FCH361: Course Organization

FCH 361: Course Organization and Outline

Textbook:	“Physical Chemistry”, 9^th (or 8^th) Edition, by P.W. Atkins
Lectures:	Monday, Friday: Room 321 Bray Hall: 12:45 P.M. to 1:40 P.M. Wednesday: Room 321 Bray Hall: 1:50 P.M. to 2:45 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

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This course will address the subjects of equilibrium electrochemistry, chemical reaction kinetics, and quantum mechanics.

Course Contents/Syllabus

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.

DATE FOR FINAL EXAMINATION: THURSDAY, MAY 2^nd, 2013

The exams shall be during the regular class times at the same room (321 Bray Hall) on the following days:

Grading
ITEM	WEIGHT	DATE	LOCATION
Midterm Exam I	42.5 %*	Friday, February 22^nd	321 Bray
Midterm Exam II	42.5 %*	Friday, March 22^nd	321 Bray
Final Exam	42.5 %	Thursday, May 2^nd	321 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.

Problem Sets shall be graded on an S/U basis. Solutions to problem sets shall be made available online.

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 somewhat 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 TWO 8.5” x 11” sheets of paper with whatever handwritten notes, formulae, equations, diagrams, etc., that they feel might be helpful.

Do remember to 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.