Welcome to Chem 1001Chemical FundamentalsProfessor Paul Russo242 Choppin Hallchruss@LSU.edu578-5729http://macro.lsu.edu/russo

Course ObjectivesExemplify rational thought processes. Emphasize the importance of truth. Provide a sound intro to chemistry for those who never had it or forgot everything. Some will eventually choose science or technology majors.Chemistry for non-science & non-technical majorsenough to appreciate what science/tech people do, vote intelligently, etc. Mental exercise, new ways of approaching a problem.More practice at judging good vs. bad things.Recognize & cherish excellence, beauty and quality.

What is science?A way of thinking that is based in observation, experimentation, and reason.

Mechanics use scientific reasoning all the time.

An interesting read, no matter what your political perspective.

Where does Chemistry fit in? Your text offers another view; everyone is entitled to their own!Biomedical MaterialsScience, Medicine & EngineeringChemistry & a bunch of other aging, traditional departments, such as:Biology, Physics, Computer, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering.EarthGeology, Civil Engineering, Ag. Engineering, Forestry, etc.Interdisciplinary Links

Must there be Chemistry education & research? Yes.Must there be Chemistry Departments? Hmmm.

The Sunday Times - Britain December 05, 2004 Universities hit by new science crisis Geraldine Hackett, Education Correspondent THE crisis over science in Britains universities deepened this weekend when it emerged that almost a third of physics departments face closure because of student shortages and funding cuts. Only days after Gordon Brown unveiled his plan to boost the countrys scientific genius, academics said 16 of its 50 physics departments were at risk. It follows warnings that, by 2010, there could be just six chemistry departments left from the present 40. Last week Newcastle became the first from the Russell group of universities to announce that it is axing its pure physics courses. Newcastle was named in Browns pre-budget report last week as one of Britains future science cities. The move follows the closure of 18 physics departments more than 30% of the total since 1997 and adds to the growing crisis in physical sciences. Twenty-eight chemistry departments have closed in the past nine years. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1389501,00.html

Louisiana: 25% of USAs chemical outputbut very little of the profit. LSU Department of Chemistry

Member of the Dirty Dozen Ranked #1 in any subject, all-LSU, all-state by the National Academy of SciencesNational ranking: 66th (out of ~220)Ranked 33rd in chemistry research funding (similar schools: Notre Dame, U. Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins) Widely known for teaching initiatives. Most Chem Majors do research; I have certainly seen them have betteropportunities than students at, say, Duke University.

Chemistry = Fairly Small Stuff

Stop here: Day 1

Chemistry is the study of Fairly Small Stuff

Kinds of ChemistryAnalytical: very quantitative. What chemicals and how much. Inorganic: elements > 21 on the Periodic Table. Synthesis and characterization. Theory of bonding, crystals, metals, etc. Macromolecular: Large molecules. Can be biological or synthetic, physical or analytical. My kind of chemistry! Materials. Can include macromolecules, but also ceramics, films, optical devices, plastic wire, etc. Organic: chemistry of Carbon. Mostly synthesis. Physical: Asks why? Experiments and theory. Zillions of others: pharmaceutical, geo, agro, environmental. And dont forget Chemical Engineering.ooopsChemical and Biological Engineering.

Chemists do OKStarting B.S. Salary: $32,000 average (this is $20,000 less than Chemical Engineers)Paid to attend graduate school: $18,000 - $30,000Starting Ph.D. in industry: $60,000 - $85,000 Nobel prize-winner in university: $30,000Longer-than-average lifespan.Traditionally low stress compared to many other careers.Now we all get to learn Chinese, too!

Lets explore these websites today.http://www.acs.orghttp://www.acs.org

http://chemistry.LSU.eduhttp://chemistry.LSU.edu

http://macro.lsu.edu/saacshttp://macro.lsu.edu/saacs

http://macro.lsu.edu/russo/Courses/1001Web/index.htmhttp://macro.lsu.edu/russo/Courses/1001Web/index.htm

About you!Largest groups by major: Theater (11)Ag. Business = Business (8)Accounting (6)Finance (5)HobbiesSports (19)Dance (7)Reading (4)Drawing, Acting (2)Travel, Sleeping, Movie, Cooking (1)We are still working on making you into groups!

Todays AnnouncementsFree help: 113 E. B. DoranPaid tutors: list outside Choppin 109Center for Academic Success B-31 Coates HallForward your PAWS e-mail!

Daily Examination, most frequent things you wish you understood better.Why is Louisiana so big in Chemicals?What chemicals? How does this benefit LA?What will be on those quizzes?Answers to that first freebie quiz.

Assorted amusing and interesting comments.

Water is H2O.Adam Sandler as The Water Boy

Though not the sharpest knife in the drawer, Bobby Boucher knew that water was H2O.That means two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Any guesses how long humans have known this? How do we know?

Hey, what are atoms? How do we know? How long have we known about them?

A note about nomenclature (Names)H2O = water = two atoms of hydrogen per atom of oxygen.Better name: hydrogen oxide (or dihydrogen oxide) That name DOES NOT say that these atoms are really joined in a molecule! (However, these two usually are). MgCl2 = magnesium chloride, which is NOT a molecule but a compound. Confusing, eh? Well explain eventually. There are lots of rules for chemical names, but let experience be your teacher. Some chemists, like me, are not very fussy about names.

Whats in a name? http://www.ndc.edu/sutheimer/dihydrogen%20oxide.htm This page is only for people who wish to ban dihydrogenoxide because of its toxic properties Causes excessive sweating and vomiting A major component of acid rain Can cause severe burns in the gaseous state Accidental inhalation can kill you Primary contributor to erosion Decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes Has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients May dissolve metal ions especially in the presence of road salt

A bad thing: we will now open up your cranium & pour in some information. It would be much better for you to figure it out yourself. Leuven, Belgium