CHEMISTRY 441-Fall 2008

Inorganic Chemistry

Thompson -107,   Tu & R, 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Dr. Gerald L. Roberts Weatherspoon, Instructor
Office Hours: Tu, R 3:00-4:00 p.m. or by appointment
Science & Tech I, Rm. 343; grobert1@gmu.edu; (703) 993-1456

General Remarks:

• 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. In addition to the text for the course, periodically literature reviews will be required as supplemental reading. 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. Due to the rapid unfolding of the various areas of inorganic chemistry it is advantageous for the conscientious student to use the many resources available to reinforce the lecture material. Please feel free to discuss any aspect of the course with me during office hours.
   

• Homework problems from each chapter will be announced during lecture. 

Grading :

• The final grade in this course will be based on a percentage of points earned relative to total possible points (i.e. 600). 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, keeping in mind that the scale is subject to change during the course of the semester:  100-90% (A); 89-80% (B); 79-70% (C); <69% (D or F).   Since this course is geared toward CHEMISTRY MAJORS it is expected that only grades of B^- and above will be awarded at the end of the 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.

Exam Policy:

• Hourly exams: Three hourly exams and a final cumulative exam will be given during the semester. All exam scores will be used in determining the final grade. Make up exams will not be given.  Periodic tables will not be allowed during exams and quizzes.

• Quizzes:   Quizzes 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.  Possible quiz dates will be announced during lecture.

• Sample exams and quiz:  ex1f03, ex2f03, ex3f03, ex2f01, and quiz#2

08/19/08

"Tentative Lecture Syllabus"

Hourly Examinations: Sept. 25, Oct. 30, Nov. 25
Final Examination: Dec. 11, 2008; 10:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.