CHEM 101: Chemistry That Matters

(1 Unit)
As citizens and consumers, we face the question of how we can live responsibly and safely in an environment in which we are literally surrounded by synthetic chemicals. For that reason, chemistry does matter to all of us. This course is concerned with materials which we encounter every day, including foods and food additives, cleaning supplies, fuels, building supplies, pesticides and radioactive materials (e.g., radon). The emphasis is upon what these materials are, how they work, how they can be used safely, and what their impact is on the environment. Chemical principles are introduced as needed. Hands-on microscale demonstrations are used frequently in the classroom. Non-laboratory. Lecture and discussion. Intended for non-science majors. Staff.