Science and Society

What in the world isn’t chemistry? Learning chemistry promotes a better understanding of the natural world and the technological questions confronting us, as well as the choices we face in a scientific and technological society. Many problems involving chemistry require students to engage in risk-benefit analysis: consider opposing viewpoints, speculate on the consequences of a particular action or formulate and defend a personal position.

The purpose of this course is to help students appreciate the world they live in through an understanding of the science of chemistry and its connection to our personal and work environments. Presented is a study of chemistry for the non-science major intended to equip students to locate information and develop their analytical skills, higher order reasoning skills, critical judgment and ability to assess risks and benefits.