Course Materials & Essentials
1. Scientific Calculator
You must have a calculator that adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides, and can handle exponents, parentheses, and logs. A scientific calculator can usually be found for $10. Recommended models: TI-30X IIS or Casio fx-300MS
If you have a "graphing calculator" already, please use that. If you are continuing on in the sciences, now is a great time to invest in one. Brand new, they can be pricey (over $100 usually), but you can find them used for a bargain.
You must have a physical calculator to use and will not be allowed to use your phone for calculation.
2. Indirectly Vented Safety Goggles
These are not-at-all fashionable but incredibly important things and are mandatory for working in the chemistry lab.
They are available at various hardware stores, on the internet, and at the SBCC bookstore. They must be "indirectly vented" that protect your eyes from splashes and can not be safety glasses or directly vented.
The Chemistry Department has FREE GOGGLES from students who have taken chemistry previously and donated them to future students. You are welcome to a pair, but please secure your free pair the first week in lab because we do run out of them. So - you don't have to buy this item if you are comfortable using gently loved ones.
3. Scantrons – Test Length – Quantity Needed: Four (4)
Ugh....it's true.....you will be taking tests in CHEM 101 this semester...I wish it weren't the case, but it's part of education, being tested on what you've learned. So-as such, scantrons are needed for the course (unless you would like to take the exam online).
You can get them anytime during the semester, and they are only about 10 cents a piece, so if you do not get them right away, it's more than fine...BUT! If you are at the bookstore and want to get them and just put them in your notebook for future use, you'll be ready to go.
Access to Course Content Online
Browsers
Not all internet browsers are created equal. Some work better with Canvas, and some may encounter problems.
You must use Google Chrome or Firefox. Internet Explorer and Safari are NOT recommended.
Although Canvas “supports” a list of browsers, some are supported less than others.
Always use browsers with current updates. Most likely, your browser is set for auto-update, but if not, please do manually update your browser.
Canvas technical support also recommends checking your web browser for updates and clearing your web browser's cache and cookies.
Canvas App on Devices
You can use tablet computers and smartphones for viewing Canvas pages and submitting assignments. However, taking quizzes on smartphones is NOT possible.
Although Canvas says they support mobile quizzes on the app, students run into frustrating problems. I recommend taking quizzes on a desktop or
laptop computer.
Do not take quizzes on a smartphone. You'll need to use a full desktop or laptop computer with a stable Internet connection, a camera, and Chrome.
Tablet computers such as iPad and Android Tablets: Accessing Canvas using a mobile browser is possible, but it is NOT recommended as certain functions are
NOT fully supported. For more ensured access, use Canvas Student App for Android/Google Play and iOS. No app is available for Amazon Fire and
other platforms yet.
Gradescope
Gradescope is where all work for credit from students will be submitted. To set up an account, you must respond to the invitation email sent to your pipeline Gmail account. There is no "class code," and you can only initiate your account through the email you receive.
*If you need another invite sent or help to set this account up, please let me know.*
Gradescop has an app for devices you can use after your account is set up that you may find very convenient to turn in your work when you are "on the go."
Perusall
Perusall is a platform that turns reading course materials more of a social experience. This is where you will access your class "textbook" (but it's electronic, so not a traditional textbook) and your "lab manual" (but you can buy a lab manual lab packet from the SBCC Bookstore).
Feel free to annotate the text, ask questions (I will answer them), comment, reply to classmates, include links you want to share, etc.
You can also download the files for textbook or labs from Perusall should you want to print them.
Scanning
There is a scanner in the lab, but you may find it useful to have your own "PDF Scanner" on your mobile device as an app (or learn how your phone can scan PDFs if it is already capable of doing so). One reliable and free mobile app for scanning PDFs on a mobile device is "Adobe Scan."
Physical Textbook Alternative to Perusall
As a student, you might prefer a physical textbook for the course. Even though I no longer assign this as a requirement, my course is heavily based off of "Introductory Chemistry, 6th Edition," by Nivaldo Tro and published by Pearson. You can find this used (or new) online for ~$20 if you wanted your own copy and SBCC's Luria Library has a copy of this text on reserve.
If you want to use this textbook instead of the "digital textbook" provided as a PDF or through Perusall you will not be at a disadvantage and you do not need to read both. One or the either will suit you well.