CHEMISTRY 95
DESIGNING THE MOLECULAR WORLD
TAP Seminar
Strauss - 3 credits
CHEM 095 A 91495, 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM, R, ANGELL B203
Office: 330 Cook, email: Michael.Strauss@uvm.edu
ABSTRACT
From snowflakes and crystals to medicines, foods and living things, the world
is made up of patterns of atoms which collect together in predictable ways
to form the world we can see and touch. In this course students will explore
the form and properties of molecules which make up the natural world. They
will read and write about, as well as draw and build three dimensional models
of molecular structures. In doing so they will learn how the geometric bonding
properties of atoms and the patterns of bonding in molecules results in the
properties of experienced substances.
Students will have an opportunity to observe modern methods of structure
determination (nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscopy, x-ray crystallography,
infrared spectroscopy ) and to see how modern methods of chemical synthesis
are carried out. They will learn much about the structure and function of
molecules which are medicines, poisons, foods, pigments, explosives and biologically
important materials.
The class will be a combination of lecture and workshops focused around discussions,
writing, reading and collaborative learning experiences. Students will keep
a class journal for writing, note taking and collaborative exercises. They
will also be involved in several writing projects which will be done both
individually, as well as collaboratively in groups.
Only a knowledge of simple geometry is required. The text is Peter Atkins'
Molecules. Students will also need to purchase a set of molecular models
(Allyn and Bacon™ or HGS™) , and a bound notebook/journal..
DETAILS - CHEM 95
The Atkin’s text, in its chapters, models the essay form students will use
in writing papers about molecules which are of interest to them.
Exams will be based on class lecture and discussions and on text readings,
guest lectures and "field trip" experiences. The primary focus in class will
be on the foundations of structural chemistry focused towards exploring a
variety of interesting molecular structures. Particular emphasis will be
placed on ways of representing such structures on paper, in three dimensional
drawings, as well as manipulating and viewing them with models. Understanding
chemical reactions using the electron flow convention will be discussed in
detail.
Each student paper will focus on specific molecular compounds of contemporary
or historical importance which are of interest to individual students. Students
should all consult me as these choices are discussed. I will help them get
started looking for the right resources to do their research in the library
and online. Choose molecules which are not already discussed in the Atkins
text.
Papers will evolve in a series of drafts over time. Students will read each
other's drafts and I will also give them feedback before each final paper
is completed. They will be graded on participation in this process, as well
as on the final paper. Papers should be about 10 pages in length, typed
double space with a Times No. 14 font, with standard margins. Details
concerning this will be provided later.
Each student will give a brief presentation (no more than 15 minutes) to
the whole class which will summarize, in a cogent fashion, the thoughts they
express in one of their written papers. Students may use a variety of presentational
methods, including overhead projection, slides, powerpoint, blackboard, use
of large size molecular models (I will provide these.) The whole class will
be responsible, along with me, for evaluating these presentations.
Students will take a number of "field trips" around campus to visit research
facilities and learn about instruments used to examine substances and determine
molecular structure (i.e., nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, mass
spectrometry, infrared spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy,
gas chromatography, glass blowing facility, analytical chemistry facility,
etc.) Students will also get to observe modern methods of molecular modeling
by computer and will learn about some aspects of computer methods for representing,
drawing and calculating the detailed structure of molecules. We will also
visit several laboratories where synthesis of novel new structures is taking
place. We will have a number of guest presentations by researchers, both
faculty and graduate students, who are carrying out programs of chemical
synthesis. Students buy their own set of molecular models which can be used
as a guide to help them understand the structures they choose to study. These
may also be helpful in presentations and in understanding how to represent
structures on paper in three dimensions.
There may be a variety of different students in this class with differing
backgrounds in chemistry. I will presume that students have little chemistry
knowledge. This may make a few aspects of the course seem easier for those
students who have had a chemistry course in high school or college. I am
aware of this issue and will reconcile these differences in grading student
work.
Two examinations will cover class discussions relating to molecular structure.
These will occur at midsemester and during final exams.
Grades will be determined approximately as follows:
Attendance: 10%. All classes must be attended.
Missing one of our weekly classes is equivalent to missing a full week of
one hour classes.
Exams: 30%
Paper: 25%
Presentation 20%
Participation in class 15%