Engaging and challenging undergraduates via interdisciplinary coursework: A new learner-centered approach to materials chemistry

CHED 1508

Lon A. Porter Jr., Department of Chemistry, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, IN 47933
Ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, superconductors, alloys, and composites are the materials of choice for a host of important applications ranging from building materials and advanced microelectronics to food packaging and medical implants. In order to develop or select the proper material for a certain application, scientists and engineers must understand the structure of various materials at the microscopic level. Therefore, we have designed a new course open to upper-level undergraduate students that focuses on the basic chemistry behind materials and their applications. Using learner-centered approaches, we utilize this course as an opportunity for applying the fundamentals taught in prior chemistry courses to applications and problems with a broader scope. Utilization of a central text is supplemented by the use of the primary chemical literature. In addition to lecture and peer-facilitated discussion, students participate in laboratory exercises, oral presentations, and a major writing assignment.
 

Research and Education in Material Science
8:30 AM-11:35 AM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Hilton New Orleans Riverside -- Rosedown, Oral

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008