Department of Chemistry

 

Chemistry A1400                    Chemical Information Sources                    Spring 2008

 

Dr. Philip Barnett

Office: Room MR-29, Science/Engineering Library.

Office hours: I am usually in the library from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.  You can call me at 212-650-8243 to confirm an appointment.  My FAX number is 212-650-7626.  You can also reach me by e-mail at: phibarn@sci.ccny.cuny.edu.

 

SCOPE OF THE COURSE

To introduce you to the various types of chemical information sources, both printed and in electronic form, and how you can use these information sources for your research needs.

 

 

FORMAT OF THE COURSE

Much of this course consists of demonstrations of library materials, and demonstrations of electronic information tools.  This means that your attendance is vital and will be counted in your grade.  You should think of this course as being like a laboratory course where you must be present to learn the material.  In some courses you can learn much of the material from lecture notes or textbooks: Not so here.

 

If you miss a class meeting, please try to make an appointment to see me, as soon as possible, so that we can review the material you missed.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

After completing this course, you will:

1- Know the different types of chemistry publications and information resources.

2- Understand the organization, indexing method and arrangement of the different sections of

     Chemical Abstracts, and be able to locate abstracts on specific substances and subjects.

3- Understand the reasons for citation indexing and be able to do cited reference searching in

    Science Citation Index.

4- Appreciate and know when to use the traditional printed reference works.

5- Be able to locate information and data on inorganic compounds in the Gmelin Handbook.

6- Be able to locate specific organic compounds in the printed Beilstein Handbook, and

    understand the differences and similarities of the handbook and the Beilstein Online Database.

7- Know the basics principles of online searching, and how to develop proper and efficient

    search strategies.

8- Be aware of the leading table of contents databases.

9- Apply searching principles and what you learned about the organization of printed Chemical

    Abstracts to develop effective search strategies in the Chemical Abstracts Online Database

     and its associated Registry File. Be able to locate any substance to obtain specific information

    about it, and to perform subject searches.

10- Understand the basics of patents.

11- Appreciate current awareness services.

12- Be aware of the key world wide web resources in chemistry and how they compare to the

      fee- based and subscription sources.

13- Become familiar with world wide web search engines, especially the ones that focus on

      science.

14- Be able to distinguish the strengths and weaknesses of SciFinder compared to Chemical

      Abstracts Online.

 

REQUIREMENTS

To get full credit for your assignments you must hand them in on time.  This time requirement is for your benefit.  Towards the end of the course we will be learning the powerful electronic tools known as online databases.  If you have not done the assignments on using the printed information tools you will have trouble understanding these electronic forms.  Also, as preparation to using online databases you will have some introductory assignments to acquaint you with the techniques used in online searching.  Here also you will find online databases much easier to use if you have first completed these introductory assignments.  You must have these assignments completed before we do online databases.

 

            Your grade will be based on three things:

 

1-    Attendance - An attendance sheet will be circulated at each class.  Be sure you sign it.  Lateness will be noted and counted.  Again, If you miss a class meeting, please try to make an appointment to see me, so that we can review the material you missed.

2-    Eight short written assignments.

                        3- A final exam -  It will be given in the Science/Engineering Library during the final exam period (May 19 - May 23).  The exact date and time will be posted later.  This exam is an open book exam.  This means that you can bring any materials you like to the exam and you can use anything in the library. The only restriction is that you cannot talk with or consult with any of your classmates, and you cannot use any of their materials.

 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 

Class #1     Jan. 29       Introduction to Chemical Literature.  Finding Books.

Class #2     Feb. 5        Chemical Abstracts

Class #3     Feb. 19       Chemical Abstracts

Class #4     Feb. 26       Chemical Abstracts.  Science Citation Index

Class #5     Mar. 4        Science Citation Index.  Some Important Reference Books

Class #6     Mar. 11       Gmelin Handbook.  Beilstein Handbook

Class #7     Mar. 18       Beilstein Handbook

Class #8     Mar. 25       Introduction to Online Searching

Class #9     Apr. 1        Chemical Abstracts Online

Class #10   Apr. 8         Chemical Abstracts Online

Class #11   Apr. 15        Chemical Abstracts Online

Class #12   Apr. 29        Chemical Abstracts Online

Class #13   May 6          Chemical Abstracts Online.  Beilstein Online

Class #14    May 13        Keeping up to date, Patents, World Wide Web, SciFinder Scholar (Last Class)

 

            Final Exam – during the posted final exam period (May 19 - May 23)

 

Academic integrity      The CCNY policy on academic integrity will be followed. Document is posted on the CCNY website (CUNY policy on academic integrity—link is at the bottom of the home page). Make sure you have read the details regarding plagiarism and cheating, in case you are not clear about the rules of the college. Cases where academic integrity is compromised will be prosecuted according to these rules.