[CHE 124] Applied Chemistry and Society

Introduction

In this course, students will explore chemistry with an approach that shows the process of science and the ways in which chemistry impacts their lives every day. The topics that will be examined will demonstrate the ways in which chemists look at the world, learn from what they observe, and then extend what they know by making new materials or crafting solutions to problems. Students will explore chemistry in a problem-solving context, learning chemistry as they need it to understand parts of a contemporary societal problem. Some of the skills that students will need or develop in this course are analytical thinking skills, communication and language skills, the ability to examine a problem critically, and the ability to find and use data to support positions on issues.

Some of the major questions we will examine include

• What is the "ozone hole" and why is it a concern? What causes it, and what can be done about it?
• What do we know about global warming? Should we be worried about it? Is there anything we could (or should) be doing about it?
• What do we mean by acid rain?
• What are the pros and cons of nuclear energy?

A note about math: this course is a non-mathematical treatment of chemistry. This means that it does not focus on numeric problem-solving, but this does not mean that students will not be using numbers at all. Students must use numbers to understand statistics as reported in the press, to compare unit systems, and to convert science terms into everyday terms. Laboratory work requires precise measurement, and students must use numbers and units to describe and compare measurements. Students will be collecting, manipulating, and interpreting data, and much data in science is numeric.

The instructor will be available to offer guidance and support every step of the way. In addition to text readings, there are commentaries with examples and discussion boards. Communication with the instructor is done through paging, email, and options available through the course management system.

How to succeed in a science course: Learning chemistry is similar in some ways to learning to play the piano or to speak Russian. It requires a lot of practice to become familiar with the vocabulary, the pace of the work, and the new ways of thinking in this new environment. Students will have ample opportunity to practice in this course and will be expected to provide evidence of their work several times each week. This steady work toward meeting the goals of the course will improve their chances of succeeding in the course, but they must make the commitment to do the work to learn.

Description

UW Colleges Catalog Course Description for CHE 124: Applied Chemistry and Society - 4 credits. A course for non-science majors that covers basic chemistry concepts in a social context. May include explorations of how chemistry impacts the environment, public health, energy policies, and other contemporary social issues. Lectures and laboratories may also include discussions and demonstrations. Not a suitable prerequisite for higher-level chemistry courses or pre-professional programs. (A student may not earn more than four credits by taking CHE 123 and CHE 124.) This course fulfills the UWC requirement for Natural Sciences (NS) and Laboratory Sciences (LS).

Proficiencies

Institutional proficiencies assigned to this course

Successful completion of this course will enhance students' ability to

• analyze and evaluate arguments;
• select and apply scientific and other appropriate methodologies;
• demonstrate a large and varied vocabulary;
• communicate clearly, precisely, and in a well-organized manner.

Department-specific proficiencies assigned to this course

By completing this course, students will

• develop and demonstrate a sense of social responsibility, as well as the ability to evaluate situations and make decisions and choices with a clear and informed understanding of the moral and ethical issues and implications involved.

Requirements

Be sure that you agree to the safety requirements that follow BEFORE deciding to take the course. If you choose to take the course, you will be required to follow all safety requirements for lab each week exactly as they are indicated. Failure to do so may jeopardize your personal safety and the safety of those who share your workspace with you.

Be sure that you can devote about three continuous hours of time each week for your lab work. This needs to be time free of responsibility for supervising children, and you should be sure that children and pets are not underfoot. This time should be uninterrupted and should allow you to work on your own. However, it is always good practice to have another adult nearby to help you in case of an emergency spill or injury.

You will need to gather materials for lab work each week. To give you an idea of what this sort of list looks like, a table of materials needed for Lab 3 is given for your inspection. We simply cannot send some materials through the mail because of federal regulations, and some materials cannot be sent because they need to be fresh when you use them. Be assured, however, that all of the materials are easy to locate in your home, local grocery stores, hardware stores, variety stores, drugstores, and so forth.

Gather from other sources:

• alum (a pickling spice)
• epsom salt
• baking soda
• white vinegar
• household ammonia
• 12-inch balloon
• empty soft-drink or water bottle
• 2 small clear plastic or glass cups
• spoon or stir stick
• scraps of white paper (appox. 2 in. x 2 in.)
• tape (scotch, duct, or electrical tape works best)

For completing simple calculations, you are encouraged to use a simple calculator. If you are buying a calculator and intend to use it in further collegiate work, you should examine your future needs carefully. For this course, a calculator that includes basic functions (+, -, /, x, log, and exp) is fine, and should cost no more than $10. Check your computer as well. Most newer computers include fine calculators in the accessories folder.

Software

• Microsoft Word.

  The most current edition of MS Office (containing MS Word and other valuable programs) is available to University of Wisconsin students at discounted prices through the Wisconsin Integrated Software Catalog.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader and Flash Player.

  Both are freely available and likely already installed on your computer.

Hardware

• The use of a scanner is not required but may be helpful when submitting some assignments.
• You will probably want to have access to a printer, although this too is not required. (All of your assignments will be submitted electronically.)

About the Instructors

• Julie Bezzerides
  Associate Lecturer, Chemistry
  BS, Colorado State University
  MAT, State University of New York at Cortland
  
• Tom Marty
  Professor Emeritus, Chemistry
  BS, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  MAT, University of Wisconsin-Madison