There is a vital need for innovative, high-impact teaching and learning strategies in undergraduate science courses.  In recent years, course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), in which faculty can engage a large number of students in research experiences in laboratory courses, have garnered increasing interest amongst those committed to improving undergraduate science education. We have designed and implemented a CURE in our quantitative analysis laboratory course to enhance course-based learning experiences to enrich skills in the areas of analytical chemistry, critical thinking, the research process, and teamwork and to improve research training for students.  The research experience involves extraction and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based quantitation of pesticide residues in produce.  The CURE was first implemented in Fall 2017.  Students in groups of three self-selected the pesticide and produce they aimed to study, developed a hypothesis, and designed a research project.  Each group prepared a miniature research proposal in which the research design was summarized, and the background, significance, and methods were supported with scholarly references.  Students presented their results as a group, and each student independently prepared a manuscript detailing the results in the format of a standard journal article. This CURE affords more students the opportunity to strengthen research skills, master analytical methods, increase interest in the sciences, and increase self-confidence.  Students were assessed before and after the research experience with pre- and post-surveys, respectively.  A summary of the CURE project description, the outcomes of the CURE, and assessment will be presented.<br/>

Development and implementation of a course-based undergraduate research experience in quantitative analysis laboratory

2019 Spring National Meeting

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