Organic Chemistry Laboratories at Clemson University in Clemson, SC.

While in graduate school, I was awarded Greenville Hospital Systems Graduate Research Assistantship to conduct research in the design of antitumor agents. Professionally, I had worked in drug discovery programs as a Medicinal Chemistwith Chiron / Novartis in Emeryville, CA for almost a decade. Employing structure based drug design techniques, my work as a bench chemist involved multistep synthesis of small organic molecules to address structure activity relationships on biological targets for desired therapeutic effects. During this time, I was also a contributor on 3PATENTSon several new compounds which exhibited specific biological activities on cancer, diabetes and obesity projects.

Beside part time teaching, I have been working as a Senior Executive for companies that are headquartered in Hungary, Sweden, France, Spain and in USA, managing sales and marketing of cheminformatics software in worldwide territories. Apart from other requirements in this position, I have been giving webinars, and providing training through web demonstrations; attending and presenting at conferences held all over United States and in several parts of Europe. As you can imagine, this leg of my career alone has led me to travel far and wide, allowing me exposure to understand trends in drug discovery and enjoy a variety of world cultures.

For more, please see my profile - www.linkedin.com/in/anusharma11

I live with my son and a dog (Corgi + King Charles Spaniel mix) in the east bay and enjoy nature and watching sunsets on the beach. I enjoy teaching Chemistry and I look forward to an exciting semester with you all. Thanks for taking the class with me !

Regards,

Anu

Ms. Anu Sharma MS MEd MBA

Adjunct Professor – Chemistry- DeAnza, Skyline, Chabot, Las Positas, Berkeley City College & College of Alameda!

Medicinal Chemist – Pharmaceutical R&D – Drug Discovery – Oncology, Diabetes, Obesity – Organic Chemistry

Marketing, Sales & Business Development – Consultant – Cheminformatics – Worldwide territories

PREFERRED CONTACT : CANVAS INBOX During the semester

Recommendation Letters, please give email –Asharma@peralta.edu(Official)

TENTATIVE : SCHEDULE (Subject to change)

# SPRING 2021 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE CHEM 30A CRN 24967 & 24968

Week Date Tue & Thurs LECTURE (Tuesday) LAB (Thursday)

Labster Simulation can be done in BREAKOUT ROOMS

Worksheets to be done in groups in BREAKOUT ROOMS

Group Presentation Preparation to be done in BREAKOUT ROOMS

1 1/26 Lec COURSE ORIENTATION Ch 1 Chemistry in our lives Ch 2 Measurements

1/28 Lab ACS Lab Safety Videos & Worksheet - Sig. Figs. & Dimensional Analysis

2 2/2 Lec Ch 3 Matter and Energy MIND MAPS

2/4 Lab Labster Lab Safety and Labster Matter & Phase Changes

3 2/9 Lec Ch 4 Atoms

2/11 Lab Labster Periodic Table

4 2/16 Lec Ch 6 Naming Ionic and Molecular Compoinds 6.1 - 6.5

2/18 Lab Worksheet - Nomenclature

5 2/23 Lec MIDTERM TEST 1 Ch 1,2,3, 4 and 6 (6.1 - 6.5)

2/25 Lab Work on Term paper, Mind Maps, Research project and Presentation

6 3/2 Lec Ch 6 Molecular Compounds

3/4 Lab Worksheet - Lewis Structure & Labster Ionic & Covalent Compounds

7 3/9 Lec Ch 7 Chemical Reactions

3/11 Lab Worksheet - Balancing equations & Labster Chemical Safety

8 3/16 Lec Ch 7 Quantities (Stoichiometry)

3/18 Lab Worksheet - Stoichiometry & Labster Stoichiometry

9 3/23 Lec Midterm Test 2 Ch 6 & 7

3/25 Lab PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY - No Instructions

10 3/30 Lec SPRING BREAK

4/1 Lab SPRING BREAK

11 4/6 Lec Ch 8 Gases

4/8 Lab Worksheet - Gas laws & Labster Ideal Gas Law

12 4/13 Lec Ch 9 Solutions

4/15 Lab Worksheet - Solutions & Labster Solutions

13 4/20 Lec TEST 3 Ch 8 & 9

4/22 Lab Work on Term paper, Mind Maps, Research project and Presentation

14 4/27 Lec Ch 10 Reaction Rates & Equilibrium

4/29 Lab Worksheet - Equilibrium & Labster Equilibrium

15 5/4 Lec Ch 11 Acids and Bases

5/6 Lab Worksheet - Acids & Bases & Labster Acids & Bases and Labster Titration

16 5/11 Lec TEST 4 Ch 10 & 11

5/13 Lab Ch 5 Nuclear Chemistry (Video Lecture)

17 5/18 Lec GROUP PRESENTATIONS

5/20 Lab Worksheet - Final Exam Practice

18 5/26 Lec CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm