Introductory organic chemistry laboratory courses set the foundation for future chemistry laboratory classes and chemical research. Because research requires collaboration, we used a team-based assessment to demonstrate overall teaching efficacy of a two-semester introductory organic chemistry laboratory class, specifically testing mastery of experimental and analytical techniques. Students were divided into teams to complete the reduction of a ketone with a chiral auxiliary catalyst or with a yeast enzyme. To complete and verify this transformation, thin-layer-chromatography, IR spectroscopy, NMR, column chromatography purification, chiral shift reagent analysis, and chiral HPLC were used. The results of this assessment were compared between teams and years of classes. Overall, we found the assessment to be effective while also providing a unique learning experience to the students.

Team-based assessment of a two-semester introductory organic chemistry laboratory course

249th National Meeting (2015)

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