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History and Philosophy of the Molecular Sciences - CBMS234
Chemistry is the art and science of converting one substance into another and it has been an important factor in shaping our society. Metals, ceramics and plastics have changed and enhanced our lifestyle. Drugs, fertilisers and pesticides have saved millions of lives, but not without some unforeseen environmental or social problems. When this happens, decisions have to be made and costs weighed against benefits. An appreciation of such issues is needed for better understanding of important problems that face society. This unit explores the way chemistry affects our lives, and the way chemists work things out. The unit does not aim to teach chemistry but looks at the impact that chemistry has had on civilisation, and where the latest chemical innovations are likely to lead us. The commercial significance of key chemical processes and industries is addressed, emphasising the Australian context. The unit also examines connections between chemistry and other scientific fields as diverse as medicine, environmental studies and astronomy (to name a few), as well as revealing aesthetic and philosophical aspects of chemistry. This unit is taught completely through the web with a combination of topical lectures and multimedia material. There are no laboratories and no final exam.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in Session 2, North Ryde X2 - External study; Offered in Session 2 (On-campus dates: None) Session 3 External - External study; Offered in December 2012 - February 2013 |
| Staff Contact(s): | Professor Peter Karuso |
| Prerequisites: |
15cp or admission to GradCertBiotech |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | CBMS123 |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Unit Type: | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences Faculty of Science |
Timetable Information
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