Chemistry in Context

 

Spring 2005

Class: Tuesday and Thursday 2:30 – 4:20 Nobel 201 and Nobel 306

 

 http://homepages.gac.edu/~jmsmith/CiC.html

Paper guidelines

 

 

Overview:

This course will address the chemistry behind a range of environmental and other societal-technical issues.  Among the topics will be drinking water, the ozone layer, fuel cells, acid rain, global warming, and green chemistry.  The chemical principles in the course will be developed on a need to know basis.  In addition to the text readings will be taken from a range of sources and policy and ethical contexts will be explored through discussions in the classroom and exploration in the laboratory. 

Text:

Chemistry in Context: Applying Science to Society, 4^th edition, Conrad Stanitski, Lucy Pryde Eubanks, Catherine Middlecamp, and Norbert J. Pienta, American Chemical Society, 2003.  Website: http://www.mhhe.com/acs4

 

Topics:

Papers:

There will be two position papers in which you will defend a particular point of view on an environmental issue and present scientific evidence that supports your point of view.  Each person will research and write one “green” paper and one “smokestack” paper.  Each of these papers will be six pages and will be presented to the class using PowerPoint.

 

Participation:

Class discussion and laboratory work will play an integral role in the course and thus the quality of the discussion is dependent on preparation for each class period.  Your attendance in class and laboratory is critical and as such you will be penalized 5% of your participation grade for one absence, an additional 10% for your second absence, and then 15% extra for your third absence with each subsequent absence adding 5% more (20%, …).

Problem Sets:

Working problems is essential to gaining chemical understanding.  This understanding is critical to evaluating environmental issues and presenting clear and sound arguments in class discussion, in your papers, and in your laboratory work.  Problem sets will be assigned each Tuesday and collected the following Tuesday.  Late assignments will not be accepted.

 

Laboratory:

The laboratory is a central part of the course and your participation is mandatory. The scientific method will be applied to record and analyze data with an environmental relevance.  Short reports and data sheets will be completed as a part of the laboratory.  You must pass the laboratory portion to receive a passing grade in this class.

 

Exams:

Two exams will be given during the semester in addition to a final exam (Tuesday, May 25, 3:30 PM)

 

Grading:

Several components figure into the final grade including participation and the writing of two formal papers on your project.  Exams will be given during class and may include a take-home portion.