Significance General chemistry is arguably the most important course taught in any chemistry department. Large numbers of students from many majors take general chemistry. Here at VCU, nearly 700 students enroll in CHEM100, CHEM101, or CHEM102 during the fall and spring terms. Another 400 enroll in CHEM110. CHEM101 and CHEM102 are required courses for all chemistry and biology majors and for some engineering majors.
Any student planning to attend medical school also takes general chemistry.
If a student has not had chemistry in high school, they must take CHEM100 before taking CHEM101 or CHEM102. Clearly, these courses affect many students, and the courses provide the foundation for future coursework in chemistry, biology, and other subjects. With slight modification, any of these courses can be modified using the plans I have proposed. Making the suggested changes will improve the way chemistry is taught. Many topics in chemistry can be taught more effectively and with greater clarity using multimedia technology.