The fundamentals of chemistry are explored with a view to enhancing understanding of the chemical nature of the world around us and providing a foundation for further study in chemistry. Special attention is paid to familiarisation with the language of chemistry and the chemist’s perspective of the properties of matter and its transformations.
The impact of chemistry on the modern world will be explored by focusing on the stories of specific molecules, including penicillin, DDT and nylon. Their discovery, the underlying chemical principles that explain their behaviour, their impact on our lives including social and scientific issues that arise from their use, and their likely impact on the future will be investigated.
Pre-requisites: An introductory chemistry course and an introductory mathematics course such as algebra are recommended.
Throughout history, science and chemistry have shaped the evolution of the world. This course is designed according to the learning needs and interests of both science and non-science majors and traces the emergence of chemistry as a discipline, its evolution from past to present, and how it continues to influence and be influenced by politics, morality, and society. Course topics will examine the impact of chemistry on human history and include a deeper look at specific molecules of enormous importance such as cellulose giving rise to the XVIII century Industrial Revolution and other relevant case studies. Students will gain a working knowledge of the history and techniques used in the analysis and transformation of matter.
Introduction to chemical principles: numbers, measurements, chemical calculations, gas laws, solutions, acids, bases, and salts, molecular structure, and nomenclature. Collaborative learning and problem solving; introduction to chemistry laboratory practice.
Pre-requisites: High School Chemistry or equivalent background and High School Mathematics.
Introduction to physical and general chemistry principles; atomic structure based on quantum mechanics; atomic properties; trends in periodic table; chemical bonding (Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, hybridization, and molecular orbital theory); coordination compounds; properties of inorganic and organic acids, bases, buffers.
