Office for Science and Society

The World of Chemistry

A basic understanding about the modern chemical aspects of food, nutrition, drugs or the issues that confront us in the daily press is essential in a modern society. "The World of Chemistry" courses have as their main goal to expose both science and non-science students to the practical aspects of chemistry. Science/chemistry majors do not normally have time in their course programs to learn much about the practical side of science whereas courses designed especially for non-science students do not always manage to present the relevant topics in a manner which is both informative and stimulating.

Based on the success of the "Chemistry for the Public" lecture series in the early 1980s it was felt that it was possible for a science major to be exposed to a variety of important topics such as air and water pollution, household chemistry and energy issues at a reasonably sophisticated level which still would be understandable to a non-science cohort. Therefore, when "The World of Chemistry" was launched in 1982 it was decided to make it open to all at McGill University with no prerequisites. Today there are four "World of Chemistry" courses at McGill University taught jointly by Professors Fenster, Harpp and Schwarcz.

The courses are offered during the Fall and Winter terms during the regular session and as a one month intensive course during the Summer session. The courses can be taken in any order and typically about 400 students register. There are two 75 min. lectures a week. The latter are all presented with slides using the lap-dissolve technique. Each lecture is supported by 80-100 slides (derived from a bank of 10,000 slides). Evaluation consists in two term tests and a final. Each test is built on approximately 80 multiple choice questions.

In addition the "World of Chemistry courses are also offered as part of Continuing Education during the Fall and Winter semesters. They are taken in this venue by regular students, for credit, and by members of the public for general interest. There is one lecture a week from 6-9 PM over a 13 weeks' period. Evaluation consists in one mid-term and one final exam built on approximately 80 multiple choice questions each. For more information: General Studies (514) 398-6166.

Any and all McGill students can take any or all of the four World of Chemistry courses.

The content of each course is described below:

"The World of Chemistry" - Environment (Chemistry 180)
Chemistry : Risks, water, air pollution, sick-building syndrome, the chemistry of the car, energy (fossil fuel, nuclear), nano and biotechnology, smells, garbage and human waste, dental chemistry and green chemistry.

"The World of Chemistry" - Food (Chemistry 181)
Chemistry : A series of lectures on the historical, practical, and simple chemical aspects of: food, food additives; vitamins; minerals, diet and cancer; dieting; food-borne illnesses, health food and cooking.

"The World of Chemistry" - Technology (Chemistry 182)
Chemistry : Aspects of chemical technology including publishing of scientific articles, rocketry, space travel, materials (metals, plastics art), household products, forensic science, money, combustion science. computers and cosmetics.

"The World of Chemistry" - Drugs (Chemistry 183)
Chemistry : Drug history and marketing, over the counter drugs (e.g. aspirin, cough and cold remedies, allergy preparations), street and heart drugs, mental illness, hormones brain chemistry and diabetes.