CHEM2530 On-Line Course - Welcome Page

Chem 2530 On Line Course Home Page

Welcome to my Chem2530 On Line class. Let me give you some general information about how I teach this course that will help you have success. You will be getting a copy of the video lectures for the course, as well as lecture notes which are an exact replica of what appears on the overhead transparencies. You will view the video lectures while following along in your notes. When you reach the end of a unit, you will be ready to work the on line homework set for that material. Run off a hard copy of the homework set and work it, then log back into that Web page and enter the numbers and SUBMIT your answers. These will be computer graded within 24 hours and the results will appear on a feedback page. You will then have the opportunity to rework any problems you missed and RESUBMIT for a final score on that assignment. If you have questions or need hints on solving homework problems, first look for worked examples in your textbook, but when that fails, email me for help.

I rely heavily on email to post important information to you, and so you should immediately become adept at checking and sending email messages. Feel free to send me email messages with any questions you have. That is the best way to reach me. You may also stop by and see me in the Chemistry main office at any time, Room 219, if you are on campus. Let me know in advance by email so that I will be there for you.

Having the class in this Web/Video format is not exactly cutting-edge technology. Eventually I will replace the video component of the course with something more advanced. I have not tried Distance Learning before, so I NEED FEEDBACK from you if you are running into problems with this type of learning environment.

Here is a checklist of things to do to succeed in the class:

Read the assigned readings from the textbook. You MUST read the book. I will follow it very closely, which you will find highly advantageous.

Have a plan. Since this course is self-paced, you will need to exert your own self-discipline in proceeding through the course. For example, it would be a good idea to watch one video lecture each day, then read the textbook covering that same material. Use the posted course schedule as your daily guide.

When you finish a section of material, then work the assigned homework problems. on the Web covering that material.

The schedule will show you when you should take each of the four exams. Each exam last an hour. When you are ready for one of these, email me to set up a time to come on campus and take the exam. If that is impossible, we will work around that by some arrangement.

Email me (Snorthrup@tntech.edu) with questions that arise during your study that you can't resolve for yourself.

If you are on campus, come see me at my office (Foster 219) if you continue to have problems under standing the material.

Feel free to email the other students in the class. You are free to work with them but must take your exams independently.

Don't practice AVOIDANCE. The biggest problem most students have in school is not related to whether they are intellectually capable. It is often emotional. They lack confidence, and many times spend more time thinking about whether they are capable instead of actually working on the course material. If you run into problems, don't run FROM problems. Don't avoid your teacher, avoid the assignments, etc. Talk to me and get help.

Remember: the main objective of this course is for you to LEARN CHEMISTRY, not to prove to me how capable you are. I will do everything reasonably within my power to help you. Don't be afraid to ask "dumb" questions. This class is Physical Chemistry for Dummies. I know that some of you have been away from this type of material for a long time, and I understand this will create difficulties.

To send electronic mail to Dr. Northrup ====> snorthrup@tntech.edu, or call 931-372-3421, or come to the main Chemistry office in Foster Hall 219 and ask to see Dr. Northrup. You, the student, are the reason we are here.