Overview of the First Lecture of Chemistry Course

General Announcements

• Instructor: Kathy Drenan
• Handouts: Provided daily. If late, pick up from entrance.

Course Materials and Structure

• Handouts will include:
  • Reading for the current and next class
  • Important lecture summaries
• Pre-lecture Questions: Prepare based on readings

Introduction to Teaching Team

• Teaching Assistant (TA) team will be hands-on with lectures and demos.
• Course coordinator: Elena Goran
• Clickers: Managed by Sam

Personal Introduction: Kathy Drenan

• Background in biology and drama
• Transitioned to chemistry despite disliking it in high school
  • Importance of finding chemistry relevant and interesting

Objectives of the Course

1. Working knowledge of chemistry for advanced courses
2. Enable Undergraduate Research Opportunities (UROP) in chemistry labs
3. Employ chemistry principles in various fields
4. Solve real-world problems
5. Make informed decisions about health, the environment, energy, and science policy
6. Advance science and engineering through chemistry

Chemistry's Role in Real-World Problems

• Applications: Quantum dots in surgery, sensors for explosives, biofuels, and new pharmaceuticals
• Important Concepts: Atomic theory, periodic table, bonding, molecules, thermodynamics, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, solubility, acid-base, and oxidation-reduction reactions
• Transition Metals: Crucial for advanced chemical reactions
• Relation to Other Disciplines: Integrate chemistry for a broader impact in various fields

Split of the Course Content

• First Half: Atomic theory, discovery of elements, periodic table, molecular structure, and bonding
• Second Half: Chemical reactions, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, solubility, acid-base, and transition metals

Importance of Chemistry

• Underpins biology, materials science, engineering, etc.
• Essential for tackling global challenges: disease, energy, and environment

Fun Segment

• Recap of notable people from Drenan's college days
  • Lisa Kudrow studied biology, now an actress
  • Drenan studied chemistry, now a professor

Inspirational Message

• Drenan's motivation: Making the world a better place for future generations, including her daughter
• Encourages students to find their passion and make significant contributions

Meet the Teaching Assistants

• Each TA introduced themselves, their roles, and personal interests outside chemistry

End of Class