Chem 201-61039 - General Chemistry 1 - Isaac Koh
| Course: | General Chemistry 1 |
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| Professor: | Isaac Koh |
| Email: | Isaac.Koh@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Welcome to Chem 201 session! I am your instructor, Dr. Isaac Koh. This is my eighth year as an adjunct faculty in Chemistry at College of the Canyons (COC) since Fall of 2014.
My major is located at the intertwined intersection of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology. My academic credentials include a bachelor's and a master's degree in Chemical Technology at the College of Engineering of Seoul National University in South Korea, a leading research university in East Asia. I pursued a graduate study in the United States and received PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at University of Maryland College Park. I have a tract record of academia, researches in major institutions, and a commercial sector. I worked at a hospital-research setting for states of the art facilities in NMR-based diagnostics of diseases at Harvard Medical School. I contributed to translate my research results into commercial products as a scientist at a start-up company.
This Orientation Letter includes information for this Chemistry 201 class. Please take time to read through this orientation letter completely.
This course is offered as 16-week class for regular semester or 8-week at an accelerated pace during Summer. Since this class is operated as web-enhanced format, It is required that students check the Canvas shell everyday for keeping up with the progress of the class, downloading the lecture and lab materials, and uploading the assignments.Join the class in time to perform the class activities including discussion, Lab management and analysis of data, or taking a quiz or an exam. The course will employ Flip-the-Chemistry format. Lecture contents will be recorded and uploaded on Canvas shell in time. Physical class for lecture will mainly be used for problem solving and discussion.
Course Description
General Chemistry 1 (Chem 201) is offered to students as the first semester in the two-semester General Chemistry sequence at College of the Canyons. The contents of this course include the followings:
(1) Atomic theory, molecules, and ions; composition of substances and solutions; stoichiometry of chemical reactions
(2) Thermochemistry; gases, liquids and solids; solutions
(3) Electronic structure and periodic properties of elements; chemical bonding and molecular geometry; advanced theory of covalent bonding
What to Expect in this Course
Students will have opportunities for active and collaborative learning in this course.
First, self-introduction. The first week makes a crucial difference in building up a sense of community for distance education. A self-introduction activity will be set up at the beginning of the course. The Discussion Board in the Canvas shell will post three questions to the students: (1) naming stories, (2) short bio and academic goal, and (3) degree of preparedness for distance education. Students will be directed to share their own stories for building up rapport.
Second, dynamic two-way interactions between the students and the instructor during class sessions. Please feel free to ask any questions by typing on the chatting window during the class sessions. The instructor will maintain active communications with the students by regularly checking the chatting window for any questions from the students and respond in a timely basis. I expect that this interaction will make an impact on the learning environment to be productive, since students see the acceptance of their requests or questions in a timely manner.
Third, group activities. Group activities will catalyze collaboration and formation of companionship among the students. The instructor will post a group project in time on the Discussion Board. Students will be assigned to work in two-by-two format to investigate about student learning objectives. Student groups are expected to upload the work and present their investigation results during a lab session. All of the students are expected to collaborate with each other in each group and share the responsibilities in presenting their work.
Canvas access: It is crucial that you have access to the class Canvas shell. Download and upload all assignments on Canvas.
Chem 101 Access: The class uses Chem 101 as our online homework platform. The online homework site is available to every enrolled student for one week as a grace period. Purchase the access code within Week 1 of the course. Cost: one semester ($29.95), two semesters ($51.90). If you choose the two semester option, there is no expiration date for using the program in the second semester. If you choose the one-semester option, you can also get Chem 101 at a discounted rate for a second semester. To do so, purchase the second semester access directly from Chem 101.
Chemistry is a theoretical and an experimental discipline. Students will gain understanding of experimental techniques and analysis of data in the virtual lab, twice per week (Tuesday and Thursday). Students need to have a speadsheet program on computer that allows linear regression analysis. The Virtual Lab requires activation of Beyond Labz on the computers of students.
- Microsoft Excel: The Microsoft Office Suite is available for download to all COC students through https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office. Make sure to install a copy of Microsoft Excel on your personal computer. The Online Version of Excel cannot perform linear regressions.
Optional: the online tools are optional to use
- Beyond Labz: Beyond Labz is a virtual lab platform. It is valid for one year since activation of the code. If you have activated within a year, you may continue to use the program. If the activation code expires, the instructor will provide a new access code.
- PhET and ChemCollective simulations: These activities are freely available and will run on most computers. The instructor will guide the students about how to use the online simulation to perform the virtual lab and analysis of data.
Types of Assessments
Online Exams: Students will take three exams (chapter exams) and a final exam (cumulative). An exam has two components. Section 1 is Multiple Choices (type the answer directly onto Canvas shell), while section 2 has Free Responses (PDF file provided; download the PDF file, solve the problem, and upload your answer in time).
Quizzes: Quizzes will be administered in time for (almost) each chapter. Students will be given five multiple choice problems with the time limit of 15 minutes.
Online Discussion Boards: The instructor will use the online discussion boards for projects, and other discussion topics.
Group presentation: Students will be assigned a project. They will be asked to present the project to the class at an assigned date.
Textbook Information
We will be using ZTC Textbook (Freely available):
the 2nd edition of the OpenStax Chemistry text, Chemistry 2e (ISBN-10: 1-947172-62-X; ISBN-13: 978-1-947172-62-3).
Students and instructors can access the e-text for free at the following website: https://openstax.org/details/chemistry-2e.
The students can also purchase a hardcopy of the textbook in the bookstore for $55.
Other Relevant Course Information
Lab manual is available freely on Canvas. Students are expected to download the lab manual and make it ready for class.
For submission of the work, students have two options:
First, write directly on the PDF file, and submit the document. Tablet PC or IPad will make this option readily available.
Second, Take a picture of your assignment in a well-lit environment, turn your picture file into a single PDF file, and upload the PDF file to Canvas. I recommend to use Adobe Scan for the purpose.
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: 02/02/2022 Sub#: 25