First-Year Opportunity: Why is Chemistry Called "the Central Science"?

In this course, we seek to answer that question by showing how chemistry is a thread that runs through many disciplines, including biology, physics, astronomy, geology, medicine and environmental science. We will learn about the many types of chemistry-oriented research that are conducted at WashU, along with presentations by several chemists who have gone on to use their chemistry degree in industry or in other adjacent fields. This is a terrific way to gain exposure about how to prepare your own academic pathway through many diverse fields, through using chemistry as a platform. In this first year opportunity seminar style course, we rely on active dialogue in the classroom, through questions and discussion. You can expect to learn about science communication tools and gain some practice with translating difficult science concepts to a broader audience. This will include short written assignments, but also can include graphical depictions of information and data (tools that may be understood well for science outreach or for professional uses of social media.)