Living in a Materials World: From the Stone Age to Nanoscience CHEM 191 (3)

A survey of materials that have been used throughout human history, from stone, bone and wood to modern plastics and superconductors. The chemical principles that give rise to different materials' properties will be examined, with an emphasis of how small changes at the molecular level can have important implications in everyday life. Issues of sustainability and the environmental impact of materials will be discussed. Intended for both science and non-science students. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.