Over decades, radiochemistry has answered questions about the structure of the nucleus, the origin of elements, the relationship between matter and energy, rate equations, and many more processes. Today, all these answers can be easily understood and explained in a general chemistry undergraduate course. Moreover, laboratory experiments can be designed to include analyses with real-life applications in medical imaging and targeted therapy, environmental protection and forensics. Despite these potentially profound applications the fundamentals of radiochemistry have not been routinely embraced as a component of General Chemistry courses, and more often than not radiochemistry is excluded from the curriculum. Even advanced radiochemistry courses are offered in only a limited number of institutions across the country. At Lehman and Hunter Colleges of City University of New York, our chemical education and radiochemistry teams are designing video modules in radiochemistry that can be used in any chemistry courses. Specifically, we are interested in material applicable to introductory courses with the intent to expand students’ understanding of basic radiochemical concepts and their applications to life in the 21st century. Simultaneously we hope to design one or two key laboratory experiments that help demystify the danger associated with radioactive sources. In this talk we will discuss our perspectives and introduce some of our materials.

Video-based approach to incorporating radiochemistry into the general chemistry curriculum and as an upper level elective for undergraduate chemistry majors

256th National Meeting (2018)

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