Course Syllabus

Materials used in this course are:

• Webcam & microphone & the ability to scan written work into PDF format. (These are absolutely required for the course) Ensure you have these ahead of time as they will be required to complete assignments and activities throughout the course.
• Two Textbooks: (1). Spectra of Atoms and Molecules (P. F. Bernath, Oxford University Press, 4th edition, 2020, ISBN 978-0190095406). As I'll teach from my own lecture notes, previous editions of this book are fine.  In fact, it isn't necessary that you buy this book, but it is an excellent resource for your bookshelf.  It is also available through the library free of charge as an electronic book.  The full book can be downloaded or checked out to students for 100 days. Here's the direct link and basic access instructions: https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.lib.utah.edu/lib/utah/detail.action?docID=422517.  If this doesn't work, it may be necessary for you to follow these access instructions: 

1. Go to the library at http://lib.utah.edu

2. If off-campus, connect remotely at https://lib.utah.edu/help/off-campus.php 

3. In the big search box, search for the book

4. Click on the title to see the details

5. Select Online Access

6. Follow the link to ProQuest eBook Central or EBSCOhost eBooks

7. Read online or download to your device

8. Contact Librarian Allyson Mower for help downloading to your device/reader at allyson.mower@utah.edu 

(2).  Molecular Symmetry and Group Theory (Alan Vincent, Wiley, 2nd edition, 2001, ISBN 978-0471489399).  This is the very best introduction to group theory, a programmed learning style of book.  It is especially useful for students whose math background is a little weak.  Students rave about this book.

•  My lecture notes (available on Canvas as PDF files) are the most useful reference for this course.  Many students find them to be more helpful than any text book.  Please note that my lecture notes are my copyrighted property.  You have my permission to share them with friends and other UofU students, but not to submit them for posting on any online services.
• Video recorded versions of my lectures.

Communication

• All course materials, such as lecture slides, assignments, solutions, grades, etc. will be posted on the Course Canvas site https://utah.instructure.com/courses/673795. Class announcements will be done via email through the Canvas server. You will be responsible for any information contained in them as well as the information announced in class.
• It is your responsibility to also regularly check your Umail (make sure you set up forwarding if you do not check it regularly), as your Umail is the only way for me to communicate privately with you. There will be occasions during the semester that I may need to reach out to you individually (e.g. regarding a grade or assignment) and it is in your best interest to respond promptly.
• Feel free to contact me by email for questions at morse@chem.utah.edu, I will do my best to answer emails promptly; I will try to answer within 12 hours. I would like to encourage you to email me only if it is something personal that requires individual attention.  If instead you have questions about logistics of the class, course material and assignments, and anything else your classmates may wonder as well, please post a question on the Discussion Board for the module instead. This way the information is shared quickly to the entire class, and each of you can benefit from seeing other classmates’ questions.
• I will always do my best to ensure the communication relevant to the course is clear and transparent, it is your responsibility as well to keep yourself updated by regularly checking: the announcements on Canvas, your Umail, the posts on the Discussion Board.
• Students are expected to log in and check Canvas everyday for posted announcements and assignments. Students are also strongly advised to set up notifications for Canvas so they do not miss any important notifications.)Please review the communication methods and requirements for this course:

Preferred Contact Methods

The easiest way to contact me directly is to use the Inbox, located in the far left Canvas menu.  Alternatively, you may send an email to me directly at morse@chem.utah.edu. 

Office Hours

I will hold office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2-3 pm (longer if needed), and by appointment using Zoom. The Zoom Meeting ID for Michael's office hours is 916 1597 1321.  The passcode is 8f973r.

Your performance in this course will be evaluated entirely on the basis of homework.  The homework assignments will be extensive and will take considerable time.  I will use them to set up a complicated spectroscopic problem, and then will lead you through to the answer in a logical step-by-step process.  By successfully completing the homework assignments, you can be assured of an A in this course.

All assignments, unless otherwise announced, must be submitted to the designated area of Canvas. Do not submit assignments via email.  For the homework assignments, work out the solutions on paper and then scan the solutions into PDF format for submission.  Make sure the pages are numbered and in proper sequence.  Submission of photographs of your work (JPGs) is unacceptable.

Some extensions will be made for late assignments, as the assignments are lengthy and I'd prefer you do them late rather than not at all.  Please request permission to submit late assignments, however.  

Homework scores above 90% will give the student an A in the course.  Scores below that will obtain a grade to be determined.

Disclaimer

Accommodations will be considered on an individual basis and may require documentation.

Please contact Prof. Morse as soon as possible (preferably shortly before the semester begins) to request accommodations of any kind.

Extreme personal circumstances

Please contact Prof. Morse as soon as possible if an extreme personal circumstance
(hospitalization, death of a close relative, natural disaster, etc.) is interfering with your ability to complete your work.  He will make the appropriate accommodations to help you.

Religious Practice

To request an accommodation for religious practices, contact Prof. Morse at the beginning of the semester.

Active Duty Military

If you are student on active duty with the military and experience issues that prevent you from participating in the course because of deployment or service responsibilities, contact Prof. Morse as soon as possible to discuss appropriate accommodations.

Disability Access

All written information in this course can be made available in an alternative format with prior notification to the Center for Disability Services (CDS). CDS will work with you and Prof. Morse to make arrangements for accommodations. Prior notice is appreciated. To read the full accommodations policy for the University of Utah, please see Section Q of the Instruction & Evaluation regulations.

If you will need accommodations in this class, contact:

Center for Disability Services
801-581-5020
disability.utah.edu
162 Union Building
    200 S. Central Campus Dr.
     Salt Lake City, UT 84112

This syllabus is not a contract. It is meant to serve as an outline and guide for your course. Please note that your instructor may modify it to accommodate the needs of your class.

You will be notified of any changes to the Syllabus.

Though the online format allows students greater flexibility to complete their work, this course does have a structure and timeline! As such, the following is expected of all students in this class:

• Students must be self-motivated, organized, and willing to stay on top of their schedule. Students should take control of their learning while in this course.
• Students are expected to follow the Core Rules of Netiquette at all times while participating in the class and communicating with others.
• Students will log in to the course a minimum of 3 times per week.
• Students are not expected to interact with their classmates in person. Students may be expected to work with classmates via online communication options like Canvas Discussions, video conferencing, or another communication technologies of choice (Groupme, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, etc).
• Students will regularly check for course updates and will update their Canvas notification settings to ensure they receive timely notifications from the course.
• Students will contact their instructor or teaching assistant in a timely manner if they have any questions, are struggling with course materials, or need further assistance from their instructor.
  • If you do not hear back within 3 days after sending a message, please contact your instructor/TA again.
• Students will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, academic dishonesty, and other rights and responsibilities of students outlined in the University of Utah Student Handbook and Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
  • If you have any questions about this, please contact the Dean of Students.

Your course instructor is an expert in the topics you will learn about this semester. Your instructor is your mentor and facilitator of the classroom experience, aided by teaching assistants. Instructors are committed to:

• The instructor will design the course to include lectures, learning materials, and assignments that are accessible and provide students with opportunities to learn and practice course content.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will ensure that the course remains a safe space where students can engage with difficult content thoughtfully and respectfully.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will interact with the class regularly via announcements, virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), emails/the Canvas Inbox, feedback on assignments, and comments on Discussions, among other methods.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will respond to students in a timely manner: within 48 hours, not including weekends and holidays.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will be available for individual consultation via virtual office hours (one-on-one video conferencing), email, or phone and will not require students to meet in person.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will provide relevant feedback in a timely manner.
• The instructor and teaching assistants will follow all official University of Utah policies regarding interpersonal conduct, accommodations, and other important duties.