Chemistry 345 Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the course syllabus
All course materials are 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 HLD G3 on M,W,F from 1:10-2:00 pm.
What if I have not met the pre-requisite for this course?
Pre-requisites are strictly enforced in organic chemistry. You must have earned a grade of C or better in Chem 102 or Chem 106. If you have not earned a grade of C or better in Chem 102 or 106, you must retake those courses. If you are a transfer student, your Degree Audit Report must show a transfer equivalency from another school that is equal to WSU's Chem 102 or 106. It is your responsibility to monitor your Degree Audit Report. If there are errors, you must talk with the Transfer Center in Admissions. Unless you have met the pre-requisites for this course, you will automatically be dropped 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?
We have selected the online OWL homework system as it closely matches the course text book. When you purchase your text package, an access code for OWL is included. If you are using an old text or did not purchase the package, you will need to purchase an OWL access code. In addition to completing your required OWL homework, it is strongly suggested that you work problems from the end of each chapter of the text using paper and pencil, as these are the conditions similar to those in the exams. The URL and instructions for using the OWL homework is provided on the course website. Completing regular homework assignments is required and accounts for 10 percent of your grade.
I plan on taking Chem 346 the following semester. What should I do to prepare?
Chem 345/346/348 are designed to accommodate the broadest career choices requiring organic chemistry as a foundation. For those of you who will be taking the full year sequence, we strongly suggest you remember the cumulative nature of organic chemistry. All nomenclature, structure, pKa, reactions, and mechanisms you will learn in Chem 345 will be built upon in Chem 346. Chem 346 will not review material learned in Chem 345.
What textbook will we be using this semester?
You will have a couple of options this semester. The first option is to buy the textbook package from the Bookie. The bundled package includes the text, a homework access code, and a model kit. The second option is purchase the text, homework access code, and model kit directly from the published. You may opt for ordering a printed text, or you may opt for an “iChapters” text that allows you to download the text in Adobe .pdf format. If you choose this option, you will need chapters 1-12 and the first chapter is free to download. Use the following link to access the publisher’s site: http://wsuchem.ichapterssites.com
Be sure to note the savings code on the textbook website. You may also purchase a used copy of the textbook, or even an older edition of the text if you like, however you will have to purchase an access code for the homework from the publisher (website given above) as well as a model kit (see below). A note for students who opt to download their text – if you do not like to read text on a computer screen, you will have to print each chapter – and unless you print in color, some of the pages will be hard to read.
Why do I need a model kit?
Learning organic chemistry requires being able to draw and model molecules in three dimensions. Model kits help in this regard. In fact, we allow students to use model kits while taking exams. You may opt to purchase a bundled book, homework access code, and model kit from the textbook site or you may find one elsewhere. A suggested inexpensive model kit is given in the following link.
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?
We will be covering the first 12 chapters in the assigned textbook (McMurry, Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, 6th edition). These same topics can be found in similar or older version texts, you'll just have to do some digging. You may also need to purchase an OWL online homework access code and a model kit.
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 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 will have free tutoring in the evenings. 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.
Email. Instructors may be contacted by email using chem.345@wsu.edu. Lab TAs may be contacted by email using their respective section numbers. The email addresses are Chem.345.L##@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.345.L04@wsu.edu). Please use this email for specific questions or problems.
Why Must I use my 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
CHEM 345 Lab Frequently Asked Question:
When do labs begin & where do we meet?
All labs will meet beginning the second week of class. To restate this: there are no lab meeting the first week of class. Beginning on the second week of class, you will meet in Fulmer 438.
Do I need to write my labs in a bound notebook?
All labs will have short tutorial at the beginning of lab in Fulmer 438 explaining new lab procedures and class review. The first lab tutorial will have an introduction to the material you will cover during the semester as well as a lecture on your requirements. A pre-lab is required when you come to the first lab, "Solubility and Extraction," an example of which can be found in the Lab Information folder on the course website. You should re-write this example pre-lab as your own work. A template for lab write ups can also be found in the Lab Information folder.
No bound or carbon copy notebook is required for this lab course. However, there is a required lab format that can be found in the lab information folder titled “Lab Format Guide”. In this folder you will also find an example of a completed prelab for the “Solubility and Extraction” lab. This is an example that you can use; however, you are expected to complete the lab in your own writing. For the two (2) worksheet labs that will be completed during the semester, you may simply fill out the worksheet. No pre or postlab needs to be completed as well.
Do I need to purchase a lab manual, safety goggles, and lab coat?
For this course the lab manual is free to students. The lab manual is in the form of weekly experiment handouts that can be accessed in the lab information folder on the course website along with a schedule that details which lab is completed during what week. Safety goggles and lab coats are required. Both 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.
What if I miss a lab?
We have scheduled make up times for lab. More information will be given about this makeup week when it gets closer, but if you miss a lab it is important that you contact your TA as soon as possible using the email addresses given above. In order to pass this course, you must complete all of the assigned labs. Again, you cannot pass this course without completing ALL of the assigned labs.
If I am retaking this course, do I have to retake the lab?
Yes you must retake the lab. As a matter of division policy, all students repeating this course must also repeat the lab. Understanding the lab is essential to passing this course. So please don't ask as we cannot exempt you from your lab work in this course. No exceptions.