The application of business development and entrepreneurship to the chemical sciences (referred to as chemical entrepreneurship) is an often overlooked practical aspect of the chemistry curriculum. Rarely does the undergraduate chemistry student have exposure to topics related to chemical enterprise, its function within the economy, or how to start a business. The undergraduate chemical instrumental analysis course provides a natural connection with entrepreneurship yet more direct matters focusing on instrument design, application, and function are emphasized at the exclusion of the extremely applicable areas of chemical industry. Belhaven University has recently energized a campus-wide focus on careers and calling which has been extended into the chemistry curriculum. Attention is given herein to the chemical entrepreneurship element that has been integrated into our chemical instrumental analysis course. Practical assignments with an instrumental emphasis are discussed and student feedback is presented. Students developed, presented and defended a business plan which utilized aspects of chemical instrumental analysis gained during the course. The results will be displayed and tips for successful implementation will be given. Chemical entrepreneurship can successfully be utilized as a driving force throughout the typical chemical instrumental analysis course to highlight the practical utilization of modern instrumentation and its interface with business entrepreneurship.

Chemical entrepreneurship in a typical chemical instrumental analysis course

255th National Meeting (2018)

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