Lecture Notes: Introduction to Chemistry

General Information

• Instructor: Dr. Kathy Drenan
• Handouts: Available every class, grab one upon entering. For latecomers, handouts will be left at the entrance.
• Today's Focus: Announcements & Overview of Course Materials
  • Summary of today's lecture and important features of handouts.

Handouts Overview

• Each handout will include:
  • Reading assignments relevant to that day's class
  • Suggested reading for the next class to facilitate pre-lecture preparation

Quiz Time

• Introduction through a quiz to engage students.
• Dr. Drenan shares personal stories and connections:
  • College yearbook photo shared
  • Connection with Lisa Kudrow (same college year)

Personal Journey in Chemistry

• Dr. Drenan's background:
  • Initially disliked chemistry in high school; preferred music.
  • Required to take chemistry in college for biopsychology major.
  • Developed an appreciation for chemistry over time.

Importance of Chemistry

• Chemistry is relevant to various fields and real-world applications:
  • Medical imaging in surgeries (e.g., Quantum dots)
  • Environmental safety (e.g., sensors for explosives)
  • Biofuels and alternative energy solutions
  • Pharmaceuticals and the need for new antibiotics
• Aim: Help students connect chemistry principles to future careers.

Course Material Overview

• First Half Focus:
  • Atomic theory and historical discoveries (nucleus, protons, electrons)
  • Periodic table as a chemist's toolbox
  • Bonding and molecular structures
  • Chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and kinetics
  • Chemical equilibrium concepts
  • Solubility, acid-base, and redox reactions
  • Transition metals and their significance

Real-Life Applications of Chemistry

• Chemistry is essential for:
  • Human health and disease treatment
  • Solving energy problems while protecting the environment
• Personal motivation: Dr. Drenan's daughter and the desire for a better world.

Goals for Students

• Develop a working knowledge of chemistry for advanced courses.
• Understand chemistry principles applicable in labs and real-world scenarios.
• Make informed decisions about health, environment, and science policy.
• Advance science and engineering through the application of chemistry.

Introduction of Teaching Team

• A diverse group of teaching assistants (TAs) introduced:
  • Each TA provides a brief introduction and shares personal interests outside of chemistry.
• Importance of TAs in facilitating students' learning experience throughout the course.

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