1,267 results on '"Upper-Division Undergraduate"'
Search Results
352. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry Can Provide Critical Thinking Opportunities.
- Author
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Moore, Dale E., Goode, David R., Seney, Caryn S., and Boatwright, Jennifer M.
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ISOTHERMAL titration calorimetry , *CRITICAL thinking , *UNIVERSITY faculty , *CURRICULUM , *UNDERGRADUATES - Abstract
College chemistry faculties might not have considered including isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in their majors' curriculum because experimental data from this instrumental method are often analyzed via automation (software). However, the software-based data analysis can be replaced with a spreadsheet-based analysis that is readily accessible to undergraduate students. This article describes a three-phase study (three lab periods) of cation-hexametaphosphate complexation via ITC, including the asymptote method by which students perform their own ITC data analysis, to demonstrate how ITC experiments can provide students with critical thinking opportunities comparable to other data-analysis-intensive physical-analytical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
353. Using Mathematical Software To Introduce Fourier Transforms in Physical Chemistry To Develop Improved Understanding of Their Applications in Analytical Chemistry.
- Author
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Miller, Tierney C., Richardson, John N., and Kegerreis, Jeb S.
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FOURIER transforms , *PHYSICAL & theoretical chemistry , *ANALYTICAL chemistry , *QUANTUM amplifier , *CHEMISTRY students - Abstract
This manuscript presents an exercise that utilizes mathematical software to explore Fourier transforms in the context of model quantum mechanical systems, thus providing a deeper mathematical understanding of relevant information often introduced and treated as a "black-box" in analytical chemistry courses. The exercise is given to undergraduate students in their third year during physical chemistry, thus providing a theoretical foundation for the subsequent introduction of such material in analytical instrumentation courses. With the reinforcement of familiar concepts such as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, classical correspondence, and linear combinations in the context of both position and momentum space for a particle in a box, a better understanding of the mathematical implications of the Fourier transform is fostered. Subsequent analysis of a time-dependent function constructed via a linear combination and its transformation to the frequency domain provides a practical example relating to the Fourier processes applied in analytical spectroscopy. The final portion of the exercise returns to the position/momentum conjugate pair and explores how the construction of a narrow wavepacket via a sum of cosines illustrates the Uncertainty Principle once the probability density functions of each coordinate are analyzed. This exercise has been shown to not only reinforce fundamental concepts necessary for a true appreciation of quantum mechanics, but also help demystify the Fourier transform process for students taking analytical chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
354. Teaching Inorganic Photophysics and Photochemistry with Three Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes: A Computer-Based Exercise.
- Author
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Garino, Claudio, Terenzi, Alessio, Barone, Giampaolo, and Salassa, Luca
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PHOTOCHEMISTRY , *DENSITY functional theory , *CHEMISTRY students , *CHEMICAL laboratories , *PHOTODISSOCIATION - Abstract
Among computational methods, DFT (density functional theory) and TD-DFT (time-dependent DFT) are widely used in research to describe, inter alia, the optical properties of transition metal complexes. Inorganic/physical chemistry courses for undergraduate students treat such methods, but quite often only from the theoretical point of view. In the calculation exercise herein described, students are guided step by step through the computational study of the photophysics and photochemistry of polypyridyl Ru(II) d6-metal complexes. In particular, by means of DFT and TD-DFT calculations, they are asked to examine and interpret a set of experimental data describing the absorption, emission, and photochemical behavior of three structurally related ruthenium complexes, namely, [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (1), [Ru(tpy)2]2+ (2), and [Ru(bpy)2(py)2]2+ (3). These complexes are particularly suitable for an educational purpose since they exhibit distinct optical and photochemical properties despite being structurally akin to each other. In the computational chemistry laboratory, the instructor progressively guides students through the preparation of DFT and TD-DFT inputs and the use of software for the analysis of output files, including visualization of optimized geometries, absorption spectra, orbitals, and spin density surfaces. The exercise covers training of students in several key concepts concerning the photophysics and photochemistry of transition metal complexes. These include Franck-Condon transitions and the role of ³MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) and ³MC (metal-centered or ligand-field) states in luminescence and ligand photodissociation processes. Notably, the mixed character of this exercise allows its integration with theoretical and experimental activities and the design of truly multidisciplinary courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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355. Heteronuclear Multidimensional Protein NMR in a Teaching Laboratory.
- Author
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Wright, Nathan T.
- Subjects
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NUCLEAR magnetic resonance , *STUDENT teaching , *CHEMICAL laboratories , *CHEMISTRY students , *PROTEIN structure - Abstract
Heteronuclear multidimensional NMR techniques are commonly used to study protein structure, function, and dynamics, yet they are rarely taught at the undergraduate level. Here, we describe a senior undergraduate laboratory where students collect, process, and analyze heteronuclear multidimensional NMR experiments using an unstudied Ig domain (Ig2 of human obscurin) in order to sequence-specifically assign this domain. In this way, this project-oriented laboratory tries to simulate an authentic biomolecular NMR research experience. Through the semester, students gain a more thorough understanding of both the specific technical aspects of multidimensional NMR analysis and the process by which raw data are converted into sequencespecific secondary structural information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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356. Deducing Reaction Mechanism: A Guide for Students, Researchers, and Instructors.
- Author
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Meek, Simon J., Pitman, Catherine L., and Miller, Alexander J. M.
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REACTION mechanisms (Chemistry) , *CHEMISTRY students , *UFOLOGISTS , *COLLEGE teachers , *UPPER level courses (Education) - Abstract
An introductory guide to deducing the mechanism of chemical reactions is presented. Following a typical workflow for probing reaction mechanism, the guide introduces a wide range of kinetic and mechanistic tools. In addition to serving as a broad introduction to mechanistic analysis for students and researchers, the guide has also been used by instructors to provide the organizational structure for an upper-level course on organic and inorganic reaction mechanism. After providing students with the tools of mechanistic study, student-led discussions of case studies and an independent proposal project provide preparation for understanding the mechanism of new reactions encountered in independent research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2016
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357. Teaching with the Case Study Method To Promote Active Learning in a Small Molecule Crystallography Course for Chemistry Students.
- Author
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Campbell, Michael G., Powers, Tamara M., and Shao-Liang Zheng
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ACTIVE learning , *CRYSTALLOGRAPHY , *CHEMISTRY students , *MOLECULES , *CURRICULUM - Abstract
Implementing the case study method in a practical X-ray crystallography course designed for graduate or upper-level undergraduate chemistry students is described. Compared with a traditional lecture format, assigning small groups of students to examine literature case studies encourages more active engagement with the course material and stimulates improved class discussion. In particular, a judicious selection of case studies either from highprofile publications or from literature directly pertaining to students' fields of research allows students to draw an immediate connection between the lecture material and their own academic/research interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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358. Visualization of Buffer Capacity with 3-D "Topo" Surfaces: Buffer Ridges, Equivalence Point Canyons and Dilution Ramps.
- Author
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Smith, Garon C. and Hossain, Md. Mainul
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TOPOGRAPHY , *ACID-base equilibrium , *BUFFER solutions , *DILUTION , *MATHEMATICAL equivalence - Abstract
BufCap TOPOS is free software that generates 3-D topographical surfaces ("topos") for acid-base equilibrium studies. It portrays pH and buffer capacity behavior during titration and dilution procedures. Topo surfaces are created by plotting computed pH and buffer capacity values above a composition grid with volume of NaOH as the x axis and overall system dilution as the y axis. What emerge are surface features that correspond to pH and buffer behaviors in aqueous solutions. Topo surfaces are created for pH, log buffer capacity, and linear buffer capacity. Equivalence point breaks become pH cliffs and logarithmic buffer capacity canyons that grow shallower with dilution. Areas of high buffer capacity become rounded ridges. Dilution alone generates 45° ramps. Example systems include hydrochloric acid, HCl (a strong acid); acetic acid, CH3COOH (a weak monoprotic acid); oxalic acid, HOOCCOOH (a weak diprotic acid); and L-glutamic acid hydrochloride, C5H9NO4∙HCl (a weak triprotic acid). The Supporting Information includes a copy of the interactive BufCap TOPOS program, macro-enabled spreadsheets that quickly generate surfaces for any mono-, di-, or triprotic acid. Only acid dissociation constants, Ka values, need be changed. Other materials include teaching slides for lectures, plus worksheets and laboratory activities for first-year college courses and third-year or graduate analytical chemistry courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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359. Making a Natural Product Chemistry Course Meaningful with a Mini Project Laboratory.
- Author
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Hakim, Aliefman, Liliasari, Kadarohman, Asep, and Syah, Yana Maolana
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NATURAL products , *CHEMISTRY education , *PHARMACY , *METABOLITES , *MEDICINAL plants , *CELL fractionation - Abstract
This paper discusses laboratory activities that can improve the meaningfulness of natural product chemistry course. These laboratory activities can be useful for students from many different disciplines including chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine. Students at the third-year undergraduate level of chemistry education undertake the project to isolate secondary metabolites from medicinal plants. This project provides opportunities for students to design their own activities to isolate secondary metabolites from medicinal plants. Students were exposed to skills as extraction, fractionation, purification, and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites. In this project, two secondary metabolites were successfully isolated from medicinal plants. The implementation of this project improved students' understanding of natural product chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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360. Spectrophotometric Determination of 6-Propyl-2-thiouracil in Pharmaceutical Formulations Based on Prussian Blue Complex Formation: An Undergraduate Instrumental Analysis Laboratory Experiment.
- Author
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Zakrzewski, Robert, Skowron, Monika, Ciesielski, Witold, and Rembisz, Żaneta
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SPECTROPHOTOMETERS , *PROPYL compounds , *THIOURACIL , *DRUG additives , *PRUSSIAN blue , *UNDERGRADUATES , *MEDICAL laboratories - Abstract
The laboratory experiment challenges students to determine 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) based on Prussian blue complex formation. Prussian blue is formed by ferricyanide and Fe(II) ions which are generated in situ from Fe(III) ions reduced by PTU. The absorbance of this product was measured at a wavelength of 840 nm, after a reaction time of 30 min. The range of determination was 0.34-3.4 μg mL-1 of PTU per sample. The method was successfully used in an upper-division instrumental analysis laboratory course to determine the concentration of PTU in commercially available pharmaceuticals. Additionally, students in introductory or high school chemistry classes by conducting this experiment will gain a greater understanding of the chemical analysis process, redox reactions, and the Beer-Lambert law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
361. Teaching UV-Vis Spectroscopy with a 3D-Printable Smartphone Spectrophotometer.
- Author
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Grasse, Elise K., Torcasio, Morgan H., and Smith, Adam W.
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ULTRAVIOLET-visible spectroscopy , *THREE-dimensional printing , *SPECTROPHOTOMETERS , *CHEMISTRY education , *BEER-Lambert law , *SPECTROPHOTOMETRY - Abstract
Visible absorbance spectroscopy is a widely used tool in chemical, biochemical, and medical laboratories. The theory and methods of absorbance spectroscopy are typically introduced in upper division undergraduate chemistry courses, but could be introduced earlier with the right curriculum and instrumentation. A major challenge in teaching spectroscopy is gaining access to laboratory equipment, which can be expensive. Even common educational spectrophotometers still carry a substantial cost and have the disadvantage of being inherently closed designs. We report on a 3D-printable smartphone spectrophotometer that is very inexpensive to build, yet retains the functionality and analytical accuracy necessary to teach concepts like the Beer-Lambert Law. The optical components are arranged in an intuitive, accessible way so that students can see each relevant part and experiment with the parameters. Here, we describe the device and provide exercises to teach different concepts in analytical spectrophotometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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362. Integrating Chemistry Laboratory Instrumentation into the Industrial Internet: Building, Programming, and Experimenting with an Automatic Titrator.
- Author
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Famularo, Nicole, Kholod, Yana, and Kosenkov, Dmytro
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MICROCONTROLLER programming , *CHEMICAL laboratories , *DATA integration , *OPEN source software , *INTERNET - Abstract
This project is designed to improve physical chemistry and instrumental analysis laboratory courses for undergraduate students by employing as teaching tools novel technologies in electronics and data integration using the industrial Internet. The project carried out by upperdivision undergraduates is described. Students are exposed to a complete process of building, calibrating, and programming an automatic titrator using an open-source microcontroller platform and standard pH probes, and integrating the instrument into the Internet. The approach is flexible and can be used to enable integration of various laboratory instruments (e.g., temperature, pressure, salinity probes, etc.) into the industrial Internet. The hardware and software are open-source, which makes further modification and development by the academic community possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
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363. Build Your Own Photometer: A Guided-Inquiry Experiment To Introduce Analytical Instrumentation.
- Author
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Wang, Jessie J., Rodríguez Núñezx, Joseé R., Jane Maxwell, E., and Russ Algar, W.
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UNDERGRADUATES , *PHOTOMETER design & construction , *ANALYTICAL chemistry , *MANIPULATIVE materials (Education) , *INQUIRY-based learning , *LEARNING by discovery , *CHEMISTRY students - Abstract
A guided-inquiry project designed to teach students the basics of spectrophotometric instrumentation at the second year level is presented. Students design, build, program, and test their own single-wavelength, submersible photometer using low-cost light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and inexpensive household items. A series of structured prelaboratory assignments guide students through the processes of researching background information, designing a photometer device, and developing their own procedure to test the performance of the device. Students also learn basic skills of data acquisition by programming an easy-to-use LabVIEW interface for their device. Using a colorimetric indicator dye, students use their photometers and LabVIEW interfaces to determine the endpoint of an acid-base titration and compare the linear response of their device against that of a commercially available spectrophotometer. Students who completed the experiment indicated that the experience improved their understanding of spectroscopy, as well as their critical thinking skills and research ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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364. Chemistry Writing Instruction and Training: Implementing a Comprehensive Approach to Improving Student Communication Skills.
- Author
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Stewart, Alexander F., Williams, Andrea L., Lofgreen, Jennifer E., Edgar, Landon J. G., Hoch, Laura B., and Dicks, Andrew P.
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UNDERGRADUATES , *CHEMISTRY students , *GRADUATE education , *STUDENT-centered learning , *COMMUNICATIVE competence - Abstract
The ability of science undergraduate students to capably communicate course content and their understanding of scientific phenomena through writing has long been considered a problem. Effective methods for improving student writing skills are often fragmented and undertaken on a course-by-course basis rather than as a coordinated approach. This paper describes the implementation of a departmental effort to enhance and evaluate chemistry student writing in several upper-year laboratory courses. The program involves introducing extensive writing focused aspects to course assignments and reports and has impacted over 600 students during a six-year period. Student feedback has been exceptionally positive from undergraduates as well as graduate students who previously participated in the initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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365. Analysis of Whiskey by Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Coupled with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: An Upper Division Analytical Chemistry Experiment Guided by Green Chemistry.
- Author
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Owens, Janel E., Zimmerman, Laura B., Gardner, Michael A., and Lowe, Luis E.
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WHISKEY , *LIQUID-liquid extraction , *GAS chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) , *ANALYTICAL chemistry , *SUSTAINABLE chemistry , *CHLOROFORM - Abstract
Analysis of whiskey samples prepared by a green microextraction technique, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME), before analysis by a qualitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method, is described as a laboratory experiment for an upper division instrumental methods of analysis laboratory course. Here, aroma compounds in whiskey samples (n = 11) were extracted using ultrasound-assisted DLLME with chloroform (as extraction solvent). The chloroform extract was analyzed by GC/MS with data manipulation by AMDIS (automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system) to allow for comparisons between whiskey samples. Aroma compounds commonly reported in the literature (furfural, isoamyl acetate, 5-methyl furfural, ethyl esters, phenylethyl alcohol, whiskeylactone, and vanillin) were tentatively identified based upon the match to the MS library. This unique laboratory allows students to engage in a real-world analysis of a high-value product and to explore the use of AMDIS to tentatively identify compounds and compare chromatographic profiles of various whiskey samples for identification of common and unique constituents. Students also use the literature to provide sensory information for these identified semivolatile compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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366. Peak Race: An In-Class Game Introducing Chromatography Concepts and Terms in Art Conservation.
- Author
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Alcantara-Garcia, Jocelyn and Szelewski, Mike
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CHROMATOGRAPHIC analysis , *PRESERVATION of cultural property , *ART conservation & restoration , *ARCHAEOLOGY & art , *EDUCATIONAL games - Abstract
Chromatography is an indisputably useful analytical technique in the Cultural Heritage arena, and as such it is part of the science Art Conservation curriculum at the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC). Future conservators must understand that development of a chromatogram is the result of different interactions with sample components, mobile and stationary phases, that result in observable peaks at specific retention times. Art and archeology analyses are special in that samples are usually scarce and contain aged and/or degraded complex mixture components. Broadening and overlapping of peaks can be two consequences of the variables, and oftentimes the logics behind such important outcomes can be challenging for students. Here we present an innovative teaching method in the form of a game to help in their understanding of a chromatogram development, why different compounds have specific retention times, and how peaks get broader and/or overlap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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367. What Is the "Areca" in "Areca Nuts"? Extraction and Neuroactive Bioassay of Arecoline.
- Author
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Locock, Katherine, Bakas, Tim, Sanai, Farid, Allan, Robin, and Hinton, Tina
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BETEL nut , *ARECOLINE , *BIOLOGICAL assay , *PLANT cells & tissues , *MUSCARINIC acetylcholine receptors , *PLANT extracts - Abstract
A series of three practical sessions are designed to give students firsthand experience with the preparation of natural product extracts and assay using a live tissue preparation. Areca or betel nuts are the seeds from the fruit of the Areca catechu palm tree that is known to contain a number of pharmacologically active alkaloids. The principal of these is arecoline that makes up to 1% of the dry nut. Arecoline is a potent spasmogenic agent, causing smooth muscle contraction via muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) activation. The first session involves the preparation of methanolic extracts from whole areca nuts and TLC for the qualitative identification of arecoline present in the extract. The second session utilizes the spasmodic effects of arecoline on smooth muscle to allow students to perform a live tissue bioassay using guinea-pig ileum. This response is subsequently blocked by the mAChR antagonist atropine to investigate the mechanism underlying the measured response. The final session gives students the opportunity to construct arecoline dose-response curves based on their experimentally derived data. From this curve and the obtained antagonist results, they are able to calculate an estimate of the arecoline content in the extracts they prepared and the original betel nut samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
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368. What Knowledge of Responsible Conduct of Research Do Undergraduates Bring to Their Undergraduate Research Experiences?
- Author
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Mabrouk, Patricia Ann
- Subjects
- *
UNDERGRADUATES , *ADULT education workshops , *SCIENCE & ethics , *FALSIFICATION of data , *PLAGIARISM , *INTELLECTUAL property - Abstract
Over a three-year period, chemistry and engineering students participating in six Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs were surveyed before and after participating in a research ethics training workshop. The goal was to learn what undergraduate students already knew about key concepts in research ethics at the start of their research experience and to learn the impact of participation in the workshop on their knowledge and understanding of important research ethics concepts. At least two-thirds of the respondents could define fabrication of data, falsification of data, plagiarism, intellectual property, and confidentiality before participating in the training workshop. More than a third, however, could not define the terms personal misrepresentation, authorship, and conflict of interest. Though many students had factual knowledge of the key concepts at the outset, they were found to be unable to apply this knowledge to their summer research projects. Participation in the workshop was found to lead to improved comprehension of all the key science ethics terms selected for study in this project by all participants as reflected in the participants' ability to define the key concepts at the end of the workshop. Participation in the workshop, however, was not found to improve students' ability to apply their knowledge to their research projects. Student responses indicate that the students lacked critical local information on ethical standards needed for them to successfully apply their knowledge to their research projects. These findings together with those of our earlier work point to the importance of engaging individual faculty research mentors in their students' research ethics training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
369. Five Things Chemists (and Other Science Faculty) Should Know about the Education Research Literature.
- Author
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Seethaler, S.
- Subjects
- *
CHEMISTS , *EDUCATION research , *STUDENT-centered learning , *TEACHING aids , *SCIENCE teachers , *UNIVERSITY faculty - Abstract
Faculty are increasingly expected to provide a more student-centered learning experience in their classes, including in large introductory courses. To do this, they may choose from a colorful palette of active learning approaches and tools that have been piloted in a wide variety of settings. Success, however, depends on more than the knowledge of what works and a commitment to implementing it. It requires a deep understanding of the principles of learning that underlie the approach or tool, which in turn requires fluency with the education research literature. While the literature is replete with implications for practice, much of it is written for education researchers rather than for science instructors. This brief commentary aims to help chemists and other faculty efficiently sift through this enormous body of work and glean insights about teaching and learning to improve their practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
370. Conducting Reflective, Hands-On Research with Advanced Characterization Instruments: A High-Level Undergraduate Practical Exploring Solid-State Polymorphism.
- Author
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Coles, S. J. and Mapp, L. K.
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UNDERGRADUATES , *SOLID state chemistry , *POLYMORPHISM (Crystallography) , *CRYSTAL structure , *MOLECULAR structure , *INSTRUCTIONAL systems design , *EDUCATION - Abstract
An undergraduate practical exercise has been designed to provide hands-on, instrument-based experience of advanced characterization techniques. A research experience approach is taken, centered around the concept of solid-state polymorphism, which requires a detailed knowledge of molecular and crystal structure to be gained by advanced analytical techniques normally considered as the preserve of a research facility. Powder and single crystal diffraction techniques are primarily required and implemented via the unique approach of the students themselves using benchtop instruments dedicated to teaching, as opposed to more complex and difficult to access research instruments. Furthermore, the manual instructions for performing the practical are delivered via an adapted Electronic Laboratory Notebook system where, for each specific aspect of the practical, students note their intentions, actions, observations, and inferences. Assessors can access the notebooks and provide targeted online feedback for each individual section. Evaluation of the approach is based on interviews and surveys with the first cohort of 65 students that performed the practical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2016
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
371. Virtual Computational Chemistry Teaching Laboratories—Hands-On at a Distance
- Author
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UCL - SST/IMCN/MODL - Modelling, Kobayashi, Rika, Goumans, Theodorus P. M., Carstensen, N. Ole, Soini, Thomas M., Marzari, Nicola, Timrov, Iurii, Poncé, Samuel, Linscott, Edward B., Sewell, Christopher J., Pizzi, Giovanni, Ramirez, Francisco, Bercx, Marnik, Huber, Sebastiaan P., Adorf, Carl S., Talirz, Leopold, UCL - SST/IMCN/MODL - Modelling, Kobayashi, Rika, Goumans, Theodorus P. M., Carstensen, N. Ole, Soini, Thomas M., Marzari, Nicola, Timrov, Iurii, Poncé, Samuel, Linscott, Edward B., Sewell, Christopher J., Pizzi, Giovanni, Ramirez, Francisco, Bercx, Marnik, Huber, Sebastiaan P., Adorf, Carl S., and Talirz, Leopold
- Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted chemistry teaching practices globally as many courses were forced online, necessitating adaptation to the digital platform. The biggest impact was to the practical component of the chemistry curriculum-the so-called wet lab. Naively, it would be thought that computer-based teaching laboratories would have little problem in making the move. However, this is not the case as there are many unrecognized differences between delivering computer-based teaching in-person and virtually: software issues, technology, and classroom management. Consequently, relatively few “hands-on” computational chemistry teaching laboratories are delivered online. In this paper, we describe these issues in more detail and how they can be addressed, drawing on our experience in delivering a thirdyear computational chemistry course as well as remote hands-on workshops for the Virtual Winter School on Computational Chemistry and the European BIG-MAP project.
- Published
- 2021
372. Teaching Cheminformatics through a Collaborative Intercollegiate Online Chemistry Course (OLCC).
- Author
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Kim, Sunghwan, Kim, Sunghwan, Bucholtz, Ehren C, Briney, Kristin, Cornell, Andrew P, Cuadros, Jordi, Fulfer, Kristen D, Gupta, Tanya, Hepler-Smith, Evan, Johnston, Dean H, Lang, Andrew SID, Larsen, Delmar, Li, Ye, McEwen, Leah R, Morsch, Layne A, Muzyka, Jennifer L, Belford, Robert E, Kim, Sunghwan, Kim, Sunghwan, Bucholtz, Ehren C, Briney, Kristin, Cornell, Andrew P, Cuadros, Jordi, Fulfer, Kristen D, Gupta, Tanya, Hepler-Smith, Evan, Johnston, Dean H, Lang, Andrew SID, Larsen, Delmar, Li, Ye, McEwen, Leah R, Morsch, Layne A, Muzyka, Jennifer L, and Belford, Robert E
- Abstract
While cheminformatics skills necessary for dealing with an ever-increasing amount of chemical information are considered important for students pursuing STEM careers in the age of big data, many schools do not offer a cheminformatics course or alternative training opportunities. This paper presents the Cheminformatics Online Chemistry Course (OLCC), which is organized and run by the Committee on Computers in Chemical Education (CCCE) of the American Chemical Society (ACS)'s Division of Chemical Education (CHED). The Cheminformatics OLCC is a highly collaborative teaching project involving instructors at multiple schools who teamed up with external chemical information experts recruited across sectors, including government and industry. From 2015 to 2019, three Cheminformatics OLCCs were offered. In each program, the instructors at participating schools would meet face-to-face with the students of a class, while external content experts engaged through online discussions across campuses with both the instructors and students. All the material created in the course has been made available at the open education repositories of LibreTexts and CCCE Web sites for other institutions to adapt to their future needs.
- Published
- 2021
373. Problem and Solution of UV–Vis Time-Based Measurements of a Chemical System Involving Gas Product: Application to the Bray–Liebhafsky Oscillatory Reaction
- Author
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Erceg, Ružica, Maksimović, Jelena, Pagnacco, Maja, Erceg, Ružica, Maksimović, Jelena, and Pagnacco, Maja
- Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV)–visible (Vis) spectroscopy is widely used in all modern laboratories as a routine method of analysis. The monitoring of chemical reactions in an aqueous solution involving a gas product is a demanding task but particularly for oscillatory reactions which are obtainable in a narrow concentration range. In this work, the optimization of experimental conditions for UV–Vis measurements of the Bray–Liebhafsky (BL) oscillatory reaction producing oxygen was done by using an internal standard. After applying the method of the internal standard on iodine absorbance at 460 nm, the characteristic BL oscillatory parameters (and iodine changes) are clearly evident. The obtained results allow students to apply their existing knowledge and, through a simple experimental setup, understand the importance of the internal standard, but at the same time, they show how they can solve the problem of UV–Vis noise during the time-based measurements of reactions involving gas products in general.
- Published
- 2021
374. Case Study Teaching for Active Learning on Analytical Quality Assurance Concepts in Relation to Food Safety Exposure Assessment
- Author
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Duedahl-Olesen, Lene, Holmfred, Else, Niklas, Agnieszka Anna, Nielsen, Ida Kallehauge, Sloth, Jens Jørgen, Duedahl-Olesen, Lene, Holmfred, Else, Niklas, Agnieszka Anna, Nielsen, Ida Kallehauge, and Sloth, Jens Jørgen
- Abstract
For food research, control, and production,valid and trustworthy analytical data are important. Our practical chemical food safety course for engineers therefore uses real-life studies for the ease of understanding the concept and the needed requirements for high analytical quality in relation to enabling correct evaluation of chemical food safety. Concepts of chromatography and mass spectrometry were applied and left open for inquiry-based learning and students’ search for information for their actual case study during this 3 week practical course. Three case studies, with three different analytical chemistry challenges, were addressed, namely, iodine, ethyl carbamate, and N-nitrosamine determination by ICP-MS, GC–MS,and LC–MS/MS, respectively. Each group of students successfully concluded one case study by integration of method validation and other appropriate analytical quality concepts with practical conduction of the analysis. The assignment included obtaining their own results,and evaluation of the results in the context of a food safety assessment.Successful vocabulary attainment and learning of quality assurance,analytical concepts, and data evaluation were communicated in report writing as well as oral presentations in front of the other students(in groups) and at the final examination (individually).
- Published
- 2021
375. Dark Field Microscopy for Analytical Laboratory Courses
- Author
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Fang, Ning
- Published
- 2014
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
376. A Gentle Introduction to Machine Learning for Chemists: An Undergraduate Workshop Using Python Notebooks for Visualization, Data Processing, Analysis, and Modeling
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Agustín Alejo García, Brenda H. Cohen, Guillermo Fiorini, Deborah Lafuente, Mauro Bringas, Ezequiel Martin Morzan, and Diego Onna
- Subjects
Data processing ,CHEMOINFORMATICS ,COMPUTER-BASED LEARNING ,purl.org/becyt/ford/5 [https] ,business.industry ,Dimensionality reduction ,purl.org/becyt/ford/5.3 [https] ,General Chemistry ,Python (programming language) ,Machine learning ,computer.software_genre ,COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY ,Toolbox ,Education ,Visualization ,CHEMOMETRICS ,Set (abstract data type) ,Data visualization ,Open source ,Artificial intelligence ,business ,UPPER-DIVISION UNDERGRADUATE ,computer ,computer.programming_language ,INTERDISCIPLINARY/MULTIDISCIPLINARY - Abstract
Machine learning, a subdomain of artificial intelligence, is a widespread technology that is molding how chemists interact with data. Therefore, it is a relevant skill to incorporate into the toolbox of any chemistry student. This work presents a workshop that introduces machine learning for chemistry students based on a set of Python notebooks and assignments. Python, one of the most popular programming languages, is open source, free to use, and has plenty of learning resources. The workshop is designed for students without previous experience in programming, and it aims for a deeper understanding of the complexity of concepts in programming and machine learning. The examples used correspond to real data from physicochemical characterizations of wine, a content that is of interest for students. The contents of the workshop are introduction to Python, basic statistics, data visualization, and dimension reduction, classification, and regression. Fil: Lafuente, Deborah. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Cohen, Brenda. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Fiorini, Guillermo. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Garcia, Agustin Alejo. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentina Fil: Bringas, Mauro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina Fil: Morzan, Ezequiel Martin. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina Fil: Onna, Diego Ariel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Química, Física de los Materiales, Medioambiente y Energía; Argentina
- Published
- 2021
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377. Comment on "Quirks of Stirling's Approximation".
- Author
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Yingbin Ge
- Subjects
- *
APPROXIMATION theory , *STIRLING engines , *BOLTZMANN'S equation , *PHYSICAL & theoretical chemistry , *MICROCANONICAL ensemble - Abstract
In the article "Quirks of Stirling's Approximation" published in this Journal, Macrae and Allgeier appear to conclude erroneously that the exactness of Boltzmann's entropy formula for the microcanonical ensemble depends on the ensemble size. This conclusion seems to originate from the adoption of an unnecessary approximation appearing in Physical Chemistry: A Molecular Approach by McQuarrie and Simon. This letter provides a simple derivation of the entropy of the microcanonical ensemble that leads to the exact Boltzmann expression. In addition, this letter aims to stress that the entropy of a system or an ensemble is truly maximized only when no constraint is imposed on the system or ensemble. In particular, when the entropy of a microcanonical ensemble is to be maximized, it is inappropriate to assume the most probable distribution of the systems in the ensemble because this assumption is an unnecessary and unjustified constraint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
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378. Using Cu Kα1/Kα2 Splitting and a Powder XRD System To Discuss X-ray Generation.
- Author
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Stojilovic, N.
- Subjects
- *
X-ray diffraction , *SINGLE crystals , *UNDERGRADUATES , *CHEMICAL laboratories , *CHEMISTRY students - Abstract
When single crystals are probed by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) systems, the peak widths are smaller and signal intensities are greater than those from powdered samples. Instead of the expected single peak, a doublet can be observed, and undergraduate students face a big challenge explaining its origin. This activity is suitable as an inquiry-based, upper-level undergraduate laboratory activity. Students typically engage in an extensive literature search and reading in order to understand observed diffraction data. With a little bit of guidance from the instructor, students can learn how X-rays are generated, and which X-rays are used in PXRD experiments. They can also learn about the electronic transitions in the target electrode leading to characteristic X-rays and learn about the role of spin-orbit coupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
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379. Synthesis of a Diaryliodonium Salt and Its Use in the Direct Arylation of Indole: A Two-Step Experiment for the Organic Teaching Laboratory
- Author
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Aobha Hickey, Michael Schnürch, Gerard P. McGlacken, Aisling M. Prendergast, Rachel Shanahan, Peter A. Byrne, David Schönbauer, and Francis Harrington
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Indole test ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,Upper-division undergraduate ,010405 organic chemistry ,Aryl ,05 social sciences ,Two step ,Organic chemistry ,050301 education ,Salt (chemistry) ,General Chemistry ,Laboratory instruction ,01 natural sciences ,Catalysis ,0104 chemical sciences ,Education ,Synthesis ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,chemistry ,Hands-on learning/manipulatives ,0503 education - Abstract
In the past decade, C–H functionalization has been a very active topic of research in both academia and industry. When a H atom is replaced by an aryl (or heteroaryl) group, the transformation is termed “direct arylation”. This approach to the formation of key (hetero)aryl–(hetero)aryl bonds is complementary to traditional methods, such as the Suzuki–Miyaura and Stille reactions. Direct arylation/C–H functionalization is not represented in the majority of undergraduate chemistry laboratory curricula. An experiment is described here in which students carry out a multistep process, synthesizing a diaryliodonium salt and using it in the direct arylation of indole. Important organic and organometallic chemistry concepts are covered, including catalysis, traditional cross-coupling, C–H functionalization, multistep reaction processes, and regioselectivity. The experiment was successfully carried out by third- and fourth-year students in two universities over a two-year period (four times in total). Both high-yielding and low-yielding chemical steps were encountered, and a number of pedagogical approaches evolved.
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- 2019
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380. Systems Thinking: Adopting an Emergy Perspective as a Tool for Teaching Green Chemistry
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Francesco Gonella, Sofia Spagnolo, and Alvise Perosa
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Applications of Chemistry ,Systems Thinking ,Sustainability studies ,Mindset ,General Public ,01 natural sciences ,Education ,Emergy ,Environmental Chemistry ,Systems thinking ,Chemistry (relationship) ,Green Chemistry ,Communication ,Upper-Division Undergraduate ,010405 organic chemistry ,Management science ,business.industry ,Settore FIS/01 - Fisica Sperimentale ,05 social sciences ,TheoryofComputation_GENERAL ,050301 education ,Settore CHIM/06 - Chimica Organica ,General Chemistry ,0104 chemical sciences ,Environmental education ,Conceptual framework ,Sustainability ,business ,0503 education - Abstract
Green chemistry is the name of a need, that of encompassing chemistry research and the environmental, safety, health, and societal issues that have been creating unprecedent concerns at a global level. Green chemistry is a modern concept, as the label that represents the entry of chemical sciences in the realm of integrated sustainability studies. To do green chemistry research, we need approaches that take into account the use and availability of resources, as well as the direct or indirect impacts of the applications of new chemistry. Systems thinking is a powerful mindset for addressing the complexity of the interconnections between the traditional and the new aspects of chemistry research. Systems thinking can provide suitable and appropriate conceptual tools for the research, requiring that chemistry teaching provides the necessary familiarity with systemic concepts and practices. In this paper, an emergy (spelled with “m”) perspective is presented as suitable to address the green chemistry didactics toward a systemic conceptual framework, which is now more and more mandatory.
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- 2019
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381. Low-Cost Turbidimeter, Colorimeter, and Nephelometer for the Student Laboratory
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Danijela Ašperger and Marin Kovačić
- Subjects
Science instruction ,Nephelometer ,Second-Year Undergraduate ,Upper-Division Undergraduate ,Analytical Chemistry ,Hands-On Learning/Manipulatives ,Instrumental Methods ,Water/Water Chemistry ,010405 organic chemistry ,business.industry ,Cost effectiveness ,05 social sciences ,Colorimeter ,050301 education ,General Chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,Sound card ,0104 chemical sciences ,Education ,Process engineering ,business ,0503 education - Abstract
A low-cost turbidimeter, colorimeter, and nephelometer (TCN) multipurpose instrument applicable for undergraduate, graduate, and research laboratories is demonstrated within this work. The instrument relies on simple and robust electronics while using a PC sound card as an analog-to-digital converter. The performance of the instrument was evaluated by measuring sulfate content in water. The analyses were compared to a research-grade UV/vis spectrophotometer. Despite its simplicity, the instrument was demonstrated to be an interesting and viable means for hands- on approach teaching in student laboratories.
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- 2019
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382. Implementing a Practical, Bachelor’s-Level Design-Based Learning Course To Improve Chemistry Students’ Scientific Dissemination Skills
- Author
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Michael G. Debije and Stimuli-responsive Funct. Materials & Dev.
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Laboratory Instruction ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Experiential education ,Level design ,Bachelor ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,Education ,Presentation ,Hands-On Learning ,Mathematics education ,ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION ,Chemistry (relationship) ,Curriculum ,Problem Solving ,media_common ,Point (typography) ,010405 organic chemistry ,Collaborative Learning ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,Collaborative learning ,General Chemistry ,Upper-Division Undergraduate ,0104 chemical sciences ,0503 education - Abstract
This work presents an outline for a full-quartile design-based learning laboratory-based course suitable for final year Bachelor's students. The course has been run for 5 years in the department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. The course attempts to provide a complete laboratory experience for its students, including an authentic research project, experience in writing a research paper with realistic limitations of both space and time, and giving of a presentation appropriate for a scientific conference, finally culminating with a written exam, where the questions are based on the written reports and oral presentations of the other students, making the students also course "teachers". This article will discuss both the successful aspects of the course and point out the areas that still need improvement and provides enough information as to allow the transfer of the methodology to other educational curricula.
- Published
- 2019
383. Measuring and Reducing Chemical Spills by Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Providing Feedback
- Author
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Moray S. Stark, Alix Howells, and Aimilia M. Tsokou
- Subjects
medicine.medical_specialty ,Laboratory Instruction ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,Education ,law.invention ,Spillage ,Randomized controlled trial ,law ,medicine ,Medical physics ,Testing/Assessment ,First-Year Undergraduate/General ,Science instruction ,010405 organic chemistry ,Laboratory management ,05 social sciences ,050301 education ,Safety/Hazards ,General Chemistry ,Upper-Division Undergraduate ,Laboratory Management ,0104 chemical sciences ,Second-Year Undergraduate ,Waiting list ,Learning development ,0503 education ,Student group - Abstract
The ability to handle chemicals safely is a key aspect of the learning development of students studying chemistry; however, there have been no previously reported investigations of the quantity of chemicals spilled by students during lab experiments. Therefore, the first part of this article reports the assessment of the volume of chemicals spilled by year 1 undergraduate chemistry students (n = 64) at a U.K. university during an existing chemical analysis practical designed to develop volumetric handling skills. The experiment was carried out on paper liners, allowing the areas of students' spills to be visible and quantified using calibrated spill volumes of liquid to determine the resultant spill area. The volume spilled by the student group was ca. 1.2% of that handled; however, the amount spilled by individual students ranged widely, from ca. 0.02% to ca. 10% of the volume handled. A feedback tool has been developed to allow laboratory demonstrators to rapidly quantify chemical spillage by individual students. This tool also provides the demonstrators with a framework to communicate the potential safety significance of the volume of chemical a student has spilled. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out to examine the effect of providing feedback to students on their chemical spillage during a subsequent experiment. From a cohort of 185 year 1 undergraduate students, 150 consented to be randomized (81%), and data was collected for 144 students (96% of those randomized). A Hodges-Lehmann estimator for the median change in volume spilled during the second experiment due to providing feedback on spillage during first experiment was a 50% decrease in volume spilled (95% confidence range: 0 to 80% decrease, Mann-Whitney U test p = 0.05). The RCT was a waiting list trial, with all student receiving feedback either during or after the RCT, with blinded assessment by the demonstrators assessing volume spilled for the RCT.
- Published
- 2019
384. Designing and Teaching a Novel Interdisciplinary Course on Complex Systems To Prepare New Generations To Address 21st-Century Challenges
- Author
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Pier Luigi Gentili
- Subjects
Professional Development ,Applications of Chemistry ,Engineering ,Chemistry education ,Natural computing ,business.industry ,Systems Thinking ,Graduate Education/Research ,Interdisciplinary/Multidisciplinary ,Problem Solving/Decision Making ,Upper-Division Undergraduate ,Professional development ,Complex system ,General Chemistry ,Education ,Course (navigation) ,Humanity ,ComputingMilieux_COMPUTERSANDEDUCATION ,Engineering ethics ,Systems thinking ,business - Abstract
The challenges that humanity is facing spur universities to reorganize chemistry education. A contribution to the project of reimagining chemistry education is a novel interdisciplinary course that presents the properties of complex systems through the theories of out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics, nonlinear dynamics, and natural computing. This course introduces upper-division undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. students to systems thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge about complex systems, which are two relevant assets for tackling the challenges of the 21st century.
- Published
- 2019
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385. Student Skill Development with the Real World: Analyzing tert-Butyl Alcohol Content in Gasoline Samples
- Author
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Michael J. Smith, Bruna Gonçalves, Gabriela Botelho, Maria José Medeiros, and Universidade do Minho
- Subjects
Laboratory Instruction ,Ciências Químicas [Ciências Naturais] ,Social Sciences ,ComputerApplications_COMPUTERSINOTHERSYSTEMS ,Indústria, inovação e infraestruturas ,01 natural sciences ,Analytical Chemistry ,Education ,Transport engineering ,Qualitative analysis ,In vehicle ,Gasoline ,Operational costs ,Gas Chromatography ,Science instruction ,Science & Technology ,010405 organic chemistry ,05 social sciences ,Quantitative Analysis ,Laboratory skills ,050301 education ,General Chemistry ,Upper-Division Undergraduate ,Skill development ,Ciências Naturais::Ciências Químicas ,0104 chemical sciences ,Oxygenates ,Gasoline formulation ,Energia ,Qualitative Analysis ,0503 education - Abstract
In the activity described in this communication, the authors present a simple experiment that can be implemented with moderate operational costs and that allows students to acquire the manipulative skills necessary for chromatographic analysis of a familiar fuel that still plays a fundamental role in providing energy for transport of passengers and goods. The use of gasoline formulations in a laboratory activity presents students with a motivating subject of study and an opportunity to apply analytical procedures to the characterization of controlled substances used in vehicle fuel formulations., The authors acknowledge support from the Foundation for Science and Technology (CQ/UM PEST-C/QUI/UIO686/2013 FCT, Portugal) and FEDER (European Fund for Regional Development)-COMPETE-QREN-EU through the Chemistry Research Centre of the University of Minho
- Published
- 2019
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386. Integrating Scientific Growth and Professional Development Skills in Research Environments to Aid in the Persistence of Marginalized Students.
- Author
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Mackiewicz MR, Hosbein KN, Mason D, and Ajjarapu R
- Abstract
Here, we describe strategies for integrating transferrable professional development (PD) skills into research learning environments for marginalized undergraduate students. The undergraduate research experience evolved to include the competencies students need to be successful and to gain a sense of belonging in the chemistry community they are seeking. These asset-based transferrable PD skills are part of the "hidden curriculum" not taught in traditional classrooms and yet are an integral part of student learning and success. Furthermore, current practices, or lack thereof, tend to promote inequity and fail to amplify key asset-based skills for marginalized students to navigate academic, industrial, and professional settings effectively. Consequently, many students leave STEM communities. The following six PD skills are core competencies that have been implemented in a diverse undergraduate research environment to equip students with the skills needed to navigate various STEM environments. These include: (1) Effective Communication, (2) Negotiation, (3) Leadership, (4) Networking, (5) Interpersonal skills, and (6) Active Listening. Learning topics for each of the PD skills enable mentors to help preprofessional, marginalized students gain a sense of belonging, build a network, connect with mentors, develop self-advocacy, implement interpersonal skills, manage conflict, and navigate spaces that do not fully represent them. The inclusive integration of scientific and PD skills into research experiences serves as a template that can be extended to high school and graduate students. These integrated transferrable skills are one way to increase diversity in STEM professions and bridge the gap in leadership in academia and industry., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest.
- Published
- 2023
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387. DNA nanotechnology in the undergraduate laboratory: Electrophoretic analysis of DNA nanostructure biostability.
- Author
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Chandrasekaran AR
- Abstract
The field of DNA nanotechnology has grown rapidly in the last decade and has expanded to multiple laboratories. While lectures in DNA nanotechnology have been introduced in some institutions, laboratory components at the undergraduate level are still lacking. Undergraduate students predominantly learn about DNA nanotechnology through their involvement as interns in research laboratories. The DNA nanostructure biostability analysis experiment presented here can be used as a hands-on introductory laboratory exercise for discussing concepts in DNA nanotechnology in an undergraduate setting. This experiment discusses biostability, gel electrophoresis and quantitative analysis of nuclease degradation of a model DNA nanostructure, the paranemic crossover (PX) DNA motif. The experiment can be performed in a chemistry, biology or a biochemistry laboratory with minimal costs and can be adapted in undergraduate institutions using the instructor and student manuals provided here. Laboratory courses based on cutting edge research not only provide students a direct hands-on approach to the subject, but can also increase undergraduate student participation in research. Moreover, laboratory courses that reflect the increasingly multidisciplinary nature of research add value to undergraduate education., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST The author declares no conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2023
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388. Implementation of Problem-Based Learning in Environmental Chemistry.
- Author
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Jansson, Stina, Söderström, Hanna, Andersson, Patrik L., and Nording, Malin L.
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL chemistry study & teaching (Higher) , *CHEMISTRY education in universities & colleges , *GROUP work in education , *PROBLEM solving , *DECISION making - Abstract
Environmental Chemistry covers a range of topics within the discipline of chemistry, from toxicology to legislation, which warrants interdisciplinary study. Consequently, problem-based learning (PBL), a style of student-centered learning which facilitates the integration of multiple subjects, was investigated to determine if it would be a more appropriate instructional method for teaching Environmental Chemistry than the traditional teachercentered education model. This article describes the practical aspects of course development and implementation of PBL in a master's level course in Environmental Chemistry. Overall, the results, which were collected from the initial two years of the course, indicated that the students were pleased and found PBL to be an efficient methodology for not only learning, but also acquiring an in-depth understanding of Environmental Chemistry. This is intended as a casestudy with the target audience consisting primarily of high school and undergraduate chemistry teachers, but may also be useful for teachers in other subject areas with an interest in studentcentered education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
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- View/download PDF
389. Opposites Attract: Organic Charge Transfer Salts.
- Author
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van de Wouw, Heidi L., Chamorro, Juan, Quintero, Michael, and Klausen, Rebekka S.
- Subjects
- *
ORGANIC chemistry research , *AROMATIC compounds , *ORGANIC cyclic compounds , *CONDUCTIVITY of electrolytes , *ELECTRIC conductivity research - Abstract
A laboratory experiment is described that introduces second-year undergraduate organic chemistry students to organic electronic materials. The discovery of metallic conductivity in the charge transfer salt tetrathiafulvalene tetracyanoquinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ) is a landmark result in the history of organic electronics. The charge transfer interaction is not only relevant to real-world applications, it also has pedagogical value related to understanding redox chemistry, aromaticity, and conjugation. In this laboratory experiment, students carry out a solution phase synthesis of TTF-TCNQ from the molecular precursors TTF and TCNQ. The product is characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Characteristic changes in absorption frequency are correlated with increased aromatic character and observable lengthening of the nitrile bond. In an optional extension, students experimentally verify the great difference in conductivity between the charge transfer salt and the neutral parent components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
390. Particle on a Ring Spectroscopic Selection Rules Determined by Group Theory.
- Author
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Jackson, Victoria S. and Williams, Darren L.
- Subjects
- *
QUANTUM chemistry , *CHEMISTRY education in universities & colleges , *GROUP theory , *DECISION making , *RAMAN spectroscopy , *HIGHER education - Abstract
Early introduction of symmetry concepts in the Physical Chemistry curriculum has been shown to help students understand the relative simplicity of spectroscopic selection rules. Most Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy textbooks begin with various one-dimensional problems. Application of symmetry arguments to the particle-in-a-box problem is presented in some books, but no sources have been found where symmetry arguments are used to determine the selection rules for particle-on-a-ring spectroscopic transitions. This hinders the early introduction of symmetry concepts. This article removes this hindrance by deriving the particle-on-a-ring rotational selection rules using group theory symmetry arguments. The D∞h character table is used to define rotational wave function symmetry, and the D∞h direct product table is used to determine the nonzero behavior of the transition dipole moment integral. A survey of the symmetry of allowed transitions leads to the well-known rotational selection rules of Δm = 0 for Rayleigh scattering, Δm = ±1 for direct absorption and emission, and Δm = ±2 for Raman scattering. This approach will allow the use of symmetry arguments for spectroscopic selection rule determination for the one-dimensional problems that establish the early foundation in Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
391. Incorporating Research-Based Problems from the Primary Literature into a Large-Scale Organic Structure Analysis Course.
- Author
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Jiahai Ma
- Subjects
- *
CHEMISTRY education in universities & colleges , *CHEMISTRY education , *GRADUATE education , *INQUIRY-based learning , *ACTIVE learning , *LEARNING by discovery - Abstract
Problems are an important part of teaching and important for achieving the creative education targets for graduates and upper-division undergraduates. Besides classical problems in textbooks, problems from recent research should be involved in class, too. This article reports how literature-based problems were incorporated in a scalable manner in a largescale graduate course of organic structure analysis with widely varying levels of student preparedness at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Two literature based problem designing cases were detailed, aiming at bringing possibilities and challenges to the students that are highly welcomed by them, and more such problems were provided further. The implications for both students and teachers were discussed to guide the future designing of more effective problems. These problems give students experience in modern scientific research in a large-scale class and build upon a habit that strongly emphasizes research-style thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
392. Illustrating Concepts in Physical Organic Chemistry with 3D Printed Orbitals.
- Author
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Robertson, Michael J. and Jorgensen, William L.
- Subjects
- *
PHYSICAL organic chemistry , *ORGANIC chemistry education in universities & colleges , *ATOMIC orbitals , *ATOMIC structure , *THREE-dimensional printing , *HIGHER education - Abstract
Orbital theory provides a powerful tool for rationalizing and understanding many phenomena in chemistry. In most introductory chemistry courses, students are introduced to atomic and molecular orbitals in the form of twodimensional drawings. In this work, we describe a general method for producing 3D printing files of orbital models that can be employed with most popular software packages for performing electronic structure calculations and molecular visualization. Methods for producing both solid and mesh orbitals are provided, including pointers for producing a model that is both informative and structurally sound. Finally, numerous examples of various systems of interest in physical organic chemistry are provided in the .stl format for 3D printing, as well as a fully illustrated tutorial for the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
393. Exploring Hydrogen Evolution and the Overpotential.
- Author
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Lyon, Yana A., Roberts, Adrienne A., and McMillin, David R.
- Subjects
- *
BIOENERGETICS , *THERMODYNAMICS research , *CATHODES , *INORGANIC chemistry ,CATALYSTS recycling - Abstract
The laboratory experiment described provides insight into the energetics of hydrogen evolution at an electrode as well as the intrinsic barrier that typically impedes reaction. In the course of the exercise, students find that Sn(s) is thermodynamically capable of combining with protons to form hydrogen, but that the direct reaction occurs at a negligible rate in the absence of an applied overpotential or a suitable catalyst. Exploring the latter option, students fabricate mini-cells with tin as the anode and either copper or platinum as the cathode. Upon immersing the assemblies in HCl(aq), they observe vigorous formation of H2(g), but only when tin and platinum electrodes are present. They also detect a change in mass that is attributable to the loss of tin, and they attempt to reconcile the stoichiometry of reaction. The exercise requires minimal equipment and provides useful insight into processes that are potentially important to the future energy economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
394. Open-Access, Interactive Explorations for Teaching and Learning Quantum Dynamics.
- Author
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Polizzi, Nicholas F. and Beratan, David N.
- Subjects
- *
STUDY & teaching of quantum theory , *STUDY & teaching of physical & theoretical chemistry , *PHYSICS , *THERMODYNAMICS , *DISTANCE education - Abstract
While the research field of quantum dynamics (QD) benefits from advances in modern computational power, the educational field of QD paradoxically does not. We have developed an open-access, interactive, electronic notebook that leverages a user-friendly interface to engage a new generation of visual learners with QD. We begin each topic (e.g., adiabaticity, light-matter interactions, and relaxation processes) with essential questions, issues, and background that orient the learner; we then move directly to visual explorations of the phenomena, where the learner can immediately manipulate parameters that control and drive the physics. This notebook requires only a computer that can run Wolfram's computable document format (CDF) files (both the notebook and CDF player are free) and enables learning in a variety of contexts and grade levels: flipped classrooms, small groups, and high school students through advanced researchers. Without sacrificing rigor, Quantum Dynamics...with the Dynamics! (QDWD) aims to develop physical intuition and is built in the spirit of hands-on experimentation with immediate and visual results. The hierarchical structure of QDWD lends itself to differentiated instruction, where a motivated or advanced student can explore the computer code, mathematical formalism, and underpinning physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
395. Atoms versus Bonds: How Students Look at Spectra.
- Author
-
Cullipher, Steven and Sevian, Hannah
- Subjects
- *
CHEMICAL structure , *ATOMS , *CHEMICAL bonds , *PHYSICAL & theoretical chemistry , *MOLECULAR structure , *EDUCATION - Abstract
Students often face difficulties when presented with chemical structures and asked to relate them to properties of those substances. Learning to relate structures to properties, both in predicting properties based on chemical structures and interpreting properties to infer structure, is pivotal in students' education in chemistry. This troublesome but critical concept is often referred to as structure--property relationships. While there is no shortage of literature on students' difficulties with this concept, there is a lack of methodologies that can directly and quantitatively reveal underlying assumptions about structure--property relationships that constrain students' thinking. This study applied a "chemical thinking" lens to elucidate assumptions about structure--property relationships thinking. A combination of qualitative analysis using a think-aloud interview protocol was used with quantitative analysis of eye tracking data to probe students' reasoning when relating molecular structures of volatile hydrochlorocarbons to infrared spectral properties. Our initial findings offer partial validation of a newly developed methodology for analyzing eye tracking data to expose reasoning patterns that appear to correspond to identifiable underlying assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
396. A Wiki-Based Group Project in an Inorganic Chemistry Foundation Course.
- Author
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Kristian, Kathleen E.
- Subjects
- *
INORGANIC chemistry education in universities & colleges , *CHEMISTRY education in universities & colleges , *AUDIOVISUAL education , *BIOINORGANIC chemistry , *HIGHER education - Abstract
A semester-long group project that utilizes wiki sites to enhance collaboration was developed for a foundation course in inorganic chemistry. Through structured assignments, student groups use metal-based or metalcombating therapeutic agents as a model for applying and understanding course concepts; they also gain proficiency with scientific- and web-based software. Each group displays their assignment products on a cohesive wiki, which serves as a study guide about the assigned therapeutic agent. Students periodically peer review other groups' wikis to learn how ongoing constructive feedback can improve a final product and to practice effective collaboration. Group presentations covering the wiki content and the therapeutic action of the drug are delivered at the end of the semester. This project could be utilized in other chemistry courses with appropriate topic selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
397. The Digital Pipetting Badge: A Method To Improve Student Hands-On Laboratory Skills.
- Author
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Towns, Marcy, Harwood, Cynthia J., Robertshaw, M. Brooke, Fish, Jason, and O'Shea, Kevin
- Subjects
- *
CHEMISTRY education in universities & colleges , *CHEMICAL laboratories , *CHEMISTRY students , *SCIENTIFIC experimentation , *EXPERIMENTS - Abstract
An evidence centered design approach was used to develop, implement, and assess a novel and innovative digital pipetting badge using Purdue's Passport system. Each student in a large lecture course created a video demonstrating how to use a 10 mL pipet to dispense liquid. The video was uploaded into the Passport system, which allowed instructors to give each student feedback on their pipetting technique and to either accept or deny the video. Students who had denied videos were able to use the feedback to improve their technique, reshoot the video, and upload it again for grading. Student perceptions of their knowledge, confidence, and experience pipetting were collected before and after the laboratory where the videos were created. Analysis demonstrated significant differences in student perceptions and large effect sizes. Over 90% of students correctly answered a multiple-choice item on the first exam and the final pertaining to the process of pipetting. The digital pipetting badge significantly and positively impacted classroom practices wherein the students learned to pipet more effectively and improved their knowledge, confidence, and experience in pipetting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
398. Teaching Thermodynamics of Ideal Solutions: An Entropy-Based Approach To Help Students Better Understand and Appreciate the Subtleties of Solution Models.
- Author
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Tomba, J. Pablo
- Subjects
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THERMODYNAMICS education , *ENTROPY , *THERMODYNAMIC state variables , *PHYSICAL & theoretical chemistry , *CHEMICAL engineering , *EDUCATION - Abstract
The thermodynamic formalism of ideal solutions is developed in most of the textbooks postulating a form for the chemical potential of a generic component, which is adapted from the thermodynamics of ideal gas mixtures. From this basis, the rest of useful thermodynamic properties can be derived straightforwardly without further hypothesis. Although formally elegant, this approach to ideal solutions does not allow appreciation of subtle concepts embodied in the model such as requirements of molecular size and shape or the fact that equations that contain the universal gas constant (R) can be applied to describe liquid or solid solutions. As alternative, it is discussed here an approach centered on the behavior of the partial molar entropy of the component using the framework provided by the concept of accessible volume. It is shown that this way of presenting the topic allows a more natural flow and, particularly, analytical justification of all the hypothesis and ideas behind many fundamental solution models, including that of ideal solutions, with the extra advantage that it can almost entirely carried out from a macroscopic point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
399. 3D Printed Potential and Free Energy Surfaces for Teaching Fundamental Concepts in Physical Chemistry.
- Author
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Kaliakin, Danil S., Zaari, Ryan R., and Varganov, Sergey A.
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FREE energy (Thermodynamics) , *THERMODYNAMIC state variables , *PHYSICAL & theoretical chemistry , *SPECTROMETRY , *SPECTRUM analysis - Abstract
Teaching fundamental physical chemistry concepts such as the potential energy surface, transition state, and reaction path is a challenging task. The traditionally used oversimplified 2D representation of potential and free energy surfaces makes this task even more difficult and often confuses students. We show how this 2D representation can be expanded to more realistic potential and free energy surfaces by creating surface models using 3D printing technology. The printed models include potential energy surfaces for the hydrogen exchange reaction and for rotations of methyl groups in 1-fluoro-2-methylpropene calculated using quantum chemical methods. We also present several model surfaces created from analytical functions of two variables. These models include a free energy surface for protein folding, and potential energy surfaces for a linear triatomic molecule and surface adsorption, as well as simple double minimum, quadruple minimum, and parabolic surfaces. We discuss how these 3D models can be used in teaching different chemical kinetics, dynamics, and vibrational spectroscopy concepts including the potential energy surface, transition state, minimum energy reaction path, reaction trajectory, harmonic frequency, and anharmonicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
400. 3D Printing of Protein Models in an Undergraduate Laboratory: Leucine Zippers.
- Author
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Meyer, Scott C.
- Subjects
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LEUCINE zippers , *DNA-binding proteins , *THREE-dimensional printing , *BIOPRINTING , *MOLECULAR graphics - Abstract
An upper-division undergraduate laboratory experiment is described that explores the structure/function relationship of protein domains, namely leucine zippers, through a molecular graphics computer program and physical models fabricated by 3D printing. By generating solvent accessible surfaces and color-coding hydrophobic, basic, and acidic amino acid residues, students are able to visualize noncovalent interactions that are important in protein folding and protein-protein interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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