Research in sustainable energy is arguably the most urgent activity in chemistry and related fields today. Additionally, students appreciate the subject and learn more effectively and readily when the subject is relevant. Given that fundamental chemical concepts underlie research in photovoltaics, biomass energy conversions, fuel cells and more, a new course has been developed that uses energy conversions -- particularly in the realm of 'sustainable' energy -- to teach chemistry. The objectives of this advanced elective are to a) teach upper-level undergraduates advanced concepts in organic, polymer, inorganic, organometallic, materials and physical chemistry as well as to b) expose them to recent research results in the areas of sustainble energy research. The details of the course content and structure will be presented along with assessment of the desired outcomes.

Chemistry, energy, and sustainability: An advanced elective for chemistry majors

247th National Meeting (2014)

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