We have developed and tested Raman spectroscopy experiments and experiences for the undergraduate chemistry curriculum that address key course-specific student learning outcomes (SLOs) and more fundamental anchoring chemical concepts or “big ideas”. We are using the Raman spectrometer to introduce and reinforce increasingly more complex chemistry concepts as part of a restructured chemistry curriculum implementing a “spectroscopy-to-learn” approach. In this approach, we present Raman spectroscopy as a practical tool to teach concepts such as molecular structure, quantitative analysis, elucidation of reaction mechanisms, equilibria and applications of spectroscopy for research.<br/>To date we have developed experiments and experiences for five courses. Examples include: 1) “Raman investigation of the dissociation of a strong acid” in General Chemistry 2 Lab; 2) “The analysis of vitamin C in tablets” in Quantitative Analysis Lab; 3) “Investigating the polymorphism of acetaminophen” in Instrumental Analysis Lab; 4) “Functional group analysis of products of organic reactions” in Organic Chemistry Lab and 5) “Monitoring the kinetics of imine formation with Raman spectroscopy” in Physical Chemistry I Lab. We are assessing both student’s attitudes as well as their progress in understanding chemical principles as a result of these experiences. This work is funded through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Transforming Undergraduate Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (TUES) Type I grant (#1244807).

Implementing Raman spectroscopy into the chemistry curriculum

249th National Meeting (2015)

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