Holiday Magic: Chemistry Demonstration Shows

Ever thought of celebrating the holidays with chemistry? Check this out:
Two shows will be offered: 7 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 7) and 2 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 10) in 100 Noyes Lab. Both are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Sponsors: School of Chemical Sciences, department of chemistry, American Chemical Society Student Affiliates and REACT Outreach Program.


I won't be able to attend, but if you go, email me and let me know what it was about!

Spring Physical Science Gen Ed Option: CHEM108 Chemistry of Everyday Phenomena

Are you still in need of a physical science general education course?


Have you…
• any interest in forensics like you see in the TV show CSI?
• ever wondered how we know the values on food labels?
• ever wanted to make soap?
• ever curious as to why disposable diapers are so effective?


Announcing for the Spring of 2012:


Chemistry 108 - The Chemistry of Everyday Phenomena

• This is a laboratory-based course in which you take part in learning about and doing chemistry.
• You need not have any chemistry background at all to take this course.
• There are NO EXAMS in this course (including no final exam), only written assignments are required.
• Lecture is only once a week and lab is only once a week.
• Chemistry 108 is designed to be fun and interesting!
• Former students gave the course a 4.9/5.0 on the ICES evaluations for the overall quality of Enrollment is limited, so register before it is too late!

What some former students said about Chemistry 108:

• “It was a great course for me; I have little to no experience in chemistry and this course was fun and a good introduction.”
• “It’s always nice to see the use of chemistry in everyday life. You learn the material but never really get to use it. It was nice to finally learn where they are used.”
• Provided a way to experience chemistry in a fun atmosphere and learn at the same time.”
• “I loved this class. I’m recommending it to everyone!”
• “Very enjoyable course, well taught and organized.”

Contact Gretchen Adams at gadams4 -at- illinois.edu if you have any questions.

Proficiency Exam Subjects & Dates for Fall

Dates, locations, subjects: A synopsis of each proficiency exam for the fall is now available at: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/dmurph/www/index_files/Proficiencyexams2011.pdf
Exams are available in the following subjects:

• Calculus
• Chemistry
• Languages other than English
• ESL (English as a Second Language) for international students
• Psychology
• Physics

Note that not all exams are available to all students. And even when available, not all exams are even a good idea for all students. If you plan on going on to higher-level courses in a given subject, testing out of the intro course might leave you struggling later on. More rules and info on exams is at http://cte.illinois.edu/testing/placprof/main.html

Questions about whether a proficiency exam is a good idea for you? Ask your advisor (me)!