Objectives: This is a general course intended for students who have a limited background in chemistry. Chemistry 12 and a first year chemistry course may be beneficial. The course will cover aspects of chemistry in the world around us including our uses of chemicals in industry and everyday life. Timely topics will be covered with an emphasis on how the chemistry works, and advantages and disadvantages of its application. Students will work on projects related to two of the following topics.

Topics

• Energy: Petroleum, alternative oil resources, nuclear energy, radiation, nuclear waste
• Pollution: Atmospheric chemistry, acid rain, smog, ozone depletion and CFC’s
• Foods: Energy content, fats, anti-oxidants, carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, proteins, vitamins, food additives
• Agrochemicals: Herbicides, insecticides, GMO crops
• Polymers: Plastics, thermsets, elastomers, biodegradable options, recycling
• Household and Personal Care Products: Surfactants, cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoos, deodorant
• Pharmaceuticals: Analgesics, narcotics, depressants, stimulants, steroids, allergy medications, heart medication, anti-acids, antibiotics, cancer therapies.

Format  (Syllabus in pdf form)

The course will consist of lectures, a few in-class activities and project development. The lectures will provide a general overview of the uses of chemistry in society. Most classes will have some time devoted to developing the group projects. Participation in class activities is mandatory.

Groups of about 6-8 students will be established for each project and these groups will work collaboratively during the course. Each project will consist of written report and a brief class presentation on that report. At the end of each project, each student will provide the instructor with an evaluation of the peers in their group (format to be explained as we near the end of Project 1).

The tentative deadlines for the submission of the reports are: Feb 14 - Project 1 and Apr 6 - Project 2. Class presentations will take place in the week just before the final report is due and will be about 10 minutes in length.