To expose students to inorganic synthetic and analysis techniques when a formal inorganic laboratory course is not offered, students enrolled in an advance inorganic chemistry lecture course engaged in a semester-long group, inorganic chemistry laboratory-based research project. For this inquiry-based learning experience, students selected projects feasible within department infrastructure and that connected the chemistry of inorganic compounds to their current and emerging applications (including light-emitting diodes, nanocrystals, and quantum dots). Prior to performing laboratory work, students thoroughly researched the topic by engaging with both classic and current inorganic chemistry and, subsequently, students planned and performed experimental work in consultation with the course instructor. The final written assignment associated with the project took the form of an American Chemical Society (ACS) journal article that included as an introduction a succinct literature review. At the conclusion of the project, a mini-research symposium was held in which students presented their work to faculty and students within the department. In accordance with the ACS Undergraduate Professional Education in Chemistry Guidelines, this group project provided students with an experience that went beyond chemistry content knowledge to develop further competence in other critical skills necessary for a professional chemist including chemical literature and information management skills, communication skills, and team skills.

Laboratory-based project in a lecture-only inorganic chemistry course

255th National Meeting (2018)

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