ReadMeNext

	IntroChem is a one-semester/quarter in chemistry, especially
directed to health-care and life-science students.  

	This course is based on "Introduction to General, Organcic,
and Biochemistry" (5th Edition, ©1981-1998, ISBN 0-03-020217-5) by 
Frederick A. Bettelheim and Jerry March and published by 
Saunders Publishing Co./Harcourt Brace College Pub. None of this 
copyrighted material is reproduced here.

	This collection of material contains lecture notes, handouts, and
and study guides.  While this material is relatively text-independent,
frequent paginal reference is made to Bettelheim and March's excellent text.

	A deliberate and biased selection of the textual material has been
made to accomodate the temperoral restrictions of a one semester/quarter
course.  Much of the bias in this selection reflects both my biochemical 
training and my experience in published, laboratory -- real world -- 
experience.

	My chief goal in teaching this course is to produce scientifically
literate citizens.  In this version of the course, health science is emphasized,
One goal is to create variations in emphasis for different learner audiences.  
No matter what the emphasis of this short course is my emphasis is on concepts 
and problem solving, not number crunching!  

	One teaching and learning strategy is the creationvof a narrative or story.  
Much chemical education relies on compartmentalizing knowledge.  Narrative chemical 
education integrates many chemical principles into observing the universe in a 
"atomic way."

The course is divided into three units:

	Unit 1 covers the basics.  We look at how a few fundamental particles are arranged to
form the 110+ elements which make up the know universe.  Special attention is given to
the problem of  how to keep the electrons from spiraling into the nucleus and ending
existence as we know it.  Next, we consider how atoms are joined together to form
clusters or molecules.  Then we consider what happens when the electrons of atoms and
molecules  rearrange during chemical reactions.  Finally, we examine what happens when
particles in the center of the atom rearrange during nuclear reactions and how radition
causes cancer. (Unit 1 is in this archive.)

	Unit 2 focuses on the chemistry of carbon compounds.  This area is called organic
chemistry.  First,  we examine the structures of about a dozen groupings of atoms. 
Combinations of these groupings give us the 200 million organic compounds that exist in
the world about us.  Next, we study in detail the properties and chemistry of a couple of
these groupings.  Final, we consider the concept of pH or acidity and the reactions of
acids and bases.

	Unit 3 turns to the chemicals which are important to life.  The area is called biochemistry. 
We consider the three major food groups:  carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.  The
"Lock-and-Key" model of enzyme action turns out to be important for good digestion and
good health!
            
	Units 2 and 3 will follow.

	Please give me feedback of any sort.

Keith Wright
frodo561@earthlink.net
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Pantheon/6555/chemindex.htm