Chem 201 Hybrid - General Chemistry I - Rana Akiel

Introduction

 Welcome to Chem 201! I am glad to have you in my class and excited to go through this journey of learning chemistry with you. To tell you a little bit about me, I have been at COC since 2019. Like all of you, I started my education at a community college, where I earned my transfer credits. I then transferred to CSUN and obtained my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. After CSUN, I transferred to USC and earned my PhD in Physical Chemistry. As part of the PhD program, I served as a teaching assistant for two years. It was during this time that I fell in love with teaching and decided to pursue a teaching career. After graduation, I worked as a teaching faculty at USC for a year and a half, and when the opportunity arose, I moved to teaching at a  at a community college where I found myself the most fulfilled.

Course Description

Provides a foundation in the basic principles of the molecular nature of matter and its change, including reaction chemistry, atomic and bonding theories of matter, the properties of matter (solids, liquids, gases, solutions) and their relationship to energy. Introduces gravimetric, volumetric, and spectroscopic analysis techniques in the laboratory portion. Required of all majors in chemistry and most other fields of science or technology. Honors work challenges students to be more analytical and creative through expanded assignments such as critical analyses of primary scientific literature, and enrichment opportunities which differentiate this course from CHEM-201. UC credit limitation: maximum credit, 5 units.

What to Expect in this Course

This course is a hybrid course that is fast paced 8 weeks class. The lecture is 100% online. The recitation and laboratory are in person at the Canyon Country Campus. Every week on Tue and Thu, we meet for recitation from 8:15 to 9:20 am in CCLB 209 and for lab from 9:30 am to 12:40 pm in CCLB 402. You will engage with the course through COC's course management system, called CANVAS, which can be accessed at (https://coc.instructure.com/). If you are new to Canvas, I recommend reviewing the Canvas Overview for Students before the class begins.

This is a fast-paced class. Each week, you will be responsible for completing pre-class, in-class, and post-class assignments. Your pre-class assignment involves watching two sets of lecture videos, which you must complete before we meet for recitation. The first set of videos must be watched by Monday, and the second set by Wednesday. Treat these videos as lecture material and take notes as you watch them. During recitation, you will work on the in-class assignment, collaborating with a small group to solve problem sets based on the lecture videos. Post-class assignments will include finishing homework and taking online quizzes at your convenience, as long as they are completed by the due date. Additionally, you will be required to take three exams, all of which will be conducted in person.

Each week, we will meet twice for lab sessions. During each lab meeting, you will perform an experiment. Please note that there will be no make-up labs; therefore, your attendance is crucial to ensure you do not miss the points associated with the planned experiments. For each lab, you will need to complete a lab assignment, which includes a pre-lab, data collection and analysis, and post-lab questions. The pre-lab is intended to prepare you for the experiment, so it must be completed before you come to the lab. Data collection, data analysis, and post-lab questions should be completed during the lab session. The lab report, including all assignments, will be due at the beginning of the next lab period. Additionally, please be aware that a lab practical assessment is scheduled for Tuesday, October 1st, during Week 7.

As you are aware, this is a hybrid, fast-paced version of Chem 201. You must be prepared to handle the workload that the class demands. To excel, you need to stay organized and keep up with all assignments. Please avoid procrastinating on lecture videos, as this could hinder your chances of achieving the grade you desire.

I understand that this class involves a substantial amount of work. However, I firmly believe that high expectations should be accompanied by strong support. Please know that I am here to assist you with any needs you may have; feel free to reach out whenever you need help.

Textbook Information

https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/College_of_the_Canyons/Chem_201%3A_General_Chemistry_I_OER.

You have free access to the book through the above link. There will be hard copies available in the bookstore for a small fee as well if you wish to have one.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/07/2025 Sub#: 1904