Special topics lab course in general chemistry: An introduction to research in materials and nanotechnology

CHED 1841

Daphne M. Norton, dnorton@emory.edu, Department of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322
General chemistry students are anxious for research opportunities. A small laboratory section is taught second semester that focuses on nanomaterials. The goal is to treat the students as members of a scientific community. Rather than performing canned experiments, students explore recent innovations in nanotechnology and materials chemistry. The curriculum is based on materials developed at the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin. Topics include relevant materials such as solar cells, anodized metals, ferrofluids, and precious metal clay. Specifically, students are exposed to the field of electron microscopy to illustrate the connection between molecular structure and physical properties. Course requirements include a poster presentation at the department's undergraduate poster session in the spring. Most students in the course continue to perform research in the department or elsewhere on campus.