CHEM 106 - Chemistry and Society

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-B1; Sustainability
Introduction to basic chemistry concepts and chemistry applications in everyday life. Topics include energy production, drugs, pesticides, plastics and polymers, the impact of chemicals on the environment, and sustainable chemistry practices.

Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid, or Online-Asynchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-B1 - Lower Division Physical Science, Overlay - Sustainability
Course Typically Offered: Fall & Spring

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the composition of atoms, ions and molecules;
Describe the features of a chemical reaction and explain how reactions either consume or release energy;
Identify the effects on the environment of current chemical applications such as energy generation from fossil fuels and nuclear fission, pesticide use, and synthesis of plastics and other industrial compounds;
Evaluate evolving practices for minimizing the negative impact of chemicals on the environment through sustainable or renewable alternative energy sources, remediation of hazardous chemicals, green synthesis of chemical products, and the use of alternate pest control methods in agriculture;
Compare and contrast the causes and potential solutions for key environmental problems such as global climate change, water and air pollution, depletion of the ozone layer, and accumulation of non-biodegradable materials.

B1. Physical Science Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate knowledge of scientific theories, concepts, and data about the physical sciences;
demonstrate an understanding of scientific practices, including the scientific method; and
describe the potential limits of scientific endeavors, including the accepted standards and ethics associated with scientific inquiry.

Sustainability Overlay Learning Outcomes

identify the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability, either in general or in relation to a specific problem;
analyze interactions between human activities and natural systems;
describe key threats to environmental sustainability;
explain how individual and societal choices affect prospects for sustainability at the local, regional, and/or global levels.