CHM 1045 (General Chemistry 1):
Description: This section of General Chemistry 1 will use the chemistry curriculum Chemistry, Life, the Universe and Everything. While the approach may be somewhat different from what you are used to, we believe (and have evidence) that you will finish this course with a deeper understanding of chemistry principles, and that you will be able to use this knowledge in subsequent courses. That is, you will learn what you need to know for further study in chemistry and other subjects – for example biological and materials sciences.
Topics covered in this course include 1) atoms, 2) electrons and orbitals, 3) elements, bonding and physical properties, 4) heterogeneous compounds, and 5) systems thinking.
CHM 1046 (General Chemistry 2):
Description: This section of General Chemistry 2 will use the chemistry curriculum Chemistry, Life, the Universe and Everything. The curriculum is based on research on learning and designed to help you to learn the fundamental concepts of chemistry.
Topics covered in this course include 1) systems thinking, 2) solutions, 3) chemical reactions, 4) how far? how fast?, and 5) reaction systems.
Learning Assistants:
Key to our facilitation of an active-learning, student-centered pedagogy at FIU are our undergraduate Learning Assistants (LAs). These students apply to the program after completing the entire General Chemistry course sequence and are selected based on their performance in the course and how well they can explain the material and facilitate a group discussion.
Pictured below are my most recent cohort of LAs. These 10 scholars helped me in the transition to remote learning in Spring 2020 and a fully remote Fall 2020. This picture was taken at our Christmas gathering to connect and “celebrate” an exceptional, interesting year!
Pictured from L to R, top to bottom: Ian Cespedes, Gabriel Flambert, Carlos Suanes, Vivi Montalti, George Rophail, Ingrid Lopez, Brandon Arriaga, Tommy Sion-Mondragon, Dr. Carmel, Dani Martinez, and Nicole Reynoso.