CHEMISTRY 109

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Fall 2019
Syllabus (updated 15 Aug 2019)

Morgan Balabanoff, Ph. D. Office Hours:

HaH 536 Tues 2 pm – 4 pm
(Resource Center HaH 227)
or by appointment
Email: mbalabanoff2@unl.edu
please include CHEM 109 in subject line
Rationale and goals:

An atomic-molecular level understanding can help you make sense of the world and engage with pressing
scientific issues. In this course you will begin to explore and develop this atomic-molecular level understanding.
Your study will focus on four big ideas:

1. All matter is made of atoms.

2. Properties of matter can be explained by atomic and molecular structure and behavior.
3. Changes in matter involve the rearrangement of the particles of matter and/or the transfer of electrons.
4. Changes in matter are driven by electrostatic forces and accompanied by energy changes.

And two big practices:

1. Chemists use models to understand atoms, molecules, and their behavior
2. Chemists gather data and use theory to make arguments about atoms, molecules, and their behavior
Prerequisites

Experience has shown that strong math skills are essential for completion of CHEM 109. Current math
prerequisites for CHEM 109 include MATH 103 or MPE for MATH 104 or 106. Credit towards the degree may
be earned in only one of: CHEM 105, 109, 111, or 113. Topics covered include lecture and laboratory
exercises serving as an introduction to chemical reactions, the mole concept, properties of the states of matter,
atomic structure, periodic properties, chemical bonding, and molecular structure.

Required materials

 Jespersen, N. D.; Brady, J. E.; Hyslop, A. Chemistry, the Molecular Nature of Matter, Seventh Edition.
Wiley: Hoboken, New Jersey. 2014.

 Harm, B. M.; Kautz, J. A. Chemistry 109 Recitation Workbook. Hayden McNeil: Plymouth, MI 2019.

 WileyPLUS online homework system

 Malina, E. Chemistry 109 Laboratory Manual: Laboratory Techniques and Science Reasoning Skills.
Hayden McNeil: Plymouth, MI 2020.

 iClicker: https://www.iclicker.com/pricing sign up for a clicker subscription ($24/year or $48/4 years).

You can download the app on your phone or use through a laptop

 Calculator. Note: In CHEM 110, a TI graphing calculator is required (TI-83 or higher).

Earning your grade
Your course grade is based on your performance on various course assessments, including formative and
summative assessments as outlined below:
Formative assessments
 Daily clicker questions
 Daily oral discussion questions
 Weekly online homework assignments
 Weekly lab assignments
Summative assessments
 Four unit exams
 Two lab practicals
 Final exam

The following grading scheme will be applied:

Point Points
Assignment Percent Letter Grade
Allotment Earned
4 Unit Exams (120 pts each) 480 970–1000 97.0+ A+
Final Exam (ACS standardized) 120 930–969 93.0+ A
Lab 250 900–929 90.0+ A–
Online Homework 110 870–899 87.0+ B+
Lecture Points (clickers and oral
40 830–869 83.0+ B
questions)
Total Points Available 1000 800–829 80.0+ B–
770–799 77.0+ C+
Unit Exams will be given on the following Thursday evenings at
5:45 pm. You will be given approximately 90 minutes to 730–769 73.0+ C
complete each exam. The final exam is timed at 110 mins. 700–729 70.0+ C–
Unit 1 Exam: Sept 19 670–699 67.0+ D+
Unit 2 Exam: Oct 10
Unit 3 Exam: Nov 7 630–669 63.0+ D
Unit 4 Exam: Dec 5 600–629 60.0+ D–
Final Exam: Dec 16 (MON. 6 – 8 PM) < 600 < 60.0 F

Exam policies and procedures

If you are involved in a university sponsored event, such as athletics or an organization recognized by the
university and have travel plans that require you to miss an exam, please bring your signed coaches or
sponsors letter to the professor ASAP so that arrangements may be made.
Work schedules do not constitute a valid reason for missing an exam.

Airline tickets and other travel must have a purchase date prior to Aug 20, 2019 in order to qualify for a
make-up exam.
If you have a course conflict during a scheduled exam time, please submit your schedule in writing to Peg in
the Chemistry Resource Center. Once your conflict has been verified with the professor or instructor of the
conflicting course, Peg will meet with you to discuss available options. These options may include, but are not

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limited to, taking an early or make-up exam at the discretion of the professor. Make-up exams may be 100 %
multiple choice (no partial credit).
Never miss an exam without first notifying the professor.

Laboratory

Lab WILL MEET the first week of class. You will be responsible for lab equipment that is broken or lost. You
will also need your own safety goggles. Goggles will be available for sale on the second floor through Phi
Lamdba Upsilon, a chemistry honorary organization. In the event that you must miss a lab, see Jessica or Peg
in HaH Room 227 (the Resource Center) to sign-up for a make-up lab. You must have a bona fide reason for
missing a lab. If not, you will be penalized 20 % per week. You must make up the lab within 2 lab periods or
you will not be allowed to make up the lab. All labs must be made-up according to the schedule outlined
in the lab syllabus.

If you withdraw from the course, be sure to check out of your lab IMMEDIATELY.

We will try to overlap lab with lecture as much as possible. However, due to the large class size, this is not
always possible. Please be prepared to spend some time each week working on lab material that may
not have been covered in lecture. Your best resource for lab will be your lab TA and your textbook. If you
have questions about lab materials, please start there first.

Your total lab grade is scaled to 250 points as follows:

Lab grade = [(Points earned – Penalty points) / Total points available] x 250

Safety is a vital concern for a properly functioning laboratory. The following safety protocols are in place in
CHEM 109:

1. Safety glasses will be worn at ALL times whenever a student is in the lab. The “wearing” of safety
glasses means they should cover the eyes as intended. BEFORE entering the lab, students will put on
their safety glasses. Immediately upon entering the lab, students will place their backpacks in the
appropriate “cubby holes” provided in the lab. Students will not remove safety glasses until AFTER
they exit the lab.

2. For students not wearing goggles in lab:

a. 1st infraction: the student will lose 10% or 10 points (whichever is greater) of his/her lab points
on the day the first infraction is documented. If the first infraction occurs during a multi-week lab
experiment, 10% or 10 points (whichever is greater) will be deducted from the total lab activity.
b. 2nd infraction: the student will lose 100% of his/her lab points for the lab activity the day the
second infraction is documented. If the second infraction occurs during a multi-week lab
experiment, 100% of the lab points will be deducted from the total lab activity.
c. 3rd infraction: the student will lose ALL lab points for the semester (the student receives
zero points for the lab portion of the course)

3. Student clothing must cover the skin below the waste and the torso. Students with exposed skin below
the waist (i.e. wearing shorts, capris, skirts, open toed shoes, etc.) or with portions of the torso exposed
(i.e. wearing cutoff “T” shirts, side-slit shirts, tank tops, etc.) will not be allowed to enter the laboratory
and will be given the option to change or complete a make-up lab within the same week.

4. Gloves will be worn when students are working with acids, bases or other corrosive materials. Gloves
must be removed before leaving the lab. Never walk out of the lab with gloves on your hands!

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 5. A record of lab safety violations in the form of a notebook or tablet will be kept by the laboratory
manager and accessible to the lab TAs to record and keep track of safety violations.

6. At the beginning of each semester, students will receive a copy of the safety code in written or
electronic form. Upon being cited for a safety code violation, students will be given a written document
recording the violation, any penalties assessed, an additional copy of the safety code that includes the
schedule of additional penalties, and in the event that 100% of all lab points are removed, the protocol
for appeal to the Department of Chemistry Undergraduate Grade Appeals Committee. If all lab points
are removed the highest possible course grade in CHEM 109 is a C+.

Academic Integrity in the Lab

Students are expected to adhere to academic integrity guidelines (see
https://studentconduct.unl.edu/Student%20Code%20of%20Conduct%20May%20Rev%202014%20a.pdf for
details). Students found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action as specified by the student code of
conduct and departmental policies. The full UNL code of conduct and disciplinary procedures are available at
http://stuafs.unl.edu/ja/code.
A maximum grade of a C (C max) or possibility of failing the lab component of the course will be the
consequence for any academic integrity violations involving lab assignments. The academic integrity policy
will be strictly enforced.
Only original student work will receive a grade, and each assignment turned in will be subject to the evaluation
of the T.A. and Lab Manager as it pertains to the matter of academic integrity. Anything other than a first
offense of academic dishonesty will result in the failing of the lab component part of the course.
Copying from another student’s lab report will also be considered academic dishonesty. Data will be
collected as a pair or group, but all other lab report items should represent your understanding and be your
original work in your words.
Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
- Copying from another student report (including pre-lab and post-lab questions)
- Copying from an old lab report
- Student missing a lab and getting data from someone in the class to turn in a report
- Using data from previous semester

Laboratory Cell Phone Policy

Cell phone usage is prohibited in the laboratory and all cell phones must be stored in your backpacks when the
lab is in session in order to reduce distraction and the risk of accidents. If you are expecting an important call,
make arrangements with your TA; the phone call must be taken outside of the lab. For special considerations
regarding the usage of your cell phone (e.g. using your phone for medical purposes) contact the Lab Manager.
Failing to comply to this policy will result in the loss of 10 lab points each time a cell phone is seen.
Homework

Homework is mandatory. The online homework will be scaled to 110 points in a manner similar to lab.

Homework grade = (Points earned / Total points available) x 110

Online homework is administered by Ben Steffensmeier. If you have any questions about online homework,
please contact Ben at unlwebquiz@gmail.com. When contacting Ben, make sure you include your name and
lab section.

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Academic Dishonesty

Academic honesty is essential to the existence and integrity of an academic institution. The responsibility for
maintaining that integrity is shared by all members of the academic community. The University's Student Code
of Conduct addresses academic dishonesty (https://studentconduct.unl.edu/student-code-conduct). Students
who commit acts of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action and are granted due process and
the right to appeal any decision.
Academic dishonesty is a serious offense and will result in failure of the course! The policy is simple: if you
cheat on any graded assignment, you will fail the course. In addition, a written report of the dishonest
action will be filed with the Dean of Students and the Director of Student Judicial Affairs. Your academic
advisor will also be notified as well as the Department Chair of your major discipline(s) along with the Dean of
your college.

 Do not turn in work that is not original! Do not plagiarize from any source!
 Do not bring unauthorized materials into exam rooms!
 Do not alter graded exams or other course assignments turned in for regrade requests in any
way!
 You may collaborate with colleagues on graded homework, but you must assume responsibility
for your own answers. You MAY NOT ask someone to do your homework for you.

Please see the Undergraduate Bulletin for further details.

American Disabilities Act

The University strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or
experience barriers based on your disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions),
please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options privately. To establish reasonable
accommodations, I may request that you register with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD). If you are
eligible for services and register with their office, make arrangements with me as soon as possible to discuss
your accommodations so they can be implemented in a timely manner. SSD contact information: 232 Canfield
Admin. Bldg.; 402-472-3787.

Student Honor Code

The University of Nebraska is a unified community, and we are proud of our heritage. As we look with
optimism towards the future, we strive to adhere to the following code:
I will be respectful towards all others, their thoughts and aspirations, and will look upon them with equality and
fairness.
I will be compassionate, always mindful of those less fortunate than I.
I will be honest with whom I interact, practicing integrity in my daily decisions.
I will be mindful of the investments others have made in the University, realizing my own responsibilities in life.
And I will always be dignified in who I am, striving for excellence in all I do.
Ratified by the ASUN Senate on April 2, 1997.

Mental Health Resources:

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University Health Services and CAPS offer diagnosis support and counseling. Call 402.472.5000 to schedule.
These resources are here FOR YOU—they are free and confidential.
University Health Services: 550 N 19th St. or email them: uhc@unl.edu

Dropping from the course:

Deadlines for withdrawing from this course follow the guidelines published by the university. See the calendar
on the UNL website (www.unl.edu/regrec) and at the end of the syllabus for the specific guidelines. In case of
any inconsistencies, the correct version is that on the UNL website.

Personal Response System (PRS) “Clicker” Questions:

Clicker questions will be used during most lecture periods to help you assess how well you understand the
material. Each clicker question will be worth 2 points. You will receive 1 point for every question you answer
(correct or incorrect) and one more point if your answer is correct. Only excused absences described in the
Excused Absences section will be allowed for excused clicker questions. Forgetting your clicker, clickers not
registering, batteries are dead, etc. will NOT be excused. To make up for these issues, there will be more points
possible in clicker questions than what applies to your overall grade. Thus, if you earn more points than the total
points possible, you will earn just the total points possible. The remaining points will be “extra” points (NOT
bonus points), thus there is room for you to miss a few questions and still earn the maximum number of points
for clicker questions.

You must use a wireless device (computer or phone) to answer clicker questions.

If you purchased or rented an i>clicker for this semester, you can return it to the bookstore.

Your main responsibility is to get signed up for the system. You will find either app for your phone or
software for your computer at https://www.iclicker.com/students. Download the app or software. Register for
the site. Go to https://app.reef-education.com/#/login and search Gen Chem 1, Morgan Balabanoff. Then you
can add that to your courses.

You can only earn points for questions you respond to during the lecture sessions in which you are registered.
You cannot earn points for attending a different lecture section.

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Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) for Chemistry 109: General Chemistry I

Chemistry 109 is an Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) course required for UNL graduation.

Student Learning Outcome 4 (ACE 4) Use scientific methods and knowledge to pose questions,
frame hypotheses, interpret data, and evaluate whether conclusions about the natural and physical
world are reasonable.

Lectures, lecture demonstrations, assignments, and laboratory activities are all designed to help you
achieve the ACE 4 outcome. Assessment of student abilities of ACE 4 is done from your laboratory
reports. This semester, one laboratory report will be assessed using a rubric designed to rank your
ability to demonstrate each aspect of the ACE 4 outcome. Analysis of assessment data is used to
make improvements to the course if necessary, and a summary of the data is shared with the Chemistry
Department Faculty and various campus curriculum committees. A high priority of the ACE program
here at UNL is to provide you with the best educational environment possible though this assessment
process.

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 CHEM 109
General Chemistry I
Tentative Unit Schedule
Fall 2019

Unit 1: August 27 – September 19

0. A Very Brief History of Chemistry
1. Scientific Measurements
2. Elements, Compounds and the Periodic Table
3. The Mole and Stoichiometry

Unit 2: September 24 – October 10

4. Molecular View of Reactions in Aqueous Solutions
5. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
6. Energy and Chemical Change

Unit 3: October 15 – November 7

7. The Quantum Mechanical Atom
8. The Basics of Chemical Bonding

Unit 4: November 12 – December 5

9. Theories of Bonding and Structure

Unit 5: November 10 – December 12

10. Properties of Gases

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 CHEM 109
General Chemistry I
Tentative 30 Class Day Schedule (TR)
Fall 2019

Week 1
Aug 27 0.4 Dalton’s Atomic Theory
0.5 Internal Structure of the Atom
1.1 Laws and Theories: The Scientific Method
Aug 29 1.2 Matter and is Classifications
1.3 Physical and Chemical Properties
1.4 Measurement of Physical and Chemical Properties
1.5 The Uncertainty of Measurements
1.6 Dimensional Analysis
1.7 Density and Specific Gravity
Week 2
Sept 2 Labor Day Holiday
Sept 3 2.1 The Periodic Table
2.2 Metals, Nonmetals, and Metalloids
2.3 Molecules and Chemical Formulas
2.4 Chemical Reactions and Chemical Equations
2.5 Ionic Compounds
2.6 Nomenclature of Ionic Compounds
Sept 5 2.7 Molecular Compounds
2.8 Nomenclature of Molecular Compounds
3.1 The Mole and Avogadro’s Number
Week 3
Sept 10 3.2 The Mole, Formula Mass and Stoichiometry
3.3 Chemical Formula and Percentage Composition
Sept 12 3.4 Determining Empirical and Molecular Formulas
3.5 Stoichiometry and Chemical Equations
Week 4
Sept 17 3.6 Limiting Reactants
3.7 Theoretical Yield and Percent Yield
Sept 19 In class review
Sept 19 Exam 1
Week 5
Sept 24 4.1 Describing Solutions
4.2 Electrolytes and Nonelectrolytes
4.6 Double Replacement Reactions (including solubility rules)
4.3 Equations for Ionic Reactions
Sept 26 4.4 Introduction to Acids and Bases
4.7 Molarity
4.8 Solution Stoichiometry

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Week 6
Oct 1 5.1 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
6.1 Energy: The Ability to Do Work
6.2 Heat, Temperature, and Internal Energy
Oct 3 6.3 Measuring Heat
6.4 Energy of Chemical Reactions
6.5 Heat, Work and the First Law of Thermodynamics
6.6 Heats of Reaction
Week 7
Oct 8 6.6 Heats of Reaction
6.7 Thermochemical Equations
Oct 10 In class review
Oct 10 Exam 2
Week 8
Oct 15 6.8 Hess’s Law
6.9 Standard Heats of Reaction
Oct 17 7.1 Electromagnetic Radiation
7.2 Line Spectra and the Rydberg Equation
7.3 The Bohr Theory
Week 9
Oct 21-22 Fall Break
Oct 24 7.4 The Wave Mechanical Model
7.5 Quantum Numbers of Electrons in Atoms
7.6 Electron Spin
Week 10
Oct 29 7.9 Atomic Orbitals: Shapes and Orientations
7.7 Energy Levels and Ground State Electron Configurations
Oct 31 7.8 Periodic Table and Ground State Electron Configurations
7.10 Periodic Table and Properties of the Elements
Week 11
Nov 5 7.10 Periodic Table and Properties of the Elements
Nov 7 In class review
Nov 7 Exam 3
Week 12
Nov 12 8.1 Energy Requirements for Bond Formation
8.2 Ionic Bonding
8.3 Octet Rule and Electron Configuration of Ions
8.4 Lewis Symbols: Keeping Track of Valence Electrons
Nov 14 8.5 Covalent bonds
8.6 Bond Polarity and Electronegativity
8.7 Lewis Structures

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Week 13
Nov 19 8.7 Lewis Structures
8.8 Resonance Structures
9.1 Five Basic Molecular Geometries
Nov 21 9.2 Molecular Shapes and the VSEPR Model
9.3 Molecular Structure and Dipole Moments
Week 14
Nov 26 9.4 Valence Bond Theory
9.5 Hybrid Orbitals and Molecular Geometry
Nov 27-29 Thanksgiving
Week 15
Dec 3 9.6 Hybrid Orbitals and Multiple Bonds
9.7 Molecular Orbital Theory Basics
Dec 5 In class review
Dec 5 Exam 4
Week 16
Dec 10 10.1 A Molecular Look at Gases
10.2 Measurement of Pressure
10.3 Gas Laws
10.5 Ideal Gas Law (including stoichiometry)
Dec 12 10.6 Dalton’s Law of Partial Pressure
10.7 Kinetic Molecular Theory
10.7 Kinetic Molecular Theory
Dec 18 Final Exam

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