scholarly journals Identifying Sources of Anxiety in an Introductory Online Undergraduate Chemistry Course

Author(s):  
E. K. Faulconer ◽  
J. C. Griffith
2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
William B. Jensen

Part II of this two-part article on the history of the teaching of qualitative analysis covers the hydrogen sulfide problem, the debates over why and how qualitative analysis should be taught to undergraduate chemistry majors, and comments on its eventual demise. It also contains the references for both parts.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey A Welch

AbstractGreen chemistry and sustainability are important concepts to incorporate into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Through the development of innovative undergraduate chemistry research projects in these areas, retention of students in the physical sciences can be improved. This paper describes two projects in undergraduate catalysis research: hydrogenation of furfural and the esterification of biooil from pyrolyzed wood. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of furfural with Pd/C led to the production of furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl isopropyl ether, 2-methylfuran, and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. The metal chloride additives improved selectivity for furfuryl alcohol and furfuryl isopropyl ether. Catalytic conversion of pyrolyzed wood biooil in ethanol with a solid acid catalyst yielded ethyl esters, including ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate, as characterized by GC/MS These projects are described in the context of engaging undergraduate students in hands-on research for the purpose of improving retention and persistence, as well as preparing young scientists to enter graduate programs and the STEM workforce.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (34) ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
Celia Henry Arnaud

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 1190-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellie Darlington ◽  
Jessica Bowyer

332 undergraduate chemistry students were surveyed in order to establish whether they had found A-level Mathematics and/or Further Mathematics to be good preparation for their degree. Perceptions of both subjects were found to be positive, with more than 80% of participants describing Mathematics or Further Mathematics as good preparation. In particular, pure mathematics and mechanics topics were found to be the most useful. Additionally, over 90% of participants who had studied at least AS-level Further Mathematics reported that there was an overlap between the material they encountered at A-level and in the first year of undergraduate study. This indicates that prospective undergraduate chemists would significantly benefit from studying A-level Mathematics, and in particular may benefit from specialising in the study of mechanics, something which will only be possible through the study of Further Mathematics after qualifications are reformed in September 2017. Universities should consequently consider revising their entry requirements or recommendations to applicants.


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