Introduction to
Chemistry
for Allied Health Sciences
Branches of Science and
Learning Chemistry
Kirk Hunter
Chemical Technology Department
Texas State Technical College Waco
Branches of Science and
Learning Chemistry
Science
Organized or
systematized knowledge
gathered by the
scientific method.
BRANCHES OF SCIENCE
• NATURAL SCIENCES
– MATHEMATICS
– PHYSICS
– CHEMISTRY
• BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
• SOCIAL SCIENCES
• BEHAVIOR SCIENCES
Chemistry
the science concerned
with the composition of
substances and the
changes they undergo.
Sub-fields of Chemistry
• Inorganic
• Organic
• Analytical
• Physical
• Biochemistry
Chemistry in Action
• Laboratory
• Biomedical Applications
• Agriculture
• Petrochemical Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Etc., etc., etc., etc.
Learning Chemistry
• Course topics are relevant
• Put aside preconceived
attitudes
• Study a little bit EVERY day
– Review notes
– Work examples and problems
Perceptions
Perceptions
Are the two lines straight or bent?
Perceptions
Are the sides of the box straight or bent?
Perceptions
How many tynes does this fork have?
Perceptions
How many legs does this elephant have?
Perceptions
Is the circle perfectly round?
Are the wheels turning?
Learning Chemistry
• Put aside perceptions.
• Spend a little time each day reviewing
notes and working problems.
• Pay close attention to learning
objectives. Don’t get sidetracked.
• Work example problems in the text,
using the same techniques.
• There is no such thing as a short-cut!