Chemophobia
Course Description
Summary
Chemicals often get a bad rap, from headlines warning of "toxic chemicals" to marketing labels that boast "chemical-free or all natural" products. But what are we really afraid of? In this course, we鈥檒l use chemophobia as a starting point to explore the fundamental principles of chemistry. Why do certain substances evoke fear, and are those fears grounded in science? Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on experiments, students will critically examine the chemical nature of us, everyday substances, from food and water to cosmetics and cleaning agents. Along the way, we鈥檒l separate myth from molecule and build a deeper, more informed appreciation of the chemistry that shapes our world. No prior experience in the physical sciences is required.
Learning Outcomes
- - How to use scientific methods to explore the physical and chemical properties of matter.
- - the properties of various classes of chemicals.
- - How to interpret and communicate basic chemistry concepts.