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Chemistry 1A is the first quarter of UCSC's integrated chemistry series.  Topics include atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, gas laws, periodic table, acids and bases, and solution equilibria.  The course will cover in detail the first eight chapters Zumdahl's Chemical Principles, 7th Edition.

Final Exam  Tuesday, Dec 8  7:30 - 10:30 pm

Final Exam Details     ParScore form    Final Exam 2014    Final Exam 2014 key

Midterm #2 Distribution   Midterm#2 2015 key

Midterm #1 Distribution   Midterm #1 2015 key



Chem 1A Quick Start Guide   (printable pdf)


Enrollment and Background
For information about enrolling in Chemistry 1A, please see our Chemistry & Biochemistry Advising website and link to Enrollment.

Chemistry 1A requires a strong background in high school chemistry and previous or concurrent enrollment in pre-calculus (Math 3).  See details in the Chem 1A Description in the Course Catalogue.  The
online chemistry self-assessment exam is strongly recommended.

Chapters 1 through 3 offer a review of basic high school concepts.  We will cover these chapters, but at a very rapid pace.  Please take time to review this material before the beginning of the quarter.


Book, WebAssign and Recommendations
Connect to the Bay Tree Book Store here.  We will use Zumdahl's Chemical Principles, 7th edition*.  In addition, students will need access to WebAssign, an online homework environment.
There are several options and packages: 

 
- Webassign for one quarter is $74.95 with e-book.  Note that this times out after one quarter.
- Webassign for multiple quarters is $112.00.  This includes an e-book, but not hard copy text.
-
Special bundle package that includes a loose leaf copy of Zumdahl 7th edition, and webassign for multiple quarters is $159.35.  This is an outstanding deal and highly recommended.  Everything you need for all three quarters of the Chem 1 series.
- Hard bound copies of the Zumdahl text are also available, but these cost roughly $200 and do not include webassign.

*Please note that the 7th edition is highly preferred, but the 5th and 6th along with WebAssign should be okay.


Calendar and Scheduling
Exam dates, holidays, upcoming topics and other important dates will be noted in our calendar below.  Please check back for updates.
  Chemistry 1A Calendar (updated frequently)
 
For additional information, please consult the
UCSC academic calendar 2015-2016.

Secondary Discussion Sections
Discussion sections provide an opportunity for students to meet with teaching assistants on a weekly basis to go over homework and review course concepts.  The Chem 1A TAs are outstanding and are committed to helping students succeed.  Attendance at discussion sections is optional, but highly recommended.  If you do attend discussion sections, you should go to the section in which you are enrolled.  You may attend other sections, but preference will be given to enrolled students.  Please note that discussion sections begin the first full week of class, starting Monday October 6th.

Exams
There will be three exams: two midterms and a final.  You must be present at each of the exams.  A missed exam is treated as a zero in your class record.  If you are extremely ill and cannot take a particular exam you must: i) contact the instructor before the exam takes place and ii) provide documentation from your physician.  Arrangements for a make up exam or alternative will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability and require special arrangements, please feel free to contact the instructor.  Testing arrangements will be accommodated but require authorization through the Disabilities Resource Center.  Please contact them within the first two weeks of the quarter.

Academic Integrity
Please consult the UCSC Policy on Academic Integrity.  Chem 1A will fully adhere to the UCSC policy and any instances of cheating or plagiarism will result in failure of the respective assignment, and may lead to additional actions such as dismissal/suspension from the class and/or the university.  Moreover, students must be respectful of the classroom environment by coming to class on time, remaining quiet during lecture and not leaving class until the end of lecture at 10:40.  Disruptions will be noted and dealt with on an individual basis.

Course Credit
Midterm #1              20%
Midterm #2              20%
Final                        30%  (comprehensive, must pass to complete course)
Homework               20%
Subjective               10%  (reflects attitude towards course and respect towards the classroom setting)