More Facts
Attendance & Illness
Attendance is expected at all scheduled conferences and labs for the full class period. Please attend the section that you have been assigned to.
If you miss a conference because you overslept or forgot, just go to the next section that is available (conference times) and ask the instructor if you can participate. As long as the section doesn't become too crowded, you will be welcome to stay.
Grades
Grades are based on a combination of factors - exam scores, conference participation, and lab participation - and are not based on a curve. Everyone can succeed. (Since many studies have shown that one of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach it to others, please ask for and offer help to other students.)
As you well know, a grade is only a crude measure of your learning. Focus instead on what you have learned and how well you can actually use what you have learned. We also encourage you to meet with us, your instructors, from time to time to discuss your (and our) performance and any barriers to progress that you may be experiencing.
Prerequisites
Chem 101 and 102 are prerequisites for Chem 201. These courses provide a solid background in basic chemical concepts and practical lab experience. Students who would like to take Chem 201 without having taken Chem 101/102 are expected to explain why their background exempts them from these courses. Chem 201 is a prerequisite for Chem 202.
Lecture only? Lab only?
If you have met the prerequisites, you may enroll in Chem 201 lecture for 0.5 unit. You will be expected to take exams, turn in homework, and participate in conferences, but you will be excused from all lab work with two exceptions: spectroscopy (NMR, IR, MS) and molecular modeling. These subjects are covered, in part, through lab lectures and lab work, and 201 lecture students need to participate in these parts of the lab. Students who complete Chem 201 lecture may enroll in Chem 202 lecture.
If you have completed organic chemistry lecture at another college or university, you may enroll in Chem 201 lab and/or Chem 202 lab as appropriate. Each semester is worth 0.5 unit. You will be excused from exams, homework, and conferences, but you must complete all assigned lab work. Since lab work is graded "satisfactory/unsatisfactory" with a low threshold for satisfactory lab work, it has generally not been possible to earn an "A" in 201/202 lab.
Questions
If you have questions about these instructions or any other part of Chem 201/202, please contact your instructor (Chem 201 - Alan, Chem 202 - Pat).
Attendance is expected at all scheduled conferences and labs for the full class period. Please attend the section that you have been assigned to.
Can't get the section you want? If you wait until the start of a semester to register, you may find certain sections have filled up. Or, you may also find yourself assigned to a new section by the Registrar's Office (they do this to balance enrollments and satisfy safety regulations). If you can't get the section you want, please contact the instructor (Chem 201 - Alan, Chem 202 - Pat) and explain your situation. We will collect requests and deal with all of them to the best of our ability during the first week of classes.If you must miss a required class due to illness or emergency, contact your instructor immediately (Chem 201 - Alan, Chem 202 - Pat). Sick students shouldn't be on their feet, working in close quarters with other students, or taking exams, so we will want to find a way for you to make up missed work.
If you miss a conference because you overslept or forgot, just go to the next section that is available (conference times) and ask the instructor if you can participate. As long as the section doesn't become too crowded, you will be welcome to stay.
Grades
Grades are based on a combination of factors - exam scores, conference participation, and lab participation - and are not based on a curve. Everyone can succeed. (Since many studies have shown that one of the best ways to learn a subject is to teach it to others, please ask for and offer help to other students.)
As you well know, a grade is only a crude measure of your learning. Focus instead on what you have learned and how well you can actually use what you have learned. We also encourage you to meet with us, your instructors, from time to time to discuss your (and our) performance and any barriers to progress that you may be experiencing.
Prerequisites
Chem 101 and 102 are prerequisites for Chem 201. These courses provide a solid background in basic chemical concepts and practical lab experience. Students who would like to take Chem 201 without having taken Chem 101/102 are expected to explain why their background exempts them from these courses. Chem 201 is a prerequisite for Chem 202.
Lecture only? Lab only?
If you have met the prerequisites, you may enroll in Chem 201 lecture for 0.5 unit. You will be expected to take exams, turn in homework, and participate in conferences, but you will be excused from all lab work with two exceptions: spectroscopy (NMR, IR, MS) and molecular modeling. These subjects are covered, in part, through lab lectures and lab work, and 201 lecture students need to participate in these parts of the lab. Students who complete Chem 201 lecture may enroll in Chem 202 lecture.
If you have completed organic chemistry lecture at another college or university, you may enroll in Chem 201 lab and/or Chem 202 lab as appropriate. Each semester is worth 0.5 unit. You will be excused from exams, homework, and conferences, but you must complete all assigned lab work. Since lab work is graded "satisfactory/unsatisfactory" with a low threshold for satisfactory lab work, it has generally not been possible to earn an "A" in 201/202 lab.
Questions
If you have questions about these instructions or any other part of Chem 201/202, please contact your instructor (Chem 201 - Alan, Chem 202 - Pat).
