Teaching organic synthesis: A comparative case study approach

CHED 152

David A. Vosburg, david_vosburg@hmc.edu, Department of Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College, 301 Platt Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711
In this course, students encounter reactions and mechanisms in the context of landmark syntheses of biologically important molecules. Students closely examine pairs of syntheses of related or identical molecules to facilitate their appreciation for synthetic strategy. They then write short, creative papers that critically compare related syntheses. Teams of students present to their peers the key aspects of each synthesis, encouraging discussion and responding to online peer-generated questions. The course culminates in oral and written proposals for novel syntheses of student-selected molecules. This teaching model is an effective means for introducing students to the primary literature and is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, March 25, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, March 26, 2007 Hyatt Regency Chicago -- Riverside Center, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 233rd ACS National Meeting, Chicago, IL, March 25-29, 2007