Lecture Notes: Introduction to Chemistry Course

Instructor

• Name: Kathy Drennan
• Role: Chemistry professor

Course Materials and Handouts

• Handouts distributed every class
  • Available at the entrance for latecomers
  • Include lecture summaries and reading assignments
  • Bring a pen or pencil to write on them

Announcements

• Quiz: Start with a quiz on identifying people
• Example: Lisa Kudrow (Friends actress) and Kathy Drennan were college classmates
• Importance of finding your own connection to chemistry

Instructor’s Background

• Kathy Drennan: Did not like chemistry in high school, majored in chemistry in college
• Lisa Kudrow: Majored in biology, became an actress
• Lesson: Interests and career paths can change

Importance of Chemistry

• Chemistry is a living, dynamic field
• Modern applications include:
  • Quantum dots for surgery
  • Sensors for explosives
  • Biofuels development
  • New pharmaceuticals
• Chemistry research is relevant to solving real-world problems

Course Content Overview

Topics Covered

1. Atomic Theory: Discovery of nucleus, electrons, protons
2. Periodic Table: Elements and their combinations
3. Bonding: Formation of molecules
4. Molecular Structures: Dictate properties of matter
5. Chemical Reactions: Thermodynamics and kinetics
6. Chemical Equilibrium: Relationship between Q and K
7. Solubility, Acid-Base, and Redox Reactions: Fundamental reaction types
8. Transition Metals: Elements that drive challenging chemical reactions

Goals

• Develop a working knowledge of chemistry
• Prepare for advanced courses and research
• Appreciate chemistry's role in solving real-world problems
• Make informed decisions about health, environment, energy, and science policy

Teaching Team Introductions

• Course Coordinator: Elena Goran
• TAs: Various roles (handout distribution, clicker management, recitation leaders)

Instructor’s Personal Motivation

• Kathy Drennan’s Daughter: Motivation to teach chemistry to make the world a better place
• Objective: Superior knowledge to solve major challenges such as human disease, energy problems, and environmental protection

Final Remarks

• Chemistry’s Relevance: Essential for life, materials, and modern challenges
• Encouragement: Students can become superheroes by applying chemical principles in various fields

Teaching Team Members

• Elena Goran: Course Coordinator
• Sam: Clicker TA
• Ashley: Recitation Leader (Recitation 8)
• Ivon: Recitation Leader (Recitation 4) and Microphone Manager
• Aaron: Handout TA and Recitation Leader (Recitation 2)
• Odin: New TA
• Dan: Recitation Leader (Recitation 7)
• Mike: MITx Coordinator
• Lisa: Recitation Leader (Recitation 6)
• Rose: Recitation Leader (Recitation 9)
• Eric Alt: Recitation Leader (Recitation 5)
• Frank: PTA
• Toe: Recitation Leader (Recitation 11)
• Anthony: Recitation Leader (Recitation 1)
• Eric: Recitation Leader (Recitation 10)
• Amanda: Recitation Leader
• Jay: Recitation Leader (Recitation 3) and Demo TA

TAs' Interests

• Various interests outside of chemistry including skiing, Latin dance, cycling, taekwondo, hiking, sports, cooking, horse riding, and others