FCH360: Course Organization

FCH 360: Course Organization and Outline

Textbook:	“Physical Chemistry”, 8^th Edition, by P.W. Atkins
Lectures:	Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Room 313 Bray Hall 11:40 A.M. to 12:35 P.M.
Instructor:	Dr. Avik P. Chatterjee Room 220 Edwin C. Jahn Laboratory
Phone:	315-470-4747
E-mail:	apchatte@esf.edu
Problem Sets and other handouts are linked to here

Return to Main Page for FCH 360

The course material will address the subject of thermodynamics. Areas covered will include equations of state, the laws of thermodynamics, phase transitions in pure substances, mixture thermodynamics and colligative properties, and chemical equilibria.

Grading and Course Organization:

There will be two (2) midterm examinations during the semester, administered on the dates indicated below. NO MAKE-UP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. HOWEVER, THE LOWER OF THE MIDTERM EXAM GRADES WILL BE DROPPED. A COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMINATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED AS SCHEDULED BY THE UNIVERSITY.

The exams shall be during the regular class times at the same room (313 Bray Hall) on the above days.

Grading
ITEM	WEIGHT	DATE	LOCATION
Midterm Exam I	42.5 %*	Wednesday, September 30^th	313 Bray
Midterm Exam II	42.5 %*	Friday, October 30^th	313 Bray
Final Exam	42.5 %	Tuesday, December 15^th	313 Bray
Problem Sets	15 %

* The higher grade from EITHER the first OR second midterm exam will constitute 42.5 % of the final grade. The lower grade will be dropped entirely.

The date for the Final Exam, Tuesday, December 15^th, 2009, was posted on this page on July 2^nd, 2009, and requests to alter this date shall not be entertained.

Problem Sets shall be graded on an S/U basis. Solutions to problem sets shall be placed on reserve at Moon Library.

Policy regarding homework assignments:

I have no objections towards, and in fact encourage, co-operation and discussion in the solution of homework problem sets. However, I wish to discourage persons from simply copying solutions from other people. Homework assignments are intended to provide an opportunity to gain experience in problem solving, and to familiarize oneself with the tools, techniques, and concepts that we discuss in class. The fact that I am open to the idea that people may wish to co-operate on problem sets is part of the reason why I assign them a rather low weightage as far as the final grade is concerned.

Policy regarding Exams:

It is not one of the objectives of the present course to test or emphasize memorization skills. To this end, each person should feel free to bring into each Exam ONE 8.5” x 11” sheet of paper with whatever handwritten notes, formulae, equations, diagrams, etc., that they feel could be helpful.

Do bring calculators as well !!!

Office Hours:

In addition to the regular office hours, I encourage persons to feel free to make appointments to see me at other times as well. E-mail may be another possible channel for communication. Above all, I want to encourage persons to feel free to ask questions in or outside of class, and to not feel bad (or bashful) regarding asking questions. It has been said that the only “stupid” questions are the ones that go unasked. Besides which, it is often the case that a question asked by one student in class may be on the minds of several other people, too, and that the discussion which emerges in response to the query proves to be helpful for numerous individuals.

Persons with Learning and/or Physical Disabilities:

Persons with identified disabilities and who require accommodations should contact the Office of Student Life in 110 Bray Hall (phone: 315-470-6660). This office is empowered to provide an official accommodation sheet in response to appropriate supporting documentation provided by the applicant.