For many undergraduate students, Organic Chemistry courses are considered the most daunting courses they will take. Students with a Pre-Health major may find Organic Chemistry a greater challenge than traditional chemistry students, as Biology Majors are more likely to over-estimate their performance in chemistry courses, whereas Chemistry Majors are more like to underestimate performance. A variety of techniques are being developed to improve student performance through preparatory courses, flipping the classroom, and the inclusion of course material that is considered “relevant” to Pre-Health students. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of a project based credit opportunity on student involvement and success in an Organic Chemistry II course. Students were given the option of submitting a video recording where they demonstrated mastery of a multi-step synthesis. This synthesis involves two complex reactions, a Claisen reaction, and a Saponification reaction. On the following test, both reaction mechanisms were tested in addition to Aldol reactions, which were used as a control. At the completion of the course, students completed the American Chemical Society’s Organic Chemistry final which also tested these mechanisms.

Increasing student engagement in organic chemistry courses: Project based opportunities

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.