Chemistry - Chemistry in Everyday Life | Organic Chemistry from Udemy

SUMMARY

Chemistry is essentially the study of materials and the development of new materials for the betterment of humanity. A drug is a chemical agent, which affects human metabolism and provides cure from ailment. If taken in doses higher than recommended, these may have poisonous effect. Use of chemicals for therapeutic effect is called chemotherapy. Drugs usually interact with biological macromolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. These are called target molecules. Drugs are designed to interact with specific targets so that these have the least chance of affecting other targets. This minimises the side effects and localises the action of the drug. Drug chemistry centres around arresting microbes/destroying microbes, preventing the body from various infectious diseases, releasing mental stress, etc. Thus, drugs like analgesics, antibiotics, antiseptics, disinfectants, antacids and tranquilizers are used for specific purpose. To check the population explosion, antifertility drugs have also become prominent in our life.

Food additives such as preservatives, sweetening agents, flavours, antioxidants, edible colours and nutritional supplements are added to the food to make it attractive, palatable and add nutritive value. Preservatives are added to the food to prevent spoilage due to microbial growth. Artificial sweeteners are used by those who need to check the calorie intake or are diabetic and want to avoid taking sucrose.

These days, detergents are much in vogue and get preference over soaps because they work even in hard water. Synthetic detergents are classified into three main categories, namely: anionic, cationic and non-ionic, and each category has its specific uses. Detergents with straight chain of hydrocarbons are preferred over branched chain as the latter are non-biodegradable and consequently cause environmental pollution.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Visualise the importance of chemistry in daily life
Explain the term ‘chemotherapy’
Describe the basis of classification of drugs
Explain drug-target interaction of enzymes and receptors

Explain how various types of drugs function in the body
Know about artificial sweetening agents and food preservatives
Discuss the chemistry of cleansing agents

Visualise the importance of chemistry in daily life
Explain the term ‘chemotherapy’
Describe the basis of classification of drugs
Explain drug-target interaction of enzymes and receptors
Explain how various types of drugs function in the body
Know about artificial sweetening agents and food preservatives
Discuss the chemistry of cleansing agents

Syllabus

CHEMISTRY IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Introduction

Detergents

Soaps

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the chemistry behind everyday products and medicines, offering insights into their functions and potential impacts on health and the environment

Discusses drug-target interaction of enzymes and receptors, which is a core concept in pharmacology and biochemistry

Examines the chemistry of cleansing agents, which helps learners understand the environmental impact of detergents and soaps

Explains how various types of drugs function in the body, which is a core concept in pharmacology and physiology

Covers artificial sweetening agents and food preservatives, which are relevant to understanding food science and nutrition labels

Reviews summary

Chemistry's role in everyday life

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in the chemistry behind everyday substances like drugs, food additives, and cleaning agents. Students found the material well-organized and explained clearly, making complex topics accessible. The connection to real-world applications was particularly appreciated, helping learners visualize the importance of chemistry. While the course covers a range of topics effectively, some reviewers noted it serves primarily as an introductory overview, potentially requiring further study for deeper understanding in specific areas.

More introductory than in-depth.

"While excellent for beginners, it's more of an overview and doesn't go into deep detail on any one subject."

"If you're looking for advanced organic chemistry, this is not it. It's a broad look at applications."

"It's a great survey course, but I'd need other resources for specialized knowledge."

A solid starting point for the topic.

"This course served as an excellent introduction to organic chemistry and its applications."

"It provides a good overview of the different ways chemistry impacts our lives."

"Great course if you're looking for a basic understanding of these topics."

Concepts are clearly explained.

"The concepts were clearly explained, making it easy to understand even for someone without a strong chemistry background."

"I found the explanations to be very clear and easy to follow."

"The instructor did a great job simplifying complex ideas."

Connects chemistry to daily life.

"Connecting chemistry to everyday life was eye-opening and made the subject much more interesting."

"I learned so much about the chemistry in the food I eat and the products I use daily. It's incredibly relevant."

"Understanding the science behind drugs and cleaners is super practical."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Chemistry - Chemistry in Everyday Life | Organic Chemistry with these activities:

Review Basic Chemistry Concepts

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Reviewing fundamental chemistry concepts will provide a solid foundation for understanding the chemical principles discussed in the course, especially regarding drug interactions and food chemistry.

Browse courses on Chemical Bonding

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Review your notes from previous chemistry courses.
Work through practice problems on chemical equations and reactions.
Focus on understanding the properties of different chemical compounds.

Explore 'Napoleon's Buttons'

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Reading this book will provide a fascinating perspective on the impact of chemistry on history and everyday life, enhancing understanding of the course material.

View Napoleon's Buttons: How 17 Molecules Changed... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Napoleon's Buttons'.
Read the book, focusing on the molecules and their historical significance.
Reflect on how these molecules relate to the concepts discussed in the course.

Read 'The Disappearing Spoon'

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Reading this book will provide a broader context for the chemistry concepts discussed in the course, making the material more engaging and memorable.

View The Disappearing Spoon on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Disappearing Spoon'.
Read the book, focusing on elements and compounds relevant to everyday life.
Take notes on interesting facts and connections to the course material.

Three other activities

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Create an infographic on detergents

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Creating an infographic will help students visualize and understand the different types of detergents, their chemical structures, and their environmental impact.

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Research the different types of detergents (anionic, cationic, non-ionic).
Gather information on their chemical structures and uses.
Design an infographic that visually represents this information.
Include information on the environmental impact of detergents.

Create a Presentation on a Common Drug

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Creating a presentation on a common drug will help solidify understanding of drug classification, drug-target interaction, and how drugs function in the body.

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Choose a common drug (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen).
Research the drug's chemical structure, mechanism of action, and potential side effects.
Prepare a presentation summarizing your findings.
Present your findings to a friend or family member.

Investigate the Chemistry of Food Additives

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Starting a project on food additives will deepen understanding of preservatives, sweetening agents, and other chemicals used in food, as well as their potential effects on health.

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Choose a specific category of food additives (e.g., preservatives, artificial sweeteners).
Research the chemical properties and functions of common additives in that category.
Investigate the potential health effects of these additives.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete Chemistry - Chemistry in Everyday Life | Organic Chemistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Pharmacist

The role of a Pharmacist centers around dispensing medications and providing expert advice on their safe and effective use. This course, with its focus on chemistry in everyday life, especially the module concerning drugs, helps build a foundation for understanding drug actions in the body. Specifically, the course helps with learning about drug classification, drug-target interaction, and the functions of various drug types such as analgesics and antibiotics. This knowledge, coupled with insights into chemotherapy and the potential for poisonous effects at high doses, prepares one to critically assess and inform patients about the medications they receive. This course would be of particular interest because it discusses in detail the chemistry behind medicines.

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Food Scientist

As a Food Scientist, you'll be responsible for researching and developing new food products, ensuring food safety and quality, and improving food processing techniques. This course, focusing on chemistry in everyday life, is very useful because it covers chemicals in food. The modules on artificial sweeteners, food preservatives, and other additives give one a basis upon which to understand the chemical processes involved in food production, preservation, and enhancement. A prospective Food Scientist who wants to enter the field should take this course because it provides specific knowledge about food chemistry.

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Medical Science Liaison

A Medical Science Liaison connects pharmaceutical companies with healthcare professionals. This course builds a foundation for understanding the chemical properties and uses of drugs, which is essential for effectively communicating with medical experts. The module on drugs, including their classification, interactions, and functions, provides a strong base for discussing pharmaceutical products and their clinical applications. This course, with its focus on chemistry in everyday life, and especially the chemistry behind medicines, is particularly useful.

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Quality Control Analyst

Quality Control Analysts are crucial in ensuring that products meet certain standards and regulations, whether in the pharmaceutical, food, or chemical industries. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the chemical properties of different substances and how they are used in everyday applications. The sections on drugs, food additives, detergents, and soaps may be relevant, providing context for analyzing and testing product quality. A Quality Control Analyst who wants to enter the field may find that the course provides specific knowledge about the chemistry behind medicines and food.

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Toxicologist

As a Toxicologist, you will study the effects of chemicals on living organisms, often to assess the safety of drugs, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. This course, with its focus on chemistry in everyday life, may build a foundation for understanding how chemicals interact with biological systems. The module on drugs, including their therapeutic effects and potential poisonous effects, provides a relevant introduction to toxicology principles. A prospective Toxicologist who wants to enter the field may find this course helpful.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist plans and conducts experiments to increase scientific knowledge. This course, with its overview of chemistry in everyday life, can be a good starting point for understanding the broader context of chemical research and development. The course helps with the modules on drugs, food additives, and cleansing agents. These modules offer an introduction to the types of substances one might encounter in a research setting. To be effective in this role, a doctorate is typically required, however this course, focusing on practical applications of chemistry, may be especially useful.

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Regulatory Affairs Specialist

As a Regulatory Affairs Specialist, you'll ensure that products meet the requirements of relevant regulatory bodies. This course, with its focus on chemistry in everyday life, helps build an understanding of the chemical properties of substances and their potential impact on health and the environment. The modules on drugs, food additives, detergents, and soaps, provide context for evaluating product safety and compliance with regulations. The course, with its practical applications of chemistry, is especially useful.

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Laboratory Technician

A Laboratory Technician performs tests and experiments under the supervision of scientists or researchers. This course may be helpful for gaining a better understanding of the chemical substances and reactions involved in various laboratory processes. The modules on drugs, food additives, detergents, and soaps, introduce the chemical properties of these substances and therefore helps one prepare for lab work involving such materials. This course, with its focus on practical applications of chemistry, may be particularly useful.

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Cosmetic Chemist

A Cosmetic Chemist formulates and tests cosmetic products, ensuring their safety and effectiveness. This course, while not directly focused on cosmetics, helps build understanding of the chemical components and interactions that are crucial in cosmetic formulation. The study of detergents and soaps, along with the general chemistry principles, provide a strong base for understanding how different ingredients interact with each other and with the skin. This knowledge would be applicable to the creation of safe and effective cosmetic products. This course may be useful to individuals considering this career.

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Environmental Chemist

An Environmental Chemist analyzes environmental samples to detect pollutants and assess their impact on the environment. This course may be useful for understanding the chemical properties of pollutants and their interactions with the environment. The modules on detergents, soaps, and chemicals in food may be particularly relevant. These modules offer insights into how everyday substances can impact the environment, both positively and negatively. The course, focusing on practical applications of chemistry, may be helpful for an individual considering this career path.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public through articles, blogs, and other media. This course, with its emphasis on chemistry in everyday life, may be useful for understanding and explaining complex chemical concepts in a clear and accessible way. The modules on drugs, food additives, detergents, and soaps, may provide inspiration for articles and blog posts about the chemistry of everyday products. A Science Writer considering the field may find the context about the chemistry behind medicines and food to be very helpful.

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Science Teacher

A Science Teacher educates students in scientific principles and concepts. This course may be useful for refreshing one's knowledge of chemistry and exploring its practical applications. The modules on drugs, food additives, detergents, and soaps, may provide examples and demonstrations to engage students and illustrate the relevance of chemistry in everyday life. A Science Teacher considering the field would find the course to be helpful in this role.

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Water Quality Scientist

Water Quality Scientists analyze water samples to assess their purity and safety for human consumption and environmental health. This course may be helpful for understanding the chemical properties of substances that can contaminate water, such as detergents and industrial chemicals. The modules on detergents and soaps, specifically, may provide insights into how these substances can impact water quality. This course, focusing on practical applications of chemistry, may be useful for an individual considering this career.

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Brewmaster

A Brewmaster oversees the brewing process in a brewery, from selecting ingredients to ensuring quality control. This course, with its focus on chemistry in everyday life, may be useful for understanding the chemical reactions and processes involved in brewing. The modules on food additives and detergents may provide insights into the role of chemicals in food and beverage production. This course, focusing on practical applications of chemistry, may be useful for an individual considering this career.

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Agricultural Scientist

Agricultural Scientists conduct research and develop methods to improve crop production and sustainability. While not directly related, this course may be useful for understanding the chemical composition of fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals. The modules on chemicals in food and detergents may provide some context for understanding how these substances can impact soil and plant health. This course, focusing on practical applications of chemistry, may be useful for an individual considering this career.

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Chemistry - Chemistry in Everyday Life

Organic Chemistry

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Chemistry's role in everyday life

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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