Chemistry in Society
Science Course | |
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Course Code | CHMS |
Year Opened | 2000 |
Sites Offered | LAN, LOS |
Previously Offered | ATN, BRI, [[[EST]], FRK, [HAV]], HKU, SUN |
Course Description
From the CTY Summer Catalog: From artificial sweeteners in diet soft drinks to batteries in electric cars, chemistry is integral to our everyday lives. This course investigates chemistry as a means to solving real-world problems. You’ll learn about the periodic table, atomic structure, and chemical bonding. In the lab, you and your classmates will investigate solubility, test water samples to identify potential toxins, and participate in a simulation of a town hall meeting to debate how to preserve a community water source. Working in a lab, you’ll learn how chemistry is used to improve the world around us. You’ll examine alternative fuels, the biochemistry of food, and pharmaceuticals using real-life scenarios simulated in the classroom. You’ll conduct calorimetric experiments, prepare biodiesel while investigating alternative fuels, prepare aspirin while learning the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals, and leave the course prepared to take high school chemistry.
Students begin the course with an exploration of water pollution as they determine the cause of a fish kill in a local river. This introduces them to the periodic table, atomic structure, and chemical bonding. In the laboratory, students investigate solubility and test water samples to identify potential toxins. They end this unit by simulating a town hall meeting to debate how to preserve their water source.
Similarly, students examine alternative fuels, the biochemistry of food, and pharmaceuticals using real-life scenarios simulated in the classroom. For instance, students may conduct calorimetric experiments and prepare biodiesel in their investigation of alternative fuels or prepare aspirin during their exploration of the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals.
This course emphasizes learning concepts in a laboratory setting to demonstrate how chemistry affects our everyday lives. Students leave the course better prepared for high school chemistry and with a greater understanding of how chemistry is used to improve the world around them.
Note: Students should not take this course if they have already taken high school chemistry.
Lab Fee: $65