The course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) approach is increasingly being used in undergraduate experimental courses. Here, we describe the implementation of CURE in an upper-level inorganic chemistry course, in which students were assigned different current themes to study. This paper focuses on the theme of quantum dots,…

Academic integrity is often a concern instructors have when teaching, with past research indicating the classroom environment is one of the largest factors in determining students' likelihood to cheat. In this commentary, we intend to start a dialogue with instructors regarding the importance of creating a classroom environment that values…

The use of primary literature can be an effective way to expose students to the scientific research process. At the same time, primary literature can be intimidating to many students, particularly those with limited exposure to science research. The CREATE (consider, read, elucidate hypotheses, analyze and interpret the data, and think of the next…

Of the three main subdivisions in chemistry, physical chemistry often presents a challenge when delivered to those not majoring in chemistry or its cognate disciplines. This is, at least in part, due to the seemingly unrelatedness of the subject to students' anticipated career. We describe the redesign of a nested physical chemistry course for…

The reduction of nitroarenes to anilines is a key transformation with real-life context, central to the preparation of many important fine chemicals. The importance of this transformation has led to its inclusion in not only university organic chemistry courses but also preuniversity, especially in Europe. A variety of reagent combinations have…

Students' negative perceptions of physical chemistry courses are well-known and are likely impacting their learning and performance in this upper-division course for majors. The syllabus can be the first interaction students have with a course and instructor and can be central to the expectations student set for the learning experience. While…

The skills and knowledge of the employers of chemists have been explored in varying degrees of specificity. Some studies have argued that the current university curriculum does not prepare students for modern industry adequately, while others have provided an overview of the job market for graduates with a bachelor's degree in chemistry. In order…

A nonmajors general chemistry course entitled "Putting the Science in SciFi" was taught to 19 seniors at the College of the Holy Cross in 2018. The course coupled the delivery of content with experiential learning strategies in the form of writing assignments and hands-on activities. A pretest and posttest indicate that students gained…

Chemical waste should be reduced to minimize environmental pollution, and it is important that the amount of waste is minimized in chemistry teaching laboratories to reduce the negative impact on environment as well as the disposal costs of university. There are several ways to minimize the waste generated in chemistry teaching laboratories,…

Developing a broadly based positive culture of safety in undergraduate instructional laboratory settings remains a significant challenge for chemical educators. An enhanced safety component has been developed for an upper-level laboratory course based on earning a Chemical Hygiene and Safety badge. The badge requires student engagement in…

"Beer Brewing: Chemical and Biochemical Principles" is a 15 week laboratory and lecture course specifically designed for nonscience majors as an introduction to science literacy via structured laboratory experiments that encourage student engagement. It provides students with a foundation in chemical and biochemical principles using a…

To enhance students' learning and help them understand the whole picture of the field of inorganic chemistry, an inorganic laboratory technique course was designed that uses scaffolded, inquiry-based lab experiments and project-based learning. The scaffolded, inquiry-based laboratories taught in the first 8 weeks of the course helped students…

A teaching team composed of a faculty member (lecture) and a graduate teaching assistant (lab) endeavored to engage students enrolled in several sections of the same organic chemistry course through the use of social media. Students were encouraged to follow both instructors on Twitter and were asked to share aspects of the class using the social…

An original integrated course called "Chemistry: Magical Science" at Montpellier University (France) is presented. This approach mixes tutorials and practical work by using the pretext of high-tech materials synthesis to teach students knowledge, skills, and practical techniques. It also educates students about chemical risks and…

The National Research Council's Framework for K-12 Science Education articulates the need to shift science curricula from being a collection of discrete facts to curricula that integrate core ideas and practices. To help teachers better integrate content and to respond to expressed frustration regarding extensive lists of standards often presented…