Course Syllabus

Agricultural Chemistry (AGSC 120)

Due to the unusual circumstances surrounding COVID and the unique format in which this course is offered, this syllabus may be subject to change. I want what is best for students and I will be evaluating this course on a regular basis and making modifications as needed. Students will be notified of any modifications made to the syllabus following the start of the quarter.

General Course Information

Quarter/Year: Fall 2021

Item Number: 5053

Credits: 5

Meeting Day/Time: Tuesday & Thursday 9:50-10:50 am

Location: Zoom

Instructor Contact Information

Name: Dr. Sara Egbert

Email: sara.egbert@wwcc.edu

Office Location: 163B, Clarkston campus

Phone Number: (509) 676-6123 (Google Voice), text preferred

Office Hours: Email for appointment

Course Description

Fundamental course in chemistry which overviews the basics of inorganic, organic, and biochemistry with applications to agriculture and other applied science fields. Recommended: high school chemistry or equivalent. Formerly AGPR 120. Recommended: High school chemistry or equivalent.

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Relate chemical concepts to agriculture including fertilization, pesticide use, animal production and environmental fate of compounds.
  • Perform metric and English conversions; use scientific notation; compute atomic and formula masses; differentiate precision from accuracy.
  • Identify atoms, subatomic particles, and isotopes; describe the basic chemical nature and behavior of the families on the periodic table.
  • Apply the rules of inorganic and organic nomenclature to ions and simple molecules; distinguish ionic from covalent bonding; describe the behavior of solids, liquids and gases in terms of intermolecular forces of attraction.
  • Recognize basic chemical reaction types: combustion, acid-base, redox, hydrolysis, nitrification, denitrification, ammonification and condensation
  • Apply solution concentrations in a variety of units to agricultural applications; perform dosage calculations involving animal weight, drug concentration and volume; differentiate between osmosis and diffusion.
  • Recognize simple organic functional groups.
  • Describe the pH behavior of solutions, buffers, and physiologic fluids.
  • Match the names and images of biochemical structures discussed in class.
  • Demonstrate the safe use of laboratory glassware, equipment and reagents in order to gather data, synthesize and characterize organic molecules, or separate simple biochemical compounds from natural products.

Course Topics

  • Introductions and Scope
  • Measurements and the Metric System
  • Atomic Structures and the Periodic Table
  • Ionic Compounds
  • Atomic Weights, Molecular Weights and Moles
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Solutions, Mixtures, Measurements of Concentration
  • Acids, Base, pH
  • Introduction to Organic Chemistry
  • Saturated Hydrocarbons
  • Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
  • Oxygen Containing Organics
  • Nitrogen Containing Organics
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Applications of Chemistry to Agriculture

Laboratory Experiments

The laboratory sequence has been designed to support the above topics. Laboratory experiments will be completed at home using the lab kit purchased through the WWCC Bookstore.

  • Experiment 1: Introduction to Laboratory Safety and Techniques
  • Experiment 2: Energy of Food (Calorimetry)
  • Experiment 3: Nuclear Chemistry 
  • Experiment 4: Chemical Bonding
  • Experiment 5: Diffusion, Osmosis and Dialysis
  • Experiment 6: Exploring pH
  • Experiment 7: Carbohydrate Hydrolysis
  • Experiment 8: Protein Isolation
  • Experiment 9: DNA Isolation and Antioxidants

Textbook and Materials

Textbook

Chemistry 2e from OpenStax, ISBN 978-1-947172-62-3, is available for free online!

You have several options to obtain this book:

You can use whichever format you want. Web view is recommended -- the responsive design works seamlessly on any device.

Additional Materials

In addition to the textbook, you will also need access to the following:

  • TI-30xs non-graphing scientific calculator (or equivalent)
  • Lab kit
  • Zoom app
  • HP Smart app or ability to scan and upload multiple pages in a single pdf document
  • Smart phone with a camera or digital camera
  • PC or tablet and high-speed internet

Grading Policies

All Week 1 assignments need to be completed and submitted by the due date to avoid the possibility being dropped from the class.

Homework: Homework will be assigned weekly. Homework will be assigned and submitted through Canvas. Unless otherwise stated, all homework assignments will be due at 11:59 pm on the day that they are assigned. Typically, short learning checks in the form of homework will be due on Friday and Tuesday in order to me to better gauge your level of comfort and understanding of the weekly topics. This information will be used to inform the topics and practice problems presented during our weekly Zoom meetings. Late work submitted through Canvas will receive a 10% deduction per day late. Work submitted six or more days after the due date will not receive credit. 

Assessments: Assessments will be given weekly through Canvas. Assessments will open on Monday at 6 am and close at 11:59 pm and CANNOT be made up. If you completed the assessment and scored less than a 73%, you will be given the opportunity to correct your missed problems and earn up to a 73% back. In order to earn points back, you must:

  • Review your assessment, make corrections and take notes on the key concepts that you are still struggling with. This document will be uploaded to Canvas.
  • Schedule an appointment with a TLC chemistry tutor to review what you missed within one week of the original assessment.
  • Following the TLC appointment, request that the tutor emails me (sara.egbert@wwcc.edu) confirmation of your meeting. 

Exams: There will be two exams administered during the quarter, a mid-term and a final. The mid-term will cover content through the first half of the quarter and the final will cover material through the second half of the quarter. Exams will contain multiple choice, fill in the blank, calculation and essay questions through Canvas. The exam will open on Wednesday and must be submitted on Friday by 11:59 pm. Late submissions will not be accepted and will receive a score of zero. Exam questions will be drawn from the lecture materials, lab materials, homework assignments and previous assessments. 

Experiments: Experiments are to be completed individually at home. If you would like to work with someone else from class on the at-home experiments GREAT, but it is not required and you are still expected to submit an individual lab reports. Like most other assignments for this course, lab reports will be submitted through Canvas and open on Monday and will be due the following Tuesday at 11:59 pm. Safety is of the utmost importance in our lab. Since chemistry is a hands-on science, laboratory experiments are a critical component of this course missing three or more lab reports will result in a failing grade for the course, regardless of your overall course percentage. 

Grading: Final grades will be assigned at the end of the quarter based on the following percentages:

Homework

20%

Assessments

30%

Exams

40%

Lab Reports

10%

TOTAL:

100% 

Grades will be made available to each student through the Canvas website and will be regularly updated throughout the quarter. 

The assignments of letter grades will be based on the scale below:

Grade:

Percentage

Grade:

Percentage

Grade:

Percentage

A

93.3 - 100

A-

90.0 - 93.3

B+

86.7 - 90.0

B

83.3 - 86.7

B-

80.0 - 83.3

C+

76.7 - 80.0

C

73.3 - 76.7

C-

70.0 - 73.3

D

60.0 - 70.0

Important Student Information

Diversity & Inclusion Statement:

WWCC strives to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, not only because diversity fuels excellence and innovation, but because we want to pursue justice. Each of us is responsible for creating a safer, more inclusive environment.

Furthermore, I would like to create a learning environment that supports a diversity of thoughts, perspectives and experiences, and honors your identities including race, gender, class, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.

To help accomplish this:

  • If you have a name and/or set of pronouns that differ from those that appear in your official records, please let me know.
  • If you feel like your performance in the class is being impacted by your experiences outside of class, please don't hesitate to come and talk with me. I want to be a resource for you.
  • I (like many people) am still in the process of learning about diverse perspectives and identities. If something was said in class (by anyone) that made you feel uncomfortable, please talk to me about it or reach out of the Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

Unfortunately, incidents of bias or discrimination do occur, whether intentional or unintentional, and they can contribute to creating an unwelcoming environment for individuals and groups at the college. If you experience or observe unfair or hostile treatment on the basis of identity, we encourage you to speak out for justice and support. To report an incident or access support and resources, contact Margarita Banderas, Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (equity@wwcc.edu or (509) 730-6196).

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

WWCC complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as amended in 2008. Information regarding student accommodations may be obtained by contacting (Walla Walla campus) Bobbie Sue Schutter, Ph.D., Coordinator of Disability Support Services at (509) 527-4262, bobbiesue.schutter@wwcc.edu or (Clarkston campus) Heather Markwalter at (509) 758-1721 heather.markwalter@wwcc.edu. The Section 504 Coordinator is responsible for monitoring and implementing the district’s compliance with state and federal laws prohibiting disability discrimination. Sherry Hartford, Vice President of Human Resources, (509) 527-4300, serves as the Section 504 officer.

COVID-19-Requirements, Accommodations, and Absences:

All students who wish to come to one of our campuses for in-person instruction or services must be vaccinated or have requested a medical or religious exemption. Vaccination is not required for students who take all their classes online and utilizing only online services. For details regarding vaccination requirements and exemptions, visit https://www.wwcc.edu/coronavirus/ for updates.

  • Everyone inside a campus building, facility, or vehicle is required to wear a face covering. Face coverings are not required outdoors and/or when an individual is working alone.
  • If you have a disability or medical condition that presents an academic obstacle or prevents you from wearing a face covering, please contact Disability Support Services. If you or a member of your family becomes ill, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss how academic requirements might be modified to prevent virus related obstacles from hindering academic success.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) is committed to providing equal opportunity and nondiscrimination for all educational and employment applicants as well as for its students and employed staff, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, including gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, age (over 40), the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, the use of trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability, or status as a Vietnam and/or disabled veteran, National Guard member or reservist in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Federal Rehabilitation of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and any other applicable Federal and Washington State laws against discrimination. Sherry Hartford, Vice President of Human Resources (509) 527-4300 has Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Title IX, and Section 504 compliance responsibility. The College’s TDD number is (509) 527-4412.

Reasonable Accommodations for Religion/Conscience:

Students who will be absent from course activities due to reasons of faith or conscience may seek reasonable accommodations so that grades are not affected. Such requests must be made to the instructor within the first two weeks of the quarter. For additional information regarding student rights and responsibilities, please see the college’s website Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic Freedom: 

This course, through the Instructor, fully embraces the Mission of Walla Walla Community College as iterated in the first statement of this syllabus. In the spirit of “inspiring students to discover their potential achieve their goals” the instructor and students enrolled in this course shall strive to protect an open exchange of ideas and opinions.  However, since this is a science course, this exchange MUST be based upon fact. Students are free to take exception to views offered in this course and grades will not be affected by personal views.  However, responsibility accompanies this freedom. Civility and a respect, without prejudice, for others opinions are a requirement in discussion forums. This means that students must take turns “speaking” and “listening” to others (through the discussion forums) and must refrain from inappropriate comments (including personal attacks).

Additional Assistance:

Any students with food insecurities or who need other support not specifically addressed in the syllabus should contact me or their advisor in order to be guided to the appropriate resources or services.  

Important Dates

  • September 20, Quarter Begins
  • September 24, Last Day to Drop with 100% Refund
  • October 8, Last Day to Drop with 40% Refund
  • October 25, Winter Quarter Advising and Registration Begins
  • November 5, Friday @ 11:59 pm Canvas Mid-Term Exam Essay/Short Answer Due
  • November 11, Veteran's Day, Campus Closed
  • November 12, Last Day to Drop with a ‘W’
  • November 22-26, Thanksgiving Break
  • December 10, Friday @ 11:59 pm Canvas Essay/Short Answer Final Exam Due
  • December 16, Student Grades Available Online