Advanced Chemistry

Expectations for 2001-2002

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  1. Journaling:  You will need to subscribe to a periodical or electronic periodical that pertains to chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry or biotechnology.  You will need to have read at least one article and journal your thoughts and comments.  These will not be graded each week, but may be included in either baseline grades or justification grades.

 

  1. Seminars:  You will be expected to attend at least 2 seminars at UNL in chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry or biotechnology per semester.  I will post seminar schedules as soon as they become available.  You will be expected to document:

    1. Lecture topic

    2. Lecturer

    3. Major points of talk

    4. Obtain any handouts available

    5. Be prepared for questions/answers. (As I do make it to some of these)

 

-Both 1 & 2 will require that you have a notebook for making these entries.  I will require that you have a separate notebook (from notes and problems) that you will do your journaling and lab activities in. I will expect lab write-ups separate from the questions you hand in for grades.

 

  1. Grading:  You will be graded on a total points basis, but there is an opportunity to enhance your grade through quarterly grade justifications.  You will be able to justify homework and quizzes only.  Tests are your sign that you have actually absorbed and understood the class materials.  Justification means that you have an opportunity to redo these assignments and receive credit back. BUT, when we review your grades at the end of the quarter and I do not see an improvement in these skills/concepts from the assignment to the test, you will not receive additional credit.

 

My justification:  Some of the concepts in organic chemistry and biochemistry can be overwhelming and through lots of practice these can be mastered.  I don’t want to unnecessarily stress you out while you are learning these, but I do want you to make a serious attempt.  You will have difficulties at times.  The justification process is a way to relieve some stress and still allow you to learn.  If you think it is a way around not working, you are mistaken.  It will be a daunting task to pass the tests if you haven’t attempted the assignments and corrected your errors.

 

  1. As most of you are aware, I cannot read minds, although I may know what you are thinking at times.  It is important that you are proactive in the classroom.  When you have questions or need something explained again, ASK.  Being shy and reserved in the classroom is not helpful when you are trying to learn.  Remember, it’s your grade and nothing should get in the way of you doing your best. 

 

  1. I am planning for 2 field trips this year, somewhere at the end of each semester. One will be to Hamilton Hall (Chemistry department) and the other to the Beadle Center (Biochemistry), both on the UNL city campus.  You will know where these are by then because of the seminars that you are attending.

 

  1. Let’s have some fun and work hard.  You will be amazed at where you have gone through the course of this year.