August 24, 2020

Safe Return to Campus Statement

• All students taking courses with a face-to-face component are required to take Safe Return to Campus Training prior to visiting campus. Training is available in Blackboard (https://mymason.gmu.edu). Students are required to follow the university’s public health and safety precautions and procedures outlined on the university Safe Return to Campus webpage (www2.gmu.edu/safe-return-plan). Similarly, all students in face to face and hybrid courses must also complete the Mason COVID Health Check daily, seven days a week. The COVID Health Check system uses a color code systemand students will receive either a Green, Yellow, or Red email response. Only students who receive a “green” notification are permitted to attend courses with a face-to-face component. If you suspect that you are sick or have been directed to self-isolate, please quarantine or get testing. Faculty are allowed to ask you to show them that you have received a Green email and are thereby permitted to be in class.

Campus Closure

• If the campus closes or class is canceled due to weather or other concern, students should check Blackboard or updates on how to continue learning and information about any changes to events or assignments. 

Course Materials and Student Privacy

All course materials posted to Blackboard or other course site are private; by federal law, any materials that identify specific students (via their name, voice, or image) must not be shared with anyone not enrolled in this class.

• Videorecordings of class meetings that include audio or visual information from other students are private and must not be shared
• Live Video Conference Meetings (e.g. Collaborate or Zoom) that include audio or visual information from other students must be viewed privately and not shared with others in your household.

Testing with LockDown Browser

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer (internal webcam) or can be the type of webcam that plugs in with a USB cable (external webcam). Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A Quick Start Guide for Students is also available.

• You will need the following system requirements for online exams:
  • Windows: 10, 8, 7
  • Mac: OS X 10.10 or higher
  • iOS: 10.0+ (iPad only). Must have a compatible LMS integration [Details].
  • Web camera (internal or external) & microphone
  • A reliable internet connection
  • Prior to your first exam, you must install LockDown Browser following the step-by-step instructions.

To ensure LockDown Browser and the webcam are set up properly, do the following:

• Start LockDown Browser, log into Blackboard and select this course.
• Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
• Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues or permissions your computer prompts.
• Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Further troubleshooting is available through the ITS Support Center.
• Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named [NOTE TO INSTRUCTOR: Create a brief practice quiz and insert name/location of quiz].
• Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.

When taking an online exam that requires LockDown Browser and a webcam, remember the following guidelines:

• Ensure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted
• Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your reach
• Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted — books, papers, phones, other devices
• Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and that you’ve allotted sufficient time to complete it
• Remain at your computer for the duration of the testMake sure that your computer is plugged into a power source, or that battery is fully-charged.
• If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test

To produce a good webcam video, do the following:

• Do not wear a baseball cap or hat with a brim that obscures your face
• Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or any other surface where the device (or you) are likely to move
• If using a built-in (internal) webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete
• Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
• Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

General Remarks:

• During the COVID-19 Safe Return to Campus phase, this course will be offered online.  By doing so, we minimize chance interactions of coming into contact with others that might cause greater health concerns to our safety and well-being. The course will meet at the stated time, Eastern Standard Time zone, so those in other time zones need to make sure that you are present when the class is in session. 
• A Zoom Meeting link will be provided on Blackboard, which allows you access to enter the online class meetings each Tuesday and Thursday morning. 
• Lectures will be delivered using Explain Everything via my iPad Pro, which allows real time writing on a whiteboard, as well as previously captured figures and slides.    You do not have to download th  app in order to follow along.
• Familiarize yourself with Zoom, especially the Screen Share tool.      

 

• This course is designed to help students build on the fundamental principles of general and physical chemistry, as related to the area of Inorganic Chemistry. A variety of topics will be covered, inclusive of solution and solid state inorganic chemistry. Trends in the periodic table will be discussed and the student should "FAMILIARIZE" himself/herself with the names, symbols and locations of the elements on the periodic table as soon as possible since periodic tables will not be allowed during examinations or quizzes. Students enrolled in this course are required to have a minimum grade of "C" in all prerequisites (refer to catalog). Courses that are stated prerequisites will not be considered as corequisites to gain admittance into the course.

• Graduating seniors that are enrolled in the biochemistry track and, due to extenuating circumstances are unable to enroll in the required CHEM 446 course, must get approval prior to enrolling in this course. Students enrolled in the biochemistry track are required to have earned a minimum grade of "C" in CHEM 331, which is a stated prerequisite for CHEM 441------NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

• ALL STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THIS COURSE ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF GMU's HONOR CODE POLICY. STUDENTS THAT COMMIT HONOR CODE VIOLATIONS AND/OR HAVE KNOWLEDGE, YET FAIL TO REPORT THE OFFENSE, WILL BE REPORTED TO THE OFFICE OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

 

Blackboard Login Instructions:

• Access to MyMason and GMU email are required to participate successfully in this course.  Please make sure to update your computer and prepare yourself to begin using the online format BEFORE the first day of class.  Check the IT Support Centerwebsite.  Navigate to  the Student Support pageforo help and information about Blackboard.  In the menu bar to the left you will find all the tools you need to become familiar with this course.  Take time to learn each.  Make sure you run a system check a few days before class.   Become familiar with the attributes of Blackboard and online learning.

Technology Requirements:

• Hardware:  You will need access to a Windows or Macintosh computer with at least 2GB of RAM and access to a fast and reliable broadband internet connection (e.g., cable, DSL).  A larger screen is recommended for better visibility of course material.  You will need speakers or headphones to hear recorded content and a headset with a microphone is recommended for the best experience.  For the amount of Hard Disk Space required, when taking a distance educationcourse, condsider and allow for:
  1. the storage amount needed to install any additional software and
  2. space to store work that you will do for the course.

If you consider the purchase of a new computer, please go to Patriot Tech to see recommendations.

• Software:  Many courses use Blackboard as the learning management system (LMS).  You will need a browser and operating system that are listed compatible or certified with the Blackboard version available on the myMason Portal .  See supported browsers and operating systems.   Login to   myMason  to access your registered coursese.   Some courses may use other learning management systems.   Check the syllabus or contact the instruct for details.  Online courses typically use Acrobat Reader, Flash, Java, and  Windows Media Player, QuickTime and/or Real Media Player.   Your computer should be capable of running current versions of those applications.  Also, make sure your computer is protected from viruses by downloading the latest version of Symantec Endpoint/Anti-Virus software for free here. .
• Students owning Macs or Linux should be aware that some courses may use software that only runs on Windows.  You can set up a mac computer with Boot Camp or virtualization software so Windows will also run on it.  Watch this video about using Windows on a Mac.  Computeres running Linux can also be configured with virtualization software or configured to dual boot with Windows.

Note: If you are using an employer-provided computer or corporate office for class attendance, please verify with your systems administrators that you will be able to install the necessary applications and that system or corporate firewalls do not block access to any sites or media types.

 

Course-specific Hardware/Software

Check the syllabus for your course or contact the instructor prior to the start of the course to find out about specific technical requirements for your class. Hardware or software required for your course or program may be available for purchase at Patriot Computers (the University’s computer store that offers educational discounts and special deals).

 

•  

Grading :

• The final grade in this course will be based on a percentage of points earned relative to total possible points (i.e. 650). Listed below is the point distribution for examinations, quizzes and the final examination. However, an absolute grading scale cannot be determined until all scores have been compiled and evaluated. In order to optimize your overall performance use the following scale as a rule of thumb:  100-90% (A); 89-80% (B); 79-70% (C); <69% (D or F).   This course is a prerequisite for CHEM 445 - Inorganic Preps Lab, which means students must earn a grade of C or higher in order to register for CHEM 445 in the following Spring Semester.  If you experience extreme difficulties with the course material early on during the semester do not hesitate to contact or JOIN A STUDY GROUP.

• The final grade in this course will only be changed in the case of a grading error. Only the instructor of record is authorized to change the grade. Any grading concerns should be discussed directly with the instructor of record.
• Final grades will not be adjusted because late homework assignments are finally turned in. Any work submitted on the day of the final exam or afterwards will not be considered in the calculation of the grade.
• It is your responsibility to make sure that grades posted in Blackboard accurately reflect the graded material that has been returned to you. Do not wait until the end of the semester to address these matters. Material presented in this manner will not be considered in calculation of the final grade.

Examinations I, II, III (100 pts each)	300 points	37.50%
Final Exam --ACS Comprehensive	200 points	25.00%
Quizzes (5 x 20 pts each)	100 points	12.50%
Homework	100 points	12.50%
In-class participation	100 points	12.50%
Total	800 points	100.00%

• Exam Policy:

• Hourly exams: Three hourly exams will be given during the semester. All exam scores will be used in determining the final grade. Makeup exams will not be given.  Periodic tables will not be allowed during exams and quizzes.
• Respondus Lockdown Browser and Monitor will both be used during online administration of exams. You will be required to present your GMU Photo ID prior to starting the exam.  Baseball caps, hats and other items that cover the face are not allowed during the exam. The use of a periodic table of elements is also forbidden during hourly exams and quizzes.
• ALL cell phones and communication devices are to be turned off, properly secured and stored away BEFORE the exams begin. If a student is detected using a cell phone or other communication/electronic device during an exam, the student will receive an automatic "F" for the exam, since this is an honor code violation and the matter referred to the Office of Academic Integrity. The recommendation will be for the student to receive a grade of "F" for the entire course.  DURING NORMAL FACE TO FACE OPERATIONS---If another student observes the violation or has knowledge of the offense, yet fails to report it, he/she may also be accused of violating the honor code. Students should not place themselves in a position that appears to support collusion in the honor code violation activity. All parties will be referred to the honor committee with sanctions levied based on the number of offenses and judgements determined by the honor committee. Keep in mind at all times that GMU is an Honor Code university.
• Any form of cheating on the final exam will result in an automatic "F" for the course.
• Programmable calculators and electronic media storage devices are not allowed for exams---NO EXCEPTIONS!!!
• • Final exam: The final exam will be cumulative, unless otherwise stated.
  • Quizzes & Homework:   Quizzes and homework will be given during the semester that vary in point value. The objective of the quizzes is to "encourage" regular and timely review of the material being discussed, rather than waiting until the night before the hourly exam and attempting an all-nighter. 
  • Suggested homework problems from each chapter will be posted on Blackboard. The suggested problems will not be collected for grading purposes.
  • REQUIRED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SETS will be graded. Those will be specified on Blackboard.
  • Students enrolled in this course must activate their GMU email accounts to receive important University information, including messages related to this class. I will only reply to email received from students that use their GMU email accounts.
  • If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see the instructor after contacting the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703-993-2474.  All arrangements for academic accommodations must be initiated through that office.
  • As a faculty member and designated "Responsible Employee", I am required to report all disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, and stalking to Mason's Title IX Coordinator per university policy 1412.  If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please contact the Student Support and Advocacy Center (703-380-1434) or Counseling and Psychological Services (703-993-2380).  You may also seek assistance from Mason's Title IX Coordinator (703-993-8730;  titleix@gmu.edu )."
    

  Departmental seminars for Fall 2020 are held on Friday from 1:00pm-2:15pm.  Attendance is strongly recommended, especially for chemistry majors.  Senior chemistry majors should also consider registering for the undergraduate seminar course CHEM 490 to receive credit. 

  IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN LEARNING HOW TO TEACH A LAB CLASS, CONTACT ME DIRECTLY VIA EMAIL TO ENROLL IN CHEM 470 --- Laboratory Instructional Methods of Chemistry; 3 credit course  .

  Chemistry and biochemistry majors should also consider joining the local student affiliate chapter of the ACS (GMU Chemistry Club) as well as ACS. 

  COS

  Resources

  Chemistry Links

  Materials Research Society Bulletin (MRS Bulletin)

  Journal of Solid State Chemistry

  Solid State Communications

   

  The textbook for the course is  Inorganic Chemistry, 5th edition, by Miessler, Fischer & Tarr

   

Lectures	Tentative Lecture Schedule Chapter		Recommended End of Chapter Problems Posted on Blackboard
Aug. 25/27	1: Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry (read as review material) 2: Atomic Structure (read as review material) 3: Simple Bonding (Lewis structures, Valence bond theory, Molecular Orbital theory, Structure and bond properties) Review of Trends in the Periodic Table
	Monday, September 7-------Labor Day holiday; university closed
Sept. 1/3	3: Simple Bonding Theory
Sept. 8/10 Sept. 15	4: Molecular Symmetry (Introduction to symmetry analysis and character tables, Applications of symmetry, Symmetries of molecular orbitals, Reducible representations)
Sept. 15/17 Sept. 22	6: Acid-Base and Donor-Acceptor Chemistry ( )
Sept. 24	Exam I	Ch. 2, 3, 4,6
Sept. 29/Oct. 1	7: The Crystalline Solid State (Description of the structures of solids, Structures of metals and alloys, Ionic Solids, Energetics of ionic bonding, Defects and nonstoichiometery, Electronic structures of solids)
Oct. 6/8	7: The Crystalline Solid State (Description of the structures of solids, Structures of metals and alloys, Ionic Solids, Energetics of ionic bonding, Defects and nonstoichiometery, Electronic structures of solids)
Oct. 13 15	8: Chemistry of the Main Group Elements ()
Oct. 20/22	9: Coordination Chemistry I: Structures and Isomers ()
Oct. 27	10: Coordination Chemistry II: Bonding (Introduction to symmetry analysis and character tables, Applications of symmetry, Symmetries of molecular orbitals, Reducible representations)
Oct. 29	Exam II	Ch. 7, 8, 9
Nov. 3	Tuesday, November 3rd ELECTION DAY---CLASSES DO NOT MEET
Nov. 5	10: Coordination Chemistry II: Bonding (Introduction to symmetry analysis and character tables, Applications of symmetry, Symmetries of molecular orbitals, Reducible representations)
Nov. 10/12	11: Coordination Chemistry III: Electronic Spectra & Magnetism ()
Nov. 17/19	8 (Bb Handout): Physical Techniques in Inorganic Chemistry (Diffraction methods, Absorption and emission spectroscopies, Resonance techniques, Ionization-based techniques, Chemical analysis, Magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility, Electrochemical techniques, Microscopy)
Nov. 24	12: Coordination Chemistry IV: Reactions and Mechanisms (Ligand substitution reactions, Redox reactions)
Nov. 24	Exam III	Ch. 10, 11, 12
	Thanksgiving Recess;  Nov. 25 - Nov. 29	No class
Dec. 1/3	13: d-Metal Organometallic Chemistry (Bonding, Ligands, 18-electron rule, Oxidative Addition & Reductive elimination, migratory insertion reactions)
Dec. 3	Last day of lecture
Dec. 7 - 8	Reading Days; Final Exam  Period at the University  Dec. 9 - 16
Dec. 15	FINAL EXAM -----7:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. (ACS exam); 110 minutes; no late arrivals

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