Introduction to Environmental Chemistry

This program will provide students with an introduction to chemistry using environmental issues as a motivating theme. We will use chemistry to understand environmental problems such as climate change, the ozone hole, bioaccumulation of toxins, and acid rain. We will investigate questions such as: What should we do about global warming? Why does the ozone hole form in the Antarctic spring?

Fall quarter, we will focus on chemistry topics such as stoichiometry and molecular shapes; winter quarter we will move to equilibrium and chemical kinetics. Students will be introduced to topics in chemistry primarily through workshops and small-group activities as well as through lab experience. We will also have a seminar series that introduces students to other important environmental issues. Scientific writing and library research are primary elements of the program and students will attend weekly library workshop sessions. Winter quarter students will research an environmental problem of their choosing.