A central goal of nonmajors chemistry courses is to instill within students the sense that chemistry does not occur in a vacuum but rather permeates everyday life. To encourage students to consider chemistry within the broader context of society and public policy, a week-long module in a survey course for nonmajors was designed to connect…

The influence of analytical science in the formulation of public policy is described. This includes the ability to resolve atomic composition in two and three dimensions on the micrometer scale altering the means for defining intellectual property, medical diagnostics built on analytical measurements repeatedly raising international alarm over…

Presents a laboratory exercise that focuses on societal concerns about the use of pesticides in order to introduce students to the problems of science and public policy. The exercise is a dry laboratory with a role-playing activity centered in an imaginary agricultural community. (DDR)

Describes a course in which societal themes of risk/reward analysis and public policy are supplemented with concepts of scientific journalism, public opinion, and law. Topic areas include environmental chemicals and their impact, basic introduction to organic chemistry, and consumer chemicals. Contains 20 references. (DDR)

A study is conducted about including a course curriculum that would inform and sensitize students to social issues relating to science in a setting that emphasizes oral and visual communication. This would help students to develop critical thinking skills, practice communication skills, and gain confidence in their ability to think through public…