Bachelor
2025/2026
Prolegomena to the History of Chemistry
Type:
Compulsory course (Chemistry)
Delivered by:
Joint Department of Organic Chemistry with the RAS Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry
When:
4 year, 1, 2 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Instructors:
Alexey Voronin
Language:
English
Course Syllabus
Abstract
Any large and independent science involves studying and immersing in its history. The main task of studying history of any human activity is to study the objective process of its emergence and development. The course of history of chemistry is intended to show the directions of development of this science, the cause-and-effect relations between its various phenomena. The aim of the course is to understand the logic of the process and to figure out why chemistry evolved the way we know. This is possible through studying and analysing the biographies of major chemists, the history of chemistry departments of universities and other institutions, key discoveries of natural science in general and chemistry in particular. The study of history of chemistry is an important aspect and a necessary element for modern chemical education. Providing students of chemistry departments with professional competences should take place not only through introduction to the contemporary scientific community and familiarisation with its main trends, but also through building stable connections to the science of the past and its discoveries. After all, while standing on the shoulders of giants one gets more vantage point
Learning Objectives
- To study the chemistry timeline and analyze how chemistry has altered humans history and predict how it will continue to do so in the future. Discuss the socio-political implications of chemistry research and development of chemistry knowledge throughout history.
- To study scientific biographs and analyze the impact of human interactions (rivalries, friendships, greed, sexism, etc.) on scientific endeavors.
- Examine cultural values and their influence on chemistry research in different historical periods. Identify how and why technologies are integrated into daily life by comparing past and present integrations of technology and predicting future integration.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- the ability to perceive the intercultural diversity of society in socio-historical, ethical and philosophical contexts
- The ability to manage time, create and implement a trajectory of self-development based on the principles of lifelong education
Course Contents
- Ancient Chemistry
- Early Chemistry
- Chemistry of the XIX century
- Chemistry of the XX century
- Chemistry of the XXI century
Assessment Elements
- Brainstorm
- Attendance
- Presentationдоклад представляет собой устную презентацию с или без иллюстративным материалом на английском языке по заранее обговорённой с преподавателем теме в течение 10-15 минут и последующее обсуждение с аудиторией озвученного материала в течение 5-10 минут.
- creative workПредставляет собой творческое задание, заключающееся в создании иллюстративного материала по обговорённой с преподавателем теме.
Interim Assessment
- 2025/2026 2nd module0.29 * Attendance + 0.15 * Brainstorm + 0.4 * Presentation + 0.16 * creative work
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Intellectual history of Europe : reader: second semester, , 2003
- Kwa, C. (2011). Styles of Knowing : A New History of Science From Ancient Times to the Present. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=829387
- Lightman, B. V. (2016). A Companion to the History of Science. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1163670
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- Science in world history, Trefil, J., 2012