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Science and Society I: Chemistry and its Societal Environment
Naturwissenschaft und Gesellschaft I: Chemie im Umfeld
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:23:37
Abstract
Overview of benefits and risks of chemical products and of previous and present problem areas of the chemical industry; case studies on DDT and CFCs; legal context and international treaties; analysis of sustainability reports from chemical companies.
Objective
Overview of actors determining the chemical industry and its societal environment; own experience of the argument-based balance of benefits and risks.
Content
Presentation of important stakeholders of the chemical industry (government, public, NGOs etc.) and of societal guiding principles such as sustainability; historical development of the chemical industry; illustration of mass flows from resources to products and waste; case studies on DDT and CFCs; discussion of chlorine chemistry and of naturally occurring vs. man-made chemicals; Responsible Care and Environmental, Health and Safety reporting (EHS); sustainability and precautionary principle; legislation and international treaties; comparison of risks and benefits; some lessons given by representatives of the chemical industry and NGOs; own discussion of a problem case in a short essay on a topic of the course.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Transparencies are handed out as a basis for own notes.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Naturwissenschaft und Gesellschaft I: Chemie im Umfeld |
|
1 h weekly |