Textbook: We will use the 2nd edition of "Chemistry in Context: Applying Chemistry to Society", a book written as a special project of the American Chemical Society and specifically intended for students majoring in fields other than the sciences.
Class Schedule: We will cover the first six chapters in some detail, and select material from the remaining chapters based on time available and class interests. On the back is a brief schedule for the various course activities.
Journals: You will be expected to keep a journal (a bound notebook) in which you record just about anything that relates to this class, in particular class notes, homework assignments, laboratory write-ups, and project planning. Occasionally there will be specific assignments for the journals (or "Journal Starter" suggestions for writing), but most often you will simply be expected to write in what is appropriate. Journals will be collected and evaluated. Writing clearly and accurately is an important objective of this course.
Computers: We will use the computers in the classroom for word processing, e-mail, internet access, some lab experiments, and data analysis.
Lab Experiments: Specific handouts will be provided for lab experiments. Some experiments can be performed with the Macintosh computers in the classroom, and others will take place in a designated lab in one of the science buildings.
Projects: We will divide into small groups, and each group will take on one open-ended project related to some subject of interest that is relevant to this class.
Grading: The course grade will be determined by total points accumulated on exams (20%), homework (10%), journals (10%), labs (10%), projects (30%), class participation and attendance (20%).
Topics based on the textbook: Chemistry in Context, 2nd ed.
Labs based primarily on Vernier Chemistry with Computers
Chapter 1 -Air
Topics: classifying and symbolizing matter: elements, compounds, mixtures
chemical change: formulas, balanced reactions
scientific notation, significant figures
Lab: Boyle's Law (Gas Pressure and Volume)
Chapter 2 - The Ozone Layer
Topics: molecular structure and bonding, the periodic table
the nature of light: absorption, photochemistry
Chapter 3 - Global Warming
Topics: the carbon cycle, the mole concept
molecular structure and vibrational spectroscopy
modeling complex systems
Lab: Model Building
Chapter 4 - Energy
Topics: conservation, interconversions of various forms of energy
kinetics & thermodynamics, activation energy, entropy
Lab: Energy Content of Foods/Fuels
Chapter 5 - Water
Topics: molecular structure and physical properties
solubility, ionic compounds, hydrogen bonding
distillation, phase changes
Chapter 6 - Acid Rain
Topics: pH: acidity, basicity
concentration: units and measurements
Lab: Acid/Base Titrations
Special Topics - (one or two may be selected for coverage based on time and interest)
Chapter 7 - Water Pollution
Topics: a case study: salts, heavy metals in Onondaga Lake
Chapter 8 - Nuclear Fission
Topics: nuclear structure, isotopes, radioactivity
Chapter 9 - Alternate Energy
Topics: energy interconversions, fuel cells, batteries, photosynthesis
solid-state structure and reactivity, semiconductors
Chapter 10 - Polymers
Topics: chemistry of materials, structure/function correlations
Chapter 11 - Drugs
Topics: organic chemistry, functional groups, synthesis
Chapter 12 - Nutrition
Topics: biochemistry: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, micronutrients
Chapter 13 - Genetic Engineering
Topics: DNA, proteins, molecular biology
Group Projects:
topics based on class interests
projects in previous years included:
Forensic Chemistry
Food Additives
Paper and Plastics Recycling
Biological Effects of Ozone
Economics of Solar Energy
Nuclear Radiation Effects in the Pacific Northwest
Acid Rain in Northeast Forests