Chem 1210: Chemistry and Society
T, Th 12:30 PM - 01:45 PM Gilmer Hall 141
Diane Szaflarski, Department of Chemistry
Office hours 1:45pm-3pm T, Th in Chem 129
Course description:
In Chem 1210 we explore the connections between chemistry and everyday life. Topics relevant to today’s students
such as, the chemistry of air and water pollution, global climate change, energy and alternative energies, polymeric
materials, organic vs. non-organic agriculture, biotechnology, and the action of drugs will be examined. After learning
the pertinent structures, reactions and energetics, we investigate social and economic impacts of chemical issues
surrounding these issues. Additionally, we examine policies and legislation that affect the development,
commercialism and use of chemical based products. Course meets for three credit hours. No laboratory.
Course Approach:
This course is designed around experiential learning that is designed to deepen the understanding of the material.
After an introduction to the underlying scientific concepts by the instructor, assignments will be made which explore
more broadly major chemical issues. In class, students will discuss, evaluate and analyze local and global chemical
issues in pairs or groups in order to identify individual, social, political and economic impact of these issues. Students
will share their findings and opinions in writing and verbally with the class.
Who should take this course?
This course is intended for the student who enjoys science and is interested in broadening their scientific literacy in
order to better understand how chemistry impacts their world. Students of all disciplines are invited to join. For the
non-science majors, this course will provide a sound exploration of the significant scientific issues we face as a global
society. For science majors, this class will provide real life examples and show the relevance of concepts of such as
energy, thermodynamics and solutions.
Where will you find course materials?
Text: Chemistry in Context. Applying Chemistry to Society, 7th edition, McGraw Hill, 2012. This text is available as an
etext. It can be accessed free of charge by clicking on the "Courseload" tab on the left side of your Collab page for
this class. A paper copy can also be ordered. Directions can be found under "Courseload". You will find more
information about the etext here. Contact me if you prefer a reference copy to be available at Clemons Library.
Supplemental reading materials will be available as a link in the Collab Isyllabus and posted under "Resources" tab
on Collab.
Overall goals of the course:
1. Construct knowledge about and assess how chemical issues affect you and your world.
2. Be able to research topics and deduce main scientific ideas. Take responsibility for finding experts in the field and
interviewing for information.
3. Evaluate and form opinions on the social impacts of chemical issues. Identify what is your role, the role of the
community and the government in deciding the contributions and risks of major chemical issues.
4. Investigate the role of government regulation, the pros and cons, in regulating the chemical industry.
5. Appreciate the economic impacts of chemical issues by identifying commercialism and industry surrounding these
issues.
5. Refine communication skills, both oral and written, in expressing facts and your opinions about current, and at
times controversial, scientific issues.
Student learning objectives by chapter: In addition to exploring the scientific concepts underlying each topic, we
will also examine the social impact, the economics (commercialization, industry, and product development) and the
current and pending legislation related to each issue.
Chapter 0: Explore the relevance of sustainability in our future as global citizens.
Chapter 1: Learn the major air pollutants and their sources. Explore current legislation and examine economic
impacts of addressing air pollution, as well as the risks of not addressing it. Review the periodic table and chemical
reactions.
Chapter 2: Uncover the cause and significance of the thinning ozone layer. Examine chemical composition of
sunscreens and their mechanism.
Chapter 3: Evaluate data that supports global climate change. Discuss differing political opinions. Analyze why there
could be different interpretations of the data
Chapters 4, 7, 8: Explore combustion based energy derived from fossil fuels, such as oil, gas and coal, as well as
alternative energies such as nuclear and solar. Evaluate the pros and cons of each source.
Chapter 9: Understand the mechanisms of pharmaceuticals in the body. Explore over the counter, prescription and
illicit drugs.
Chapter 12: Explore fundamental concepts of biotechnology and its applications to humanity.
Attendance policy:
Attendance is expected at every class. This course is based on classroom activities and discussion. You are
responsible for all announcements made during class time, as well as all email and Collab postings associated with
the class. If you must miss a class find a fellow student with whom you can review notes. Due dates for assignments,
quizzes and exams are on the syllabus. Check it often.
Assessment:
Several types of activities will be assigned such as quizzes on assigned readings/videos, discussion board entries,
current events reports and short analysis of readings (you may miss 2 activities). Oral presentations will be made on
a scientific topic. (35% of grade)
Reflective Portfolio (journal of journey though course). Before starting a topic you will be asked to reflect on your
current familiarity of the subject matter. Does this subject have a positive or negative connotation? At the completion
of the unit reflection will address questions such as: How does this subject affect me, or people close to me? How
does it impact the global community? Specific questions for each chapter will be announced. (5% of grade)
Two hourly exams which are based on the quizzes, readings, class discussions and lectures. (40% of grade).
Project: Exploration of a chemical issue of interest to you. All will include an interview with an expert in your chosen
field. Details will be discussed later in the semester. A portion of the points are earned at the "check in" stages as you
progress to your final product. Project will be in place of the final exam. (20% of grade)
Grading policies and procedures:
Many of our assignments will be posted online, so in the case of an absence, you may still meet the deadlines. You
may drop 2 activities. If you miss a class or hand in late, that will be an activity that you drop.
Students with disabilities:
Students who wish to discuss accommodations please contact instructor early in the semester.
Honor Policy: It is the responsibility of all students to abide by the honor code of the University of Virginia. If there is
evidence the honor code has been violated a student will receive a zero on that assignment and the episode will be
referred to the Honor Committee.
Helpful hints (see link):
Schedule: Please check schedule OFTEN. It is updated regularly with recaps and assignments.
In Class Presentation
Wk
D
Activity
Intro Chemistry: What is it good for?
Assignments and
Readings
Additional resources
Reflection
T
1
8/28
Group - impressions of images:
Describe what the picture is. Think
about the social, economic and
political impact of each.
Chapter 0: Sustainability
Review syllabus
Sustainability; Growth of the middle
class; consumption of major and
minor materials
Th
8/30 Discuss Sustainability in groups 1)
example of "green" company 2)
sustainability at UVa 3) difference
between cradle to grave and cradle to
cradle.
DUE Tue 9/4
1) Post your 3 topics (from
table of context of etext) in
your folder in Drop Box
(second folder from bottom)
2) Read: Text - Ch 1.1-1.4
use directed reading to help
focus reading. Quiz on
Tuesday will be directly from
the "directed reading"
questions.
DUE Tue 9/4
3) Write a
beginning
reflection for
Ch 1. Click
here for
directions.
Finish sustainability
Short quiz on Ch 1.1-1.4
T
2
Ch 1: Lecture start Ch 1
Short quiz on Ch 1.1-1.4
9/4
Evaluate tables, calculate ppm,
review scientific notation
Read for Th9/6: Text- Ch
1.10-1.13 directed reading
questions
Read for Th9/6: Washing
PostArticle.
Due for Th9/6: Bring
answers to questions at top
of Wash Post Art.
Ch 1: Atoms, molecules, reactions,
periodic table, chemistry of air
pollutants, Indoor and outdoor
pollutants, primary and secondary
pollutants
2
Th
9/6
Discuss Wash Post Art: Obama and
EPA- answer questions, what
questions were unanswered in article.
Based on the science we have
covered, generate your own question
that you are curious about or has
relevance to you.
Before 9/11: Email your
topic question related to Ch1
and/or Ch 0 that we have
been discussing. Also,
please remind me who was
in your group today 9/6.
Due 9/11: Find info about
the air pollution in your
home state. Assignment
details.
Due 9/11: Research your
topic question and write a
approx 300 word essay
addressing your question.
Should include 2-4
references. Bring paper
copy to class on Tuesday.
Reminder about plagiarism
and UVa writing center. See
other writing resources.
Discuss/difficulties process for
reseach paper.
Review helpful hints
EPA air quality site
T
3
Finish concepts in Ch 1: pollutants
PM, ozone, nitric oxides, indoor
9/11
pollution, review ppm, exposure,
lethal dose
http://www.epa.gov/airtrends
/index.html
Finish with group problem solving:
ppm, and sample questions for quiz.
Due 9/16 Chapter 1: Take
home quiz for content. (~15
mult choice and 3 short
answer). Open book, but
work individually. Write
pledge on top of exam. (to
be posted)
Due 9/13 Read Ch 2.1, 2.4,
2.5, 2.6 Directed reading
questions.
Due 9/13: Explore Figures
Alive
Due 9/13:Watch 5 min video
Th
3
9/13
Finish Ch 1: VP, PM, cigarette
smoke, ppm
Introduce Ch2: Ozone; Do study
guide individually then with group.
Mult choice reviewed.
Please email or see me if
you had difficulty with any
aspects of today’s in class
9/13 study guide.
Due Sunday at midnight.
9/16 Chapter 1: Take home
quiz . (~15 mult choice and
3 short answer). Open book,
but work individually. Write
pledge on top of exam (to
be posted)
Due 9/18: Directed reading
2.7-end. Will be a quiz on T
9-18 covering all of directed
reading concepts and study
guide from 9/13.
Due 9/18: HW - Why is the
ozone issue so
complicated?
Due 9/16
Chapter 1:
end
reflection
Due 9/13
Reflection for
Chapter 2
T
4
10 min Quiz on directed reading.
Discuss why is the ozone issue so
9/18 complicated? Hand in sheet with com
Th
4
9/20
T
5
9/25
Th
5
9/27