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This study aimed to adapt the Get Set2 quiz and design a diagnostic quiz for implementation under assumed knowledge admissions into university science degrees. The GetReady Quiz that was designed, comprised five modules benchmarked against the high school curriculum in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. The significance of this study stems from the development of an alternate approach to support students, with deficiencies in mathematical skills, who enter university STEM programmes with recommended foundational knowledge in mathematics and science. A mixed-mode research methodology was employed in which quiz design was coupled with implementation and evaluation with a pilot study. The GetReady Quiz design featured five discipline modules in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology, with progression of question difficulty. Knowledge gaps and apparent difficulties for some students with conceptual understanding were evident. Students displayed a realization of their lack of knowledge by reporting that completion of the GetReady Quiz helped them identify areas for revision. The findings indicated that the GetReady quiz was appropriate for assumed knowledge self-diagnosis for commencing students. Approaches to diagnostic testing, such as the GetReady Quiz, should be recommended, if not compulsory, for university students who commence study with STEM assumed knowledge admission.

Background: This study explored the challenges around enacting change in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subject at an Australian higher education institution and examined key elements required to ensure change. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the barriers and levers driving change during the collaboration of discipline experts, in both science and education disciplines and professional staff across education and science faculties to change the delivery of an existing subject within a science faculty, from traditional lectures to an active learning approach. Sample: Participants from the education faculty and science faculty formed the participant interview pool of five academics for this study. Design and Methods: Research design of semi-structured interviews of participants was conducted to answer the research questions. Instruments were used to test the research questions, such as factors to facilitate and support change to teaching a science subject and the elements required for successful interdisciplinary collaboration for bringing about change to the teaching of a science subject. Thematic analyses were conducted on the data responses to answer the research questions. Results: The findings revealed that participants found that factors such as time, resources, understanding of and commitment to the proposed change represented potential barriers to change in the subject. The existence of multiple, time-sensitive champions, additional human resources and a collaborative network of participants, however, were identified as some of the key elements that supported enacting changes to a science subject. Conclusions: The findings of the study provide insights into interdisciplinary collaborations enacting changes to the teaching of a science subject. For instance, the need for establishment of a dynamic network of participants engendered with multiple interdisciplinary expertise, as well as the need for a change champion and implementation champion, throughout the curriculum redesign, planning and implementation phases of the change.

This study explored the lived expectations of second-year undergraduate science students at a large, government-funded university in Australia. The investigation made use of a mixed methods approach to inform the understanding of the second year of study expectations. Findings identified three key contributors to expected second-year experiences: (1) academic activities, (2) support provisions, and (3) the complexities of combining study, work, and life balance. Evaluation indicated that the majority of respondents articulated realistic expectations regarding academic difficulties and challenges associated with the second year. To successfully complete second-year courses respondents expected to engage primarily with activities and resources recognizably associated with assessment. The study provides evidence of misalignment between some student expectations of available learning support and preferred forms of support in contrast to those afforded them by the university. Furthermore, respondents expected that to keep up with course requirements they would need more time investment in academic activities, thus impacting their ability to maintain a balanced lifestyle that integrated study, work, and social endeavours. The study also identified a subset of students who did not have a developed awareness of their learning modalities, were socially isolated, and were undertaking long hours of paid employment. These findings call for continued improvement of students' expectations of second-year programs of study experiences to minimize poor student experiences through unmet need, including the development of sophomore slump.

A number of areas of difficulty in basic numeracy and mathematical skills were identified, which hinder students' success in a foundational biochemistry course. Many students have difficulty with the concepts of pH and buffers (requiring proficiency with logarithms) and enzyme kinetics (requiring algebraic manipulations and graphing). The voluntary use by students of an 'in house' online support site, the Maths Skills Site, to address these difficulties was varied and seemed to be motivated by assessment deadlines, as well as deliberate instructions to refer to the relevant Maths Skills Site modules when completing assessment. The majority of the users of the online support site were those who performed poorly on a diagnostic test administered at the beginning of the course. There was a small but significant effect of Maths Support Site usage with users achieving improved grades for graphing functions compared to non-users. The combination of mathematical backgrounds and prior academic performance also correlated with success in first-year university biochemistry.

Students in advanced undergraduate chemistry laboratories are required to undertake a wide range of complex and multistep syntheses and analytical procedures, and prospective employers of chemistry graduates seek students with proven skills in these areas. Our approach has been to use video resources which are made available to students both ahead of, and during, their laboratory classes to assist with preparation and provide just-in-time self-help during the laboratory. In this study we evaluate the implementation of a user-focused strategy to improve students' laboratory skills and use a three-stage model, forethought, performance, and self-reflection, to assess the impact and effectiveness of these resources to complement the traditional laboratory teaching resources of laboratory manuals and laboratory teaching staff (demonstrators). Students demonstrated autonomous learning by engaging with the laboratory videos using both active and passive learning approaches. The benefits of our approach are especially evident for students who have English as a second language and students who identify with different learning preferences. Increased student grades and more effective staff-student supervision time requirements are evident across both third-year undergraduate chemistry courses in which these videos were implemented.

General safety and chemical training of undergraduate students is typically held at the first-year level. In this technology report, we propose a flexible strategy to improve students' general knowledge of safety for a second-year inorganic chemistry laboratory. The strategy is composed of an online interactive revision approach through the implementation of a Safety Template quiz, that is easily used on a range of devices and is thus flexible for students and academics. Details of the design process, technical aspects of implementation, and analysis of student submissions for 2018-2019 are presented. Results showed that low numbers of students (18%) achieved 100% correct completion of the Safety Template quiz with their first submission. However, most students (98%) could achieve 100% correct completion by their third submission. Using an online device agnostic approach, implementation of the Safety Template quiz contributed to some improvement of student knowledge and safe behavior in laboratory sessions. A need was identified for students to regularly and actively revise their safety knowledge in upper level undergraduate chemistry, particularly in the areas of basic chemical knowledge of solvents, maintenance of proper PPE, and correct identification of safety equipment.

Success in undergraduate chemical experiments requires students to develop knowledge and skills of instrumentation, equipment, and chemical techniques. In this technology report, we propose an adaptable and user-focused strategy to improve students' foundational skill and proficiency with chemical laboratory techniques and instrumentation. The strategy is composed of multiperspective filming of experimental activities using mobile phones or professional-level filming to create videos that can be freely viewed by students in situ during laboratory classes on a mobile device (iPad). Details of mixed digital approaches for a variety of chemical experimental techniques (10 examples) are compared with professional-level filming and mobile-phone filming. The results show that both the accuracy and precision of the developed videos are highly suitable for teaching purposes. Use of mobile-phone cameras permitted chemical techniques to be filmed from multiple angles in constrained spaces, such as fume hoods. A major benefit to students was the utility of the videos on portable devices, as students were informed by the video while setting up or performing the task at hand during laboratory sessions.

In this paper, insight into forensic science students' experiences of a case-based scenario with an interdisciplinary guided-inquiry experience in chemistry and biology is presented. Evaluation of student experiences and interest showed that the students were engaged with all aspects of the case-based scenario, including the curriculum theory components as well as the active learning within interdisciplinary laboratories. Working in groups of three during laboratories was favored by students, but mixed responses for group assessment were observed. Since the introduction of the case-based scenario, sustained improvements in student assessment outcomes were observed. Questionnaire respondents indicated a strong interest in case-based learning. We propose a methodology framework for the case-based scenario investigation in forensic science and discuss the student experiences and improved learning occurring with the scenario involving an interdisciplinary guided-inquiry experience in chemistry and biology. This work suggests that an interdisciplinary guided-inquiry learning approach, ideally contextualized within a case-based scenario, is adaptable to other science discipline combinations.

An online Maths Skills Site was developed as an integrated support programme for first year Chemistry students, the content of which, was based on an analysis of their high-school mathematical backgrounds. This study examined the students' perceptions of Maths, their patterns of usage of the Maths Skills Site and whether there was a relationship between usage of the site and performance in first year chemistry. A questionnaire and surveys were administered to obtain data on student perceptions, confidence and anxiety. Hit-count tracking was enabled for the Maths Skills Site items (notes, questions, answers, online multiple choice questions), to establish usage patterns for the cohort and individuals, over time and against topic (significant figures, algebra, etc.). Student perceptions changed over the semester. Increased confidence with chemistry and mathematics was observed, however, a significant proportion were still anxious when having to answers questions requiring calculations. Students who were already confident did not use the Maths Skills Site, whereas the students who did use the site displayed improved achievements in the credit grade category, as compared to non-users and employed a self-directed approach, tailoring their individual learning around topics important to them.

The Science Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) are a consensus set of academic standards for Australian university Science education. They were developed by Prof. Brian Yates and Prof. Sue Jones, supported by Dr Jo-Anne Kelder, during 2010-2011. The co-authors of this paper are key figures in Australian Science education, and in this manuscript, we have used a reflective semi-structured interview approach to describe the process of developing the Science TLOs and consider their subsequent effect on tertiary science education in Australia. This manuscript documents Sue and Brian's impact on science curriculum through the lenses of leadership, community and practice. We have a twofold aim: first to draw lessons for harnessing consensus in scientific communities on the value and purpose of a tertiary science education, and second to celebrate the success of these influential and impactful leaders in our community. We demonstrate how work to develop the TLOs has transformed tertiary science education in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective guided inquiry forensic case study (a pharmacy break-in) is described for first-year students. Four robust introductory forensic chemistry and biology experiments are used to analyze potential drug samples and determine the identity of a possible suspect. Students perform presumptive tests for blood on a "point of entry stain" sample; perform chemical presumptive tests on the "suspected drug" alongside known standards of codeine, morphine, and amphetamine; and carry out thin-layer chromatography analysis of the drug samples. They examine the specificity of the Kastle-Meyer and tetramethylbenzidine tests, prepare polymerase chain reaction samples from the suspects' DNA samples, and perform gel electrophoresis to analyze the results. Students are required to analyze and integrate the results and to apply their acquired knowledge within the context of an engaging forensic case study. This first-year laboratory is part of a forensic case study vertically integrated into the curriculum.

This study aimed to adapt the Get Set2 quiz and design a diagnostic quiz for implementation under assumed knowledge admissions into university science degrees. The GetReady Quiz that was designed, comprised five modules benchmarked against the high school curriculum in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. The significance of this study stems from the development of an alternate approach to support students, with deficiencies in mathematical skills, who enter university STEM programmes with recommended foundational knowledge in mathematics and science. A mixed-mode research methodology was employed in which quiz design was coupled with implementation and evaluation with a pilot study. The GetReady Quiz design featured five discipline modules in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology, with progression of question difficulty. Knowledge gaps and apparent difficulties for some students with conceptual understanding were evident. Students displayed a realization of their lack of knowledge by reporting that completion of the GetReady Quiz helped them identify areas for revision. The findings indicated that the GetReady quiz was appropriate for assumed knowledge self-diagnosis for commencing students. Approaches to diagnostic testing, such as the GetReady Quiz, should be recommended, if not compulsory, for university students who commence study with STEM assumed knowledge admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the challenges around enacting change in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subject at an Australian higher education institution and examined key elements required to ensure change. The purpose of the study was to examine the barriers and levers driving change during the collaboration of discipline experts, in both science and education disciplines and professional staff across education and science faculties to change the delivery of an existing subject within a science faculty, from traditional lectures to an active learning approach. Sample: Participants from the education faculty and science faculty formed the participant interview pool of five academics for this study. Research design of semi-structured interviews of participants was conducted to answer the research questions. Instruments were used to test the research questions, such as factors to facilitate and support change to teaching a science subject and the elements required for successful interdisciplinary collaboration for bringing about change to the teaching of a science subject. Thematic analyses were conducted on the data responses to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that participants found that factors such as time, resources, understanding of and commitment to the proposed change represented potential barriers to change in the subject. The existence of multiple, time-sensitive champions, additional human resources and a collaborative network of participants, however, were identified as some of the key elements that supported enacting changes to a science subject. The findings of the study provide insights into interdisciplinary collaborations enacting changes to the teaching of a science subject. For instance, the need for establishment of a dynamic network of participants engendered with multiple interdisciplinary expertise, as well as the need for a change champion and implementation champion, throughout the curriculum re-design, planning and implementation phases of the change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of sulfinybicyclo[4.2.0]octan-1-ols from the lithium enolate of cyclohexanone with (plusmn)-phenyl vinyl sulfoxide or (R)-(+)-p-tolyl vinyl sulfoxide is used to probe the mode of a novel cyclization reaction. Using phenyl vinyl sulfoxide, variations in the reaction lighting and solvent are investigated, in conjunction with radical trapping (TEMPO) and isotope labeling (deuterium) experiments.

Phorbazoles are chlorinated marine alkaloids containing pyrrole, oxazole and phenol ring units, and differ in the number and positions of chlorine atoms. They are isolated from sea sponges and nudibranchs. In this work, a convenient synthetic method leading to a new phorbazole and its derivatives is developed. This synthesis of synthetic phorbazole G and its derivatives is achieved in seven steps in good overall yields of 26–52%. It involves formation of the pyrrole-oxazole skeleton followed by chlorination. The pyrrole-oxazole skeleton is synthesized from pyrrole and substituted acetophenones, and the key step involves cyclodehydration of amide intermediates to give protected oxazoles, followed by hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stereoselective conversion of a hydrindenone to (plus or minus)-bromohydrindenone constitutes the main step in a four-step synthesis of a racemic CD-intermediate from racemic hydrindenone. An epoxide, obtained from the stereoisomer, undergoes reductive ring opening regioselectively and enables transposition of oxygen from C-9 to C-8, which results in a (plus or minus)-hydrindanol. In the final step, the racemic hydrindanol is obtained through Horner-Wittig reaction and hydrogenation.

This study explored the lived expectations of second-year undergraduate science students at a large, government-funded university in Australia. The investigation made use of a mixed methods approach to inform the understanding of the second year of study expectations. Findings identified three key contributors to expected second-year experiences: (1) academic activities, (2) support provisions, and (3) the complexities of combining study, work, and life balance. Evaluation indicated that the majority of respondents articulated realistic expectations regarding academic difficulties and challenges associated with the second year. To successfully complete second-year courses respondents expected to engage primarily with activities and resources recognizably associated with assessment. The study provides evidence of misalignment between some student expectations of available learning support and preferred forms of support in contrast to those afforded them by the university. Furthermore, respondents expected that to keep up with course requirements they would need more time investment in academic activities, thus impacting their ability to maintain a balanced lifestyle that integrated study, work, and social endeavours. The study also identified a subset of students who did not have a developed awareness of their learning modalities, were socially isolated, and were undertaking long hours of paid employment. These findings call for continued improvement of students' expectations of second-year programs of study experiences to minimize poor student experiences through unmet need, including the development of sophomore slump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of polymer-supported triphenylphosphine oxide with triflic anhydride was used to prepare the structure of a polymer-supported version of the Hendrickson 'POP' reagent. The results provide evidence that the actual dehydrating reagent consists of a mixture of polymer-supported triphenylphosphine ditriflate and polymer-supported triphenylphosphonium anhydride trifluoromethanesulfonate.

An efficient 12 step total synthesis of ([plusmn])-hyphodermins A and D, metabolites of Hyphoderma radula is described. The synthesis was achieved from 4,4-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione and showed anti and syn arrangement of the epoxide and O-Me groups.

An efficient formal synthesis of (plusmn)-hyphodermin B was achieved from a diketone in six steps and 15% overall yield. The synthesis was developed without the need for complex protection-deprotection strategies and exploited the unexpected regioselective reduction of the anhydride.