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Session 2253

A Laboratory-Driven General Chemistry Course for Engineering and Physical Science Majors

Carmela Amato-Wierda, Christopher F. Bauer, Eleanor Abrams*, David Bourgeois, Anneliese Mueller*, and Emma Torbert

Departments of Chemistry and Education*, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824

Abstract

A laboratory-driven General Chemistry course for engineering and physical science majors has been implemented at the University of New Hampshire. The centerpiece of this effort is the development of Chemprojects. Chemprojects are three-week long projects in which student teams investigate chemically-related problems from various disciplines, including chemistry, engineering, materials science, biochemistry, earth science, soil science, and environmental science. Chemprojects are developed in consultation with faculty from these disciplines and industry. Science education experts are evaluating the effects Chemprojects on student practices, attitudes, and performance. This paper discusses various aspects of the Chemprojects curriculum reform, including: objectives, description of implemented Chemprojects, modifications to lecture and laboratory format, student teams, description of evaluation methods, and preliminary student reactions.

The General Chemistry Curriculum: What Is Needed?

There is an increasing amount of chemistry involved in numerous recent research and technology developments. Many of these developments involve interdisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers working synergistically. For example, the manufacturing of integrated circuits in the semiconductor industry is a series of chemical deposition and etching reactions.1 Biosensors rely on immobilized proteins as part of the sensing mechanism that detects the protein’s substrate. These proteins are immobilized on synthetic lipid membranes.2 Mechanical and electronic devices are being designed at the molecular level. These miniature microelectromechanical systems are known as MEMS and they are manufactured using semiconductor device fabrication. The acceleration sensor used to activate automotive air bags is a MEMS device.3 Individual molecules can be mechanically positioned at room temperature.4 Computational studies are being performed on the dynamics of molecular-sized gears consisting of shafts made from carbon nanotubes and gear teeth that are benzyne molecules bonded to the nanotube. 5

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Torbert, E., & Abrams, E., & Bourgeois, D., & Amato-Wierda, C., & Mueller, A., & Bauer, C. F. (1999, June), A Laboratory Driven General Chemistry Course For Engineering And Physical Science Majors Paper presented at 1999 Annual Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina. 10.18260/1-2--7797