Incorporating a research-based case study approach in organic chemistry: Building bridges between science, engineering and business management

CHED 241

Anusree Ganguly, Ayesha Moghul, Le-Mei Tsang, Chad Bischoff, Tram Nahn, Inna Riva, Heta Desai, Linh Nguyen, and William Kinsley. Department of Chemistry, Ohlone College, 43600 Mission Blvd, P.O. Box 3909, Fremont, CA 94539
This summer research project describes a group-learning approach aimed at understanding complex topics of organic chemistry such as drug-development and bio-medical research. By way of case-studies, actual market analysis and a dynamic "business-development model" the project aims at an in-depth study and understanding of principles such as organic synthetic strategies, marketing of new drugs, scale-up processes, chemical trials, FDA approvals, market risks, opportunities and successes. The motivation for this research, the methodology used to gather and interpret the collected data and the significance of the interpretation are tied to student learning outcomes. This research provides an excellent demonstration of blending a unique interdisciplinary research methodology in the chemistry curriculum.