A One Semester Engineering Chemistry Course

The number of courses in engineering curricula has been reduced during the last decade. A typical response by programs is to reduce the number of core courses, and move the specialty courses into the earlier years. Many curricula now require only one (if any), semester of chemistry. Recognizing that engineers need material from both semesters of the traditional two semester sequence, a new one-semester course was developed. This course has been designed around the pedagogical theme that "The properties of larger particles are based upon the properties of their constituent particles and their interactions". As such, the students are introduced to "modern" physics. To deliver a course such as this effectively , we have found that we need to adopt innovative teaching techniques including: focusing on the recitation, frequent feedback, the use of the studio-format, closer integration of the laboratory experience with the course, self-directed laboratory exercises, contextbased learning, and the use of the internet. The course structure and the use of these techniques will be discussed.