CHEM 1500L - Chemistry in Modern Living Laboratory
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40999,
Credit hours: 1
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Ganesaratnam Balendiran
Professional Qualifications:
PhD University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor
Email: gkbalendiran@ysu.edu
Office: Ward Beecher 6017
Office Phone: 1-330-941-7103
Additional Contact Methods:
email: gkbalendiran@ysu.edu
Communication Expectations:
Avoid repeating information in email that is already discussed in the class.
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Course Description
This course is an introduction for students who might have no previous experience with chemistry. The course's main goal is to develop an appreciation for the role of chemistry in the modern world. The approach for the course is to investigate the connections between chemistry and the concerns of society and present information for evaluations of the risks and benefits of possible solutions to some societal-technological issues.
This is a General Education Laboratory course in the Natural Sciences Domain. The learning outcomes for the course are:
- Students will successfully perform an experiment to test a hypothesis, including the collection and analysis of data.
- Students will demonstrate the knowledge and application of scientific principles.
- Students will use and interpret formulas, graphs, and tables.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of the interactions of science, technology and society.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | None |
Course Readings (Both required and recommended reading).
Course Materials
Textbook: None; all handouts will be made available and must be printed and read before coming to class/lab. Bring the instructions, handouts, reports and quizzes to the lab.
Required materials: lab coat, safety goggles, calculator. Attendance is required.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | 8/27 | Introduction to the Course Syllabus and Laboratory Safety. | ||
| Thu | 9/3 | Expt. 1 | Measurements. Graphs. | Same day |
| Thu | 9/10 | Expt. 2 | What Materials Protect Us from UV Light? | Same day |
| Thu | 9/17 | Quiz 1 Expt. 3 |
Quiz 1 (safety, exp. 1, 2) Pure Compounds and Mixtures: Chromatography of Pen Inks |
Same day Same day |
| Thu | 9/24 | Expt. 4 | Ionic and Covalent Compounds | Same day |
| Thu | 10/1 | Expt. 5 | Bonds, Molecular Models, and Molecular Shapes | Same day |
| Thu | 10/8 | Expt. 6 | Quiz 2 (exp. 3, 4, 5) Chemical Moles: Baking Soda to Table Salt. |
Same day |
| Thu | 10/15 | Expt. 7 | Chemical Reactions and Catalysts | Same day |
| Thu | 10/22 | Expt.8 | Gas Laws | Same day |
| Thu | 10/29 | Expt. 9 | Quiz 3 (exp. 6, 7, 8) Properties of Water |
Same day |
| Thu | 11/5 | Expt. 10 | Solutions; Electrolytes | Same day |
| Thu | 11/12 | Ext. 11 | Which Common Materials are Acids or Bases? | Same day |
| Thu | 11/19 | Expt. 12 | How Much Acid is in Food? Analysis of Vinegar | Same day |
| Thu | 12/3 | Expt. 13 | Organic Molecules Quiz 4 (exp. 9, 10, 11, 12) |
Same day |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.