Chemistry 83

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Chemistry 83

• Chemistry, Technology and Society

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Goals of Chem 83

• Extend critical thinking and decision - making to
  science and technology issues
• Enhance scientific literacy - knowing enough
  about science to be able to make informed
  decisions about technologies

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Differences from Other Chemistry Courses

• Much broader view of science - content not
  exclusively chemistry
• Focuses on ideas and thinking skills rather than
  math on broad concepts rather than details
  (trying for "big picture")
• Emphasis on "using" science rather than "doing"
  science

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Course Assignments

• Assignments available through Blackboard at
  https//courses.duke.edu/
• Course syllabus, which contains live links to all
  assignments also available at http//www.chem.duke
  .edu/bonk/Chem83/Chem83.html
• Grades and course announcements must be viewed
  via Blackboard

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Course Assignments

• Textbook - none required - assigned readings from
  selected web sites
• Homework and class participation - (Blackboard)
  12 assignments, (count 25 points each, or 30 of
  course grade)
• Exams - three, open-notes, 75-minute exams each
  covers about 1/3 of course (100 pts each, or 30
  of course grade)

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Reports

• Five mini-reports evaluating arguments from web
  sites, for or against a new technology, due
  separately one a week from Jan. 30 - March 6 (40
  pts each, 20 of course grade)
• Term Report - due 4/22, develop and defend an
  informed decision about above technology (200
  points, 20 of course grade)

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Mechanics Class Format

• Lectures PowerPoint, chalkboard
• Notes printed copies of PowerPoint slides will
  be made available at each class
• Discussions web readings, homework

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Mechanics Class Attendance

• Attendance taken directly or indirectly at each
  class meeting
• If you know in advance you must miss a class,
  arrange make-up in advance with me
• If absence due to an emergency, submit assignment
  and excuse form (Deans or mine) within 1 week at
  my office, 65.222

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Mechanics Absent from Exam

• If you miss an exam due to emergency, you will
  take same exam as make-up
• You are on your honor not to seek or accept any
  information concerning examination (content,
  length, etc)
• Submit excuse next class period at my office,
  65.222 and arrange for make-up

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Mechanics Honor Code

• Write and sign the following on all assignments
  "I have adhered to the Duke Honor Code in
  completing this assignment"
• All work submitted for grading must be your work
  only, you are not to utilize homework, exams,
  mini-reports or reports from current or past
  students

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Course Content

• Lectures 1-3, 17 Decision Making
• Citizens' responsibility make informed
  decisions about science and technology
• Informed decisions require assessing arguments
  concerning risks/benefits
• Assessing arguments requires understanding
  methodology of science, and some content of
  science

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Course Content

• Lectures 4 - 14 Science Background
• Major concepts of chemistry, physics, cosmology,
  astronomy, geology, biochemistry, geochemistry,
  and biology developed through "origins" approach
• Origins of matter, energy, elements, stars,
  compounds, galaxies, planets, earth, oceans,
  atmospheres, and life

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Course Content

• Lectures 14 - 16 Need for Technology
• Requirements for sustaining life
• Natural systems that sustain life
• Need for advanced technologies
• Natural limits on technologies

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Course Content

• Lectures 18 - 21 Current Technologies
• Technologies associated with food
• Technologies associated with materials
• Technologies associated with energy production
• Technologies associated with electromagnetic
  radiation

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Course Content

• Lectures 22 - 25 Impact of Technologies on
  Environment/Society
• Impact on the atmosphere
• Impact on the lithosphere
• Impact on hydrosphere
• Impact on biosphere
• Minimizing Impact with Environmental Legislation

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Course Content

• Lecture 26 Sustainability
• Changes needed in science and technology to
  ensure sustainability alternatives for
  production of food, energy, and materials
• Changes needed in society to ensure
  sustainability population control, waste
  disposal, and resource conservation