CHM 161

CHM 161 Chemistry of the Life Sciences

Fall Semester, 2013

Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00-9:50

Holroyd Hall, 390

Instructor: William A. Price, Ph.D.

Mail: price@lasalle.edu ; Phone: (215)-951-1261; Office: Holroyd 345

Required Text: Nutrition majors: McMurry, J., Castellion, M.E., Ballentine, D.S., Hoeger, C.A., and Peterson, V.E. Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry, 6th or 7th edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 2010. Nursing majors can purchase the one-semester custom edition of this text in bookstore (student access kit for "Mastering Chemistry" comes packaged with this edition). See www.masteringchemistry.com to purchase an access code separately. Course ID: CHM161PRICE2013

Course Description and Objectives: This is a course that will attempt to put chemistry into a health science perspective. The course will begin by introducing the students to the fundamental nature of matter and some foundational aspects of atoms, molecules and the reactions they undergo together with the energy they utilize. Some of the fundamental laws of chemistry and physics will be discussed and elaborated upon as we work through topics such as gases, liquids, solids, solutions, and acids and bases; all of these topics are paramount to the understanding of topics such as varied as dialysis, respiration, drug concentrations and digestion. Following a brief overview of nuclear chemistry as it relates to the health sciences, we will survey some relevant topics in basic organic chemistry.

Although no previous chemistry course is a prerequisite, a basic knowledge of algebra is expected. In particular, a working knowledge of dimensional analysis or factor labeling as a way of converting units and carrying out chemical calculations will be required. Thus, you will want to have a calculator with basic functions including scientific notation and bring it to class.

Printable Periodic Table

Chapter Sequence and Schedule: We will cover portions of chapters 1-12 in this course. As we progress through the chapters, parts that are not being covered will be announced. Credit exercises will come in the form of short quizzes (~10-20 pts) and exams (~100 pts). The final will be cumulative (cover all chapters) and be worth 150 pts. Quizzes and exams will be held on Fridays. There will be abbreviated lectures prior to the quizzes; thequiz will not cover material from those lectures. This schedule is ambitious, tentative, and subject to change. All powerpoint slides are in green.

Supplimental Instruction: This course brings together students from a variety of backgrounds and as a chemistry course, is often perceived as a historically difficult course. Therefore Supplemental Instruction (SI) has been attached to it to help you get the most out of your efforts with this course. Rob Duffy , a senior biology major, will attend the class again and conduct weekly review sessions for the students in the class. Rob has taken 4 chemistry courses and knows the course content well. He can also share with you successful study techniques for this course. Rob will set up times that will be convenient for most of you for review sessions. Additionally, the review sessions offer you an opportunity to work with other students to share notes and study strategies. Although no new material will be covered at SI sessions, it is possible that alternative approaches to problem-solving will be unveiled during these classes. Attendance at SI sessions is voluntary, but I strongly urge you to attend the review sessions as they are intended for everyone.

Grades: 75% of your course grade will come from your performance in class; 25% of your grade will come from your performance in the laboratory portion of the course.

The points in lecture will be allocated as follows:

3 hour exams 300 pts

10 quizzes 125 pts

Homework 125 pts

Final exam 150 pts

Calendar for the Semester

Important dates:

Mid-semester Holidays - October 14 and 15 (Monday and Tuesday)

Mid-term grades due to be posted on October 21 (Monday)

Last day to withdraw with a “W” grade, November 1 (Friday)

Freshmen Spring Semester pre-registration begins November 14 (Thursday)

Powerpoint slides: