CHED 500 |
| Closed-ended laboratory experiments in our sophomore Organic Chemistry II course were replaced with a research-based laboratory experience. A carefully chosen research project formed the basis for the semester's laboratory work, with teams of four students working on different aspects of the project. Upper-division majors served in a role akin to that of postdoctoral associates, mentoring students in research methodology and instrumental techniques. The curricular redesign brought our long-standing senior research requirement to students at an early stage in their academic experience. Research activity was coordinated among several laboratory sections through the use a WIKI-based laboratory notebook so that each lab section's results can be communicated to the next lab section in a timely fashion. A voluntary assessment polled 32 out of the 46 students enrolled to gauge student attitudes. The detailed assessment revealed a high level of student enthusiasm, confidence building, and concrete skills acquisition, in addition to pointing out areas for program improvement. |
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General Papers
1:00 PM-2:55 PM, Thursday, August 23, 2007 Seaport -- Constitution Room, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |