When undergraduate students enter the organic chemistry course sequence they are presented with, then subsequently assessed using, scientific problems to which they are expected to respond. On the surface this might not seem any different from previous scientific courses, but when the problem-solving skills required of the students are examined it is apparent that prior science courses focus on the development of memorization and algorithmic reasoning. A major shift occurs in the organic chemistry curriculum as students are then asked to primarily utilize visuospatial and abductive reasoning to solve problems in this course. In this talk I will describe abductive reasoning in general and then discuss why this skill is so important for students just beginning to learn organic chemistry.

Abductive reasoning for problem solving in organic chemistry

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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