Introduction to College Chemistry

Introduction to College ChemistryIn the course of an undergraduate chemistry class, you may be required to look at a chemical substance for the first time. Some of the more common examples are test samples, solidifying compounds, and crystals. A sample that is selected from the periodic table will typically be labeled 'thick'thin.'Students will typically take a 'baseball-bat' approach to understanding the different molecules of their substance. For example, students who are concentrating on the chemistry of this material may need to make a cut-away diagram that describes all the atoms present in the sample. Students will need to pay particular attention to the different levels of refractive index. This is a crucial component to successfully using the material in a given laboratory experiment.Most students in this program study American Society of Chemical Engineers or ASCE courses. Usually, students who are taking this course follow the same chemistry textbook as students in any othe r chemistry class. However, many biology-related labs will require students to know specific class details to complete the experiments. This is why it is important to be familiar with these lab details.Many students are not particularly familiar with the lab work involved in chemistry. However, this is a skill that must be learned over time. You may find that while you are in your chemistry class, you will not have a lot of opportunities to practice your knowledge. Typically, students in this program spend most of their time doing the required lab work while other activities are left to the professor's discretion. You should always try to spend as much time as possible in a lab setting practicing chemistry.What makes this course so unique is that the major focuses on the potential of compounds in the form of the materials we use every day. Common examples include batteries, paints, solvents, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. While these compounds will not seem very important, they are actually necessary to our everyday lives. The chemistry of these materials will influence the performance of materials at every stage of their life cycle. As an example, many common household products like paint or batteries have two components - the liquid and the solid. These compounds will lose their ability to perform properly if the solid fails to replace the liquid.Students in this program are taught the basics of crystallography, where a sample is provided to the student. This sample will be analyzed under the microscope to determine the composition of the sample. On the surface of the sample, microscopic crystals will form. The crystal structure of the material will help to explain how the material will react when mixed with another substance. This kind of chemistry will allow students to see how compounds such as nicotine, caffeine, gasoline, and soap work together to perform certain functions.Even if you are not interested in becoming a professor or taking an advanced leve l course, a University of Arizona college degree can be invaluable in a variety of careers. If you are interested in employment with a university, getting a Bachelor's degree in this field is a great way to go. Employers are always looking for a skilled individual who has great analytical abilities and the ability to explain complex concepts.