http://www.nd.edu/~chem191/

This course will examine the interplay of science and public policy in several real-world controversies. The first, Cars, will trace the ecological consequences of driving and the attempts to control these consequences through legislation. The Trial will deal with the undesired effects of chemicals in our bodies (toxicology) and the recourse available through the legal system. Lastly, we will explore the benefits and risks of Agricultural Chemistry.

Science content will be taught on a "need to know" basis. Background information for each topic will be introduced through readings, lectures, lab experiments, and problem sets. Each topic culminates in a project in which science content must be used to help make policy decisions. By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Schedule: MWF 9:35-10:25 am Room 117 O'Shaughnessy Hall

F 1:55-4:55 pm usually in Room 420 Nieuwland Science Hall (check syllabus)

Readings: The required text is "Chemistry of the Environment," by Spiro and Stigliani. Additional readings will also be distributed during the term.

Lab: You will need a plain "composition book" as a lab diary. Goggles and protective aprons must be purchased on the first day of lab (you can charge them to your student account).

NetQuiz: About once a week, a question will be posted at the Chem 191 Quiz site (http://www.nd.edu/~chem191/forms/exp.html). You will have 24 hr after the quiz is announced in class to compose - a reply, and I will reply within another two days.

Getting Help: I have an open door policy for this class. You are welcome to drop in, although it's better to call or email first, or to sign up for a meeting on the calendar on my office door.

A-level performance: Performance on assignments and participation in class discussion shows that student understands the scientific issues at hand deeply, can apply them to new situations, and can explain them clearly & completely to a layman. Student knows which findings are accepted and which are controversial and has a comprehensive sense of how the science supports different policy positions. Papers are well researched, well written, present multiple points of view fairly, and show evidence of original and critical thought. Presentations are engaging and convey a creative "take" on the material. Student shows a strong understanding of the nature of evidence and the elements of good and bad arguments, and can take a position and defend it against counterattacks.

B-level performance: The student has a good understanding of the basic principles of science under discussion and can sometimes apply his/her knowledge to new situations. Explanations are basically correct. Student understands a good deal about how the scientific issues relate to the policy issues, but has trouble judging the merits of different positions. Papers are well-written and clear, but may be one-sided or lack originality. Presentations are clear and relevant to the topic, but lack an original "spark" or contain flaws in reasoning. Student can follow arguments made by other people, can often detect reasoning errors and flaws in data interpretation, but may sometimes accept arguments uncritically. Student can take a position and defend it against counterattacks.

C-level performance: Student has persistent misconceptions or inability to apply scientific knowledge to a new situation. Explanations with scientific content are often unclear or wrong. Papers are full of typos, or poorly researched, or poorly put together, and show lack of critical thinking. Presentations are unclear, disorganized, and painful to watch, and show little improvement over time. Student often has trouble following other people's arguments, detecting flaws in reasoning, or taking a position and defending it.

Late Work: Assignments are generally due at the beginning of class. Late work will be docked 5% per day late, although if you have a family emergency, break your leg, or have 3 exams that day I will make exceptions to this policy.

500 pts Projects (papers, oral presentations, lab writeups)

200 pts Homework problems, Netquizzes, lab notebook

250 pts Final exam

1) I encourage you to work with classmates on assignments in this course. Indeed, some of the projects and labs explicitly require you to cooperate with classmates. Many students find this collaboration intellectually stimulating and fun as well. In order to get the most out of the group working time, each person should come on time and prepared to work—you owe this to your classmates and to yourself. Names of all group members should be listed on the assignment.

2) YOU are responsible for understanding and agreeing with the work that is turned in for grading with your name on it.

3) Give credit where credit is due. In many assignments, published material is used to bolster an argument. This original source material must be properly cited—a proper citation enables another person to find the source. Material that you located on the Internet should be cited according to the guidelines below—do not list search strings (http://scapegoat.com/netsearch/terms/"thingamajig"+ "doodad"+00456%%23) as citations.