Chem 100 (ONLINE 5-wk) - Chemistry and Society - Heidi McMahon

Course:	Chemistry and Society
Professor:	Heidi McMahon
Email:	heidi.mcmahon@canyons.edu
Format:	Online
Course Length:	5 Week

Introduction

Welcome to the (almost!) start of our semester, and our adventure together in CHEM 100. Whether this is your first time taking chemistry, or you've seen it before, I'm sure that you have some questions, concerns, and uncertainty as we start this semester together. To try to help you all feel more comfortable and prepared for what is ahead, and so you know exactly what to expect, I have outlined the format/plan for our class this semester, which will hopefully answer questions you may have. Details about your specific section will be emailed to you separately, closer to the start of the semester.

In addition to being 100% online, this section of CHEM 100 is an incredibly intense 5-week class. This means that essentially every day of our course is like a week during the Fall or Spring! We will be covering 3 chapters each week, with homework due 3 days a week, a quiz and project due at the start of every week, plus a few other weekly assignments like discussion posts. You are going to be personally responsible for keeping up with this extreme work load, which is going to feel very different than a traditional Fall/Spring semester experience. I promise I’ll also make it fun and be here with you every step of the way, but be prepared to be busy!

At any point please email me with any questions you have. I am generally away from campus for breaks (Winter and Summer), but I do try to check in with my email occasionally during this time. Most importantly, know that I am here to support you!! You have a picked a really fun way to study chemistry – looking at how it impacts our society, policies, politics and every day lives. It’s going to be challenging, but also so much fun! I look forward to meeting you all very soon!

Course Description

Welcome to Chemistry 100! The goal of CHEM100 is to cultivate scientific literacy, enabling you to learn chemistry in the context of your own lives, and address significant issues facing science and the world. The non-traditional approach of 21st Century Chemistry reflects today's technological issues and the chemistry principles. Topics covered include measurements, classification of matter, bonding, reaction chemistry, solutions, energy, power, and climate change. The principles of Green Chemistry will be highlighted throughout the semester. Global warming, alternate fuels, nutrition, and acid rain are examples of issues that are covered in 21st Century Chemistry.

What to Expect in this Course

Frequently Asked Questions

So, do we meet together at a scheduled time at all?

No – this online course is entirely asynchronous which means we have no scheduled meeting times (there are no Zoom sessions). All of the material is done each week entirely on your own time and schedule – although I do provide a suggested weekly schedule to help you stay organized and not fall behind.

How is the course going to be organized?

The course in Canvas is organized in Modules for each week and the material in them will align with what we are covering that week (per the syllabus/schedule). On average, we will cover one chapter per DAY - so it means things go fast. Each Module will contain my lecture notes (pdf and PowerPoint formats), pre-recorded lectures for you to watch, assignments due for that week, and extra resources to help you learn the material.

How am I going to be graded?

I try to create a variety of ways for you to earn points, not just tests. We will rely on homework assignments, unit quizzes, discussion posts/Wiki pages and projects for assessment purposes.

What If I’m waitlisted?

Depending on your position on the waitlist, I may be able to add you. If so, I will reach out to you to let you know you have been authorized to add – the rest is then handled in your My Canyons account (but I believe you cannot formally register until the first day). Please note, I have no control over the order of the wait-list. Whatever your position is at the time you registered is how far down you are; I cannot make any adjustments or add out-of-order.

What materials do I need?

Achieve for 21st Century Chemistry (One-Term Online) (contains the e-text) by Kimberly Waldron, 2019 (ISBN 9781319418977). There is no Course Code. We are using LMS integration (can purchase and access directly through Canvas) (required!)
- If you pre-purchase your materials before the Canvas shell is open, make sure you use your my.canyons.edu email address when registering for Achieve. If possible, I suggest you wait to purchase course materials until the Canvas shell opens. I include a LOT more information there for you.
- If you want a soft cover textbook, the COC Bookstore has 21st Century Chemistry, Waldron, 2nd Edition, Freeman Publishers, the online version contains One-Term Access for Achieve and access to the downloadable eText,
A scientific calculator - needs to be able to do scientific notation (exponents), log functions, etc

You will need regular access to a reliable computer with stable, high-speed internet connection
Access and familiarity with Canvas (for technical support using Canvas, visit the Canvas Tech Support page for students
Access to (and frequent checking of!) your canyons student email address
You will need the following software on your computer:
- Internet browser (Chrome works best with Canvas)
- Microsoft Word (you can download the Microsoft Office Suite for FREE as part of your my.canyons email account)
- Adobe Acrobat Reader. You need to be able to open, print, and save PDF files. To view PDF files you need a current version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Types of Assessments

We will rely on homework assignments, unit quizzes, discussion posts/Wiki pages and projects for assessment purposes.

Textbook Information

Achieve for 21st Century Chemistry (One-Term Online) (contains the e-text) by Kimberly Waldron, 2019 (ISBN 9781319418977). There is no Course Code. We are using LMS integration (can purchase and access directly through Canvas) (required!)
- If you pre-purchase your materials before the Canvas shell is open, make sure you use your my.canyons.edu email address when registering for Achieve. If possible, I suggest you wait to purchase course materials until the Canvas shell opens. I include a LOT more information there for you.
- If you want a soft cover textbook, the COC Bookstore has 21st Century Chemistry, Waldron, 2nd Edition, Freeman Publishers, the online version contains One-Term Access for Achieve and access to the downloadable eText,

Other Relevant Course Information

Note, it’s very important to know that COC has a “no-show drop” policy, so if you fail to take the Introduction Survey by 11:59 pm on the FIRST DAY, you will be dropped from the course.

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: 05/21/2024 Sub#: 1754