Development and assessment of an integrated NMR curriculum

CHED 96

Kimberly C. Earnheart, knc122@psu.edu, Nancy M. Washton, nam@chem.psu.edu, Dan G. Sykes, dgs12@psu.edu, Mine G. Ucak-Astarlioglu, mgu1@psu.edu, and Karl T. Mueller, ktm2@psu.edu. Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, 104 Chemistry Building, University Park, PA 16802
Chemistry students are introduced to many scientific instruments throughout their undergraduate careers, but often depth of understanding is sacrificed for breadth of exposure. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one experimental technique treated in multiple courses, but the analysis of data is usually limited to structural information while a wealth of additional applications for NMR are left unexplored (e.g., dynamics, kinetics, etc.). The goal of our curricular development and research is the integration of the many aspects of this complex technique into a cohesive picture for undergraduates that blends theory, instrument design, and application. The project described here involves development and assessment of a comprehensive suite of NMR laboratory exercises that build up in levels of complexity and can be implemented across the undergraduate chemistry curriculum, including courses in organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and instrumental analysis.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, 26 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 231st ACS National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 26-30, 2006