Enriching a science and art course for nonscience majors through polarized light microscopy

CHED 33

Michael S. Leonard, mleonard@washjeff.edu, Department of Chemistry, Washington & Jefferson College, 60 South Lincoln Street, Washington, PA 15301
The CWCS Chemistry and Art workshop provided the foundation for development of a module on Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) within a Science and Art course for non-science majors at Washington and Jefferson College. The Dorothy and Moses Passer Education Fund provided support for the instructor's attendance at the McCrone Research Institute's intensive course on PLM. Subsequently, the Spectroscopic Society of Pittsburgh awarded Washington and Jefferson College a grant for the acquisition of two Polarized Light Microscopes and a digital camera attachment. The microscopes have been used by chemistry majors in independent projects and by non-science majors in the Science and Art course. The implementation of this curriculum enhancement will be discussed.