Prof. David W. Craig
(craig@hws.edu), Ext 3611 -- Rosenberg
111
Introduction: Welcome to Chemistry 110! We are about to embark on one
of the most exciting and important areas of scientific study. Today the
field of chemistry finds itself at the center of concerns in linking physics
to biology; in solving energy concerns of our society; in finding solutions
to the increasing problems of environmental pollution; in improving the
world's ability to produce food; in solving problems in medicine; and in
countless other areas vital to society. In this course we will approach
the learning of chemistry by looking at important problems facing society
today. We will take an inventory of the things we need to know to understand
these problems. Then we can systematically pursue an understanding of each
of the concepts that our problems of concern demand that we know. In the
end we hope to be able to better understand chemistry and its contributions
to finding solutions to important problems.
This course will begin at the beginning. We will assume no previous
knowledge of chemistry beyond a basic understanding of some general high
school science principles and simple high school algebra. We will have
three lectures and one three to four hour laboratory activity each week.
Your attendance is expected at each of these meetings. To help you in your
studies, daily homework will be assigned. Homework sets will not be collected.
It will be up to you to solve homework problems and satisfy yourself that
you understand the material. You should come in to my office during office
hours with any questions on the homework. Form an evening study group to
go over the homework. This study strategy has worked very well in
the past for our students. If you have difficulty working any of the problems
you should come to see either myself or any of the chemistry department
tutors. We will have a twenty-minute quiz each Friday to help you evaluate
your understanding of the week's material. Two 70 minute midterms will
help you integrate the various topics and prepare for the final examination.
The grading plan for the course and the schedule for quizzes and examinations
is shown below.