Chem 102 Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the course syllabus
All course materials are distributed on the course website found at http://eLearning.wsu.edu Approximately one week before the beginning of class you will have access to the course website.
Where is the lecture??
Class meets in CUE 203 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:10-9:00 am. If you intend to do well in this course, you must attend lectures.
What if I have not met the pre-requisite for this course?
Pre-requisites are strictly enforced in the Department of Chemistry. You must have earned a grade of C or better in Chem 101, 105, or Chem 115. If you have not earned a grade of C or better in Chem 101, 105, or 115, you must retake the deficient course. If you are a transfer student, your Degree Audit Report must show a transfer equivalency from another college or university that is equal to WSU's Chem 101, 105, or 115. It is your responsibility to monitor your Degree Audit Report. If there are errors, you must work with the Office of Enrollment Management (http://futurestudents.wsu.edu/admission/transfer.aspx). If you are a transfer student and your transcript has not yet been updated, you may bring a copy of your unofficial transcript to Minie Yadama in Fulmer 313. Unless you have met the pre-requisites for this course, you will be automatically unenrolled by the end of the second week of school. This is department policy as listed in the WSU catalog of courses. Please do not ask instructors to make exceptions to this policy.
Is there a homework component to this course?
You will be using an online homework system called WebAssign (www.webassign.net). This will be a weekly homework set that is designed to supplement the lecture material. You will be provided a username and password for the website but will be required to purchase access after a short trial period. The cost is approximately $10.00. Course homework represents 10 percent of your overall grade. Detailed instructions will be found on the course website.
What textbooks and materials will we be using this semester?
Fundamentals of General, Organic, & Biological Chemistry, Volume 2 by McMurry Castellion & Ballantine. ISBN: 0 – 536 – 47131-2. The lab experiments are available on the course website, in the form of weekly handouts, and are free to students.
Do I need a molecular model kit?
A model kit will be advantageous, especially if you plan on continuing to Chem 345. You may purchase an inexpensive model kit from eBay, some used book stores, or here:
http://www.molecularvisions.com/item--Kit-3-ISBN-0-9648837-4-0-Molecular-Model-Set--kit_3.html
I am retaking the class, can I use my old textbook?
No, there is a new text book for Spring 08. Fundamentals of General, Organic, & Biological Chemistry, Volume 2. McMurry, Castellion & Ballantine.
Can I print in Fulmer 401?
Yes, we have two networked printers for your use. There is a 200 page print max per student per semester. We will monitor usage and increase this quota if necessary.
Where can I get help with labs and homework?
Fulmer 401
Fulmer 401 is always open to students. TA's hold office hours in Fulmer 401 as well. Any TA present can help you with questions. Office hours are posted on the course website and on the door of Fulmer 401 by the end of the first week of class. You also have full access to the computers as well as work desks, so if you need a place to do your homework, this would be a good place to start.
Gannon/Golds Dorm Lobby
You will find tutoring in the lobby of Gannon/Golds dorm starting in the second week of class. This tutoring is free available to any chemistry student. The schedule will be posted with the TA office hours.
WSU’s eLearning
If you have a general question, you can post it here on the course website using the discussion forums. This is a good place to post your questions since many other students have the same problems, but make sure you read through what others have asked before you post.
Instructors may be contacted by email using chem.102@wsu.edu
Lab TAs may be contacted by email using their respective section numbers. The email addresses are Chem.102.##@wsu.edu. Use your section number in place of ## and remember to add a zero in front of single digit section numbers (e.g. to email a TA in lab section 4, you would email Chem.102.04@wsu.edu). Please use this email for specific questions or problems.
Why Must I Use a WSU email address?
Under university policy, and for secure transfer of information, this is the only address that instructors are allowed to use. We are not allowed to correspond using your personal email address.
Here are the instructions:
Go to http://my.wsu.edu
Under “MY TOOLS”
Choose “my profile”
Under “ADDRESS AND EMAIL”
Choose Create my Connect!account
Frequently Asked Lab Questions
Do I need to attend lab the first week of class?
Yes! You must attend the lab so we can have record of your attendance. Our classes are very full and if you do not attend the first lab you will be automatically disenrolled from the course to make room for students on the waiting list.
How will I know what room to go to for my lab?
Your schedule will show a section number indicating the lab in which you are enrolled. There will also be a room assigned to every lab. You can also find this room assignment posted on the course website under the Lab Information Folder and on a bulletin board outside of Fulmer 319A.
All the Chemistry Labs that I want are full. What should I do?
You must attend the lecture and lab section that fits your schedule. The TA will provide a lab section request form where you may indicate the lab section in which you would prefer to be placed. You must return this form to the TA. You should also regularly check my.WSU (http://my.wsu.edu) to determine if your desired lab section has an opening. If you find an open seat - enroll as that will guarantee your seat.
What if I am enrolled in one lab but want to switch to another lab?
Our first priority is to accommodate students who are not yet enrolled in a lab section. If you are already enrolled in a lab section but want to change sections, you must first drop the lab in which you are currently enrolled. You must then complete a lab sections request form provided to you in during the first week’s lab. If there is an opening in the lab section to which you want to move, we will try and accommodate your request. Continue checking your schedule for lab section changes.
I have previously taken the Chemistry lab and need to be excused from the lab this semester. How may I do that?
You must have at least an 80% in the prior Chem 102 lab in order to be excused. See Nikki in Fulmer 319A to find out your prior lab score and get permission. If you are excused from Chem 102 lab you will be reimbursed for current lab fees. WSU Accounts Payable usually takes about 6 weeks to reimburse the fees.
How do I go about making up a lab?
You must make-up the lab within the week that you missed. Example: If you miss Tuesday lab it has to be made up by Thursday of that week. In order to schedule a lab make-up, see Nikki in Fulmer 319A. The best 10 out of 12 labs will be used to calculate your lab grade. If you are unable to make-up a lab, you may opt that lab to count as one of your two dropped labs.
When do labs begin & where do we meet?
All labs will meet the first week of class. Check your schedule to determine your lab section number and then look on the course website under Lab Information to determine your lab location. Go to your lab directly the first week. Beginning on the second week of class, you will meet in a classroom for a brief pre-lab lecture. The location of rooms will be announced in lecture.
What are the laboratory report requirements?
Beginning the second week of the semester, all labs will start with a brief tutorial. The rooms will be announced in lecture. This lecture will focus on lab procedures and safety. You are required to complete a brief pre-lab report in advance of attending the tutorial. A pre-lab report is required for the first lab called "Solubility and Extraction." An example pre-lab report is provided on the course website under the Lab Information folder. You should re-write this example pre-lab in your own words. You will also be responsible for a post lab report and an example is also on the course website. Both pre- and post-lab reports are to be written in unused portion of your Chem 101 lab notebook.
Do I need to purchase a lab manual, safety goggles, and lab coat?
You will not need to purchase a lab manual. All lab experiments are freely available on the course website in the form of weekly handouts. You are required to purchase and use a full-length lab coat. This coat will adequately cover the upper body, but your legs, ankles, and feet must be covered by your clothing. In addition, students and TAs are required to wear splash goggles. No impact glasses or woodworking goggles are allowed by state law. Both goggles and lab coats can be purchased at The Bookie. In addition, the Chem Club sells lab coats at a reduced price. More information regarding the Chem Club sales will be given at the beginning of the semester.