Frequently Asked Questions about Online CHE 112

1. Q: Where can I see the syllabus for the current semester?

A: On the professor's webpage, http://ola4.aacc.edu/masherer , see Syllabus for CHE 112-875.

2. Q: How is lab handled?

A: A student must sign-up for an on-campus lab section, in addition to signing-up for the online lecture section.

3. Q: Other than lab, are there any required on-campus sessions?

A: Yes, there are four (4) exams which must be taken in one of the AACC Testing Centers (at the Arnold, Glen Burnie, or Arundel Mills campus).

You are also welcome to come to the professor's office hours.

4. Q: Are there online discussions?

A: Yes, each student is expected to post his/her response to topics posed by the professor, and respond to some postings made by other students. This is an essential part of the course, as it engages scholarly discussion -- a hallmark of the collegial experience. There is a schedule of due dates for postings, but they do not require an undue amount of time. (Please see the syllabus for some more information.)

5. Q: How is the class organized?

A: The course is divided into 11 modules. Each module has

• a Learning Plan & recommended textbook problems.
• Some additional notes or learning strategies.
• Additional Practice Problems.
• Answers to these Additional Practice Problems.
• Practice Quiz - for self-assessment only. (May be taken multiple times.)

6. Q: What kind of study and time management skills are necessary?

A: Successful students ...

• have excellent time management skills. They are not procrastinators. Even though there is an element of self-pacing in this class, there are many due dates. Additionally, the study of chemistry is cumulative. One is always developing the foundation which permits one to learn new things. For instance, one will not be able to understand the Acid - Base Modules unless one first understands the Equilibrium Module. This means that if one ever gets behind, it is very difficult to get caught up.
• are very self-motivated. In a classroom situation, there is an element of "peer-pressure". It is motivating when one sees other students working hard and achieving. Also, in a classroom, it is easy to ask a question. In an online class, one must take the initiative and  allow for the time to email / telephone the professor, or to come to office hours.
• are willing to study at least 10 - 12 hour per week (20 - 24 hours for the summer course). This is not including the time spent preparing for lab & writing lab reports, which will require additional time. Some students will need to study more than this. (This is based on the general guideline that 2 - 3 study hours are needed for each credit hour, and adding-in the classroom time.)
• invariably have earned at least a grade of "C" for the first semester of general chemistry. (This is true for both the lecture or the online CHE 112.)