CHEM 100: Chemistry and Society

Course Description

An introductory course for nonscientists that examines the way chemistry impacts our world. The course will focus not only on what modern chemistry has accomplished, but more generally on the way scientists think and how they function. Topics include (a) air and water pollution, the ozone layer, global warming, acid rain, and other environmental chemistry; (b) the chemistry of plastics and polymers; (c) the chemistry of drugs and medicines; and (d) biochemistry and biotechnology. Other topics include the influence of the media on scientific issues and the decision-making process in science. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. (YR).