Undergraduate research is a proven teaching tool in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum as a means of developing analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills in addition to solidifying foundational chemistry knowledge.  Part of Bert Holmes' legacy as a leader in engaging undergraduate students in cutting-edge and publishable research is his impact in enhancing student learning through authentic research experiences throughout a student's entire undergraduate career.  At UNC Asheville, he envisioned a way for students to engage in chemistry research on an interdisciplinary topic in their first year of college.  In Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory (a course for 2nd-semester freshman chemistry, biology, and environmental studies majors), students conduct a semester-long research project on phytoremediation of heavy metals.  Student teams conduct a full research project:  from background literature research on the uptake of heavy metals in plants, to writing a proposal of their project and experiment design, to planting plants in contaminated environments, to the traditional student learning outcomes of a first-year quantitative chemical analysis course needed to analyze the metal uptake in their experiment vs. control plants.  The research project culminates with a fully written journal-style research paper and conference-style oral presentation of their work.  This research-style introductory lab course has positively impacted UNC Asheville students in achieving the learning goals of the course and in preparation to engage in deeper research in upper-level courses and their own research mentored by a faculty advisor.  This presentation will describe our approach for facilitating an undergraduate-research course for first year students and its impact on student learning and undergraduate research at UNC Asheville.  An example of the impact from implementing a comprehensive undergraduate research program at a private liberal arts college will also be mentioned.

Undergraduate research in the teaching laboratory:  Engaging students in research throughout their undergraduate career

247th National Meeting (2014)

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