Chemistry for non-science majors I-E2
| Numbering Code | U-LAS13 10031 LE60 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ First semester |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture |
| Target Year | All students | Target Student | For liberal arts students |
| Language | English | Day/Period | Mon.4 |
| Instructor name | PINCELLA，Francesca (Institute for Chemical Research Senior Lecturer) | ||
| Outline and Purpose of the Course |
As scientist Justus von Liebig used to say "everything is chemistry", therefore a basic understanding of chemistry is indispensable to interact with what surrounds us and to successfully navigate our daily lives. In this module, we will focus on a basic question: what is everything around us made up of? In addition to learning the fundamentals of the atomic and molecular structure, the students will be introduced to one of the most important tools of the modern scientist, the scientific method. Furthermore, each topic will be followed by a brief discussion on its relevance in our everyday lives. This course will embrace a "concept development study" where every chemical concept will be developed from the observation and analysis of experimental results followed by critical reasoning. The students are encouraged to actively participate in class and re-discover chemistry. |
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| Course Goals | This course has multiple goals: most importantly, the students will gain a basic knowledge of important chemical concepts. Secondly, the students will become acquainted with the scientific method and the basic vocabulary of chemistry, with the aim to improve their ability to interpret and discern the reliability of the scientific news and information we gather in our daily lives. Thirdly, the "concept development study" approach will foster the students' critical thinking and creativity. | ||
| Schedule and Contents |
This course consists of 14 lectures, and one feedback class. 1. What is chemistry? Why is it important? A basic introduction to the vocabulary of chemistry and the scientific method. (1 week) 2. Atomic weight and empirical formulas: Proust's law of definite proportions, law of combining volumes and Avogadro's hypothesis (3 weeks) 3. The atomic structure: early atomistic theories, Rutherford, Bohr and Schrödinger. (3 weeks) 4. Review of basic chemical concepts and mid-term exam (1 week) 5. The periodic table of elements: Mendeleev's observations and the periodic law. Properties of the elements. (2 weeks) 6. The molecular structure: isomers, chemical bonds, valence bond theory, molecular orbital theory, resonance structures and chirality. (4 weeks) 7. Feedback（1 week） At the end of each lesson, an "everyday chemistry" topic related to the main topic of the lesson will be introduced. Some of these topics are: natural versus synthetic compounds, sun and sunscreen, cosmetics, chemistry of baking, milk, butter and ice-cream, fireworks, and the periodic table of smartphone elements. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Evaluation will be based on attendance, active class participation and assignments (20%), mid-term exam (30%), and final take-home exam (50%). | ||
| Course Requirements | None | ||
| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) | The students are encouraged to continuously revise the vocabulary and concepts introduced in previous classes. The students should submit the assignments regularly to confirm their progress and understanding. | ||
| References, etc. |
Concept Development Studies in Chemistry, John S. Hutchinson, (OpenStax CNX), http://cnx.org/contents/2f58c37f-a92d-490c-8d8d-fa590f8934cf at 5.6 Chemistry, Raymond Chang; Jason Overby, (McGraw-Hill US Higher Ed ISE), ISBN:9781260289022 |
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