Search

The Making Introductory Courses Real while Online (MICRO) laboratory project was developed to meet the need for hands-on experiments, focused on topics in analytical chemistry, to be delivered safely remotely or in a socially distanced in-person lab. Unlike more traditional lab experiments, MICRO laboratories use only microgram or nanogram amounts of chemicals; paper microfluidic technology is used to store and mix reactants. Instructional materials use an inquiry-based approach and are situated in a context that highlights the human impacts of the scientific analysis. To support broader-scale implementation of the experiments and promote a shift to more inquiry-based laboratory instruction, an array of supports were developed, including adaptable instructional materials, instructional videos for lab preparation, resource guides, and an introductory workshop. A cohort of nine institutions implemented MICRO laboratories both remotely and in person during Fall 2020. Students were able to successfully complete the experiments, and the inquiry nature of the laboratories led to an increased comfort with the trial-and-error nature of authentic scientific practice. Additionally, most faculty participants indicated a commitment to an increased degree of inquiry in their laboratory pedagogy.

We have successfully developed a one-semester general chemistry course that meets the primary learning goals of the traditional two-semester sequence. It is appropriate for physical, life, and earth science majors. Since implementation, 88% of students who start general chemistry complete it, an increase from 72% in our prior traditional curriculum. Scores on a full-year ACS general chemistry exam are almost the same, as are attitudes as measured by the CLASS-Chemistry instrument. Thus, one-semester general chemistry is more efficient, allowing students to move on to additional STEM courses quicker without impacting learning of core content. By increasing completion rates through general chemistry, we have removed a key barrier for students majoring in STEM fields. As well, students now can proceed through organic chemistry and biochemistry by the end of their second year, consistent with the increased emphasis on the chemistry of biological systems for the life sciences and in admissions to medical school. This reform can be implemented by schools that value the traditional quantitative and broad content of general chemistry without modifying later courses or disrupting other departments.

Appropriately designed laboratory and classroom facilities are essential for facilitating high-quality original research experiences for undergraduate students. Project Kaleidoscope (PKAL)--an initiative funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that involved leaders of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)--engaged faculty, administrators, architects, campus planners, and other key stakeholders in the intentional design of learning spaces for undergraduate research at primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs). This article discusses nearly three decades of experience since the initiation of the movement to improve STEM facilities at PUIs nationwide. It poses questions for consideration at the beginning of a space-planning process and presents examples of planning processes from Monmouth University and Skidmore College. It also discusses the Learning Spaces Collaboratory (LSC) and a roundtable model for learner-centered facility planning based on lessons learned.

Although many chemistry students at small liberal arts colleges participate in undergraduate research projects with faculty members, they do not get much experience framing their own research questions and designing their own projects, which is an important part of science. We have implemented a developmental process to help students design and execute their own research projects in a two-course sequence: seminar in the fall and an integrated laboratory in the January term as a capstone experience in the chemistry curriculum. In seminar, students read scientific literature to generate an unanswered question that becomes the basis for a project proposal. Students then compare and contrast various methods to answer the question and propose a project. In the integrated laboratory, students execute the project where they troubleshoot experiments, collect and interpret data, and draw conclusions. Assessment of final papers and student course evaluations indicated that the students met the above goals. Overall, this educational experience can be implemented at other small liberal arts colleges and elements of this project could be adapted at a larger college or university. (Contains 4 tables.)

The discovery about insulin that exhibits binding affinity toward G-quadruplex DNA oligonucleotide formed by a two-repeat length of the insulin-linked polymorphic region (ILPR) consensus sequence is reported. The discovery raises the possibility that insulin might bind to G-quadruplex DNA formed in the insulin-linked polymorphic region in vivo and thereby plays a role in modulation of insulin gene expression, and it provides a basis for design of insulin analogues to probe this hypothesis.

The article discusses the merger of the U.S. Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) with the U.S. National Conferences on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). The author notes that support for undergraduate research students and faculty members through the annual NCUR meeting and the biannual national meeting, respectively, will continue. Topics include the missions of the CUR and NCUR, the advantages of a joint CUR-NCUR organization, and coordination between CUR and NCUR.