“Honk if You Passed PChem,” says a distressingly still-popular bumper sticker that encapsulates the intimidating and popularly stigmatized physical chemistry curriculum that is taught in the majority of US undergraduate chemistry programs. This traditional curriculum, which adheres closely to physical chemistry textbooks, uses mainly gas-phase models and mathematical language firmly centered on calculus to convey two central themes: thermodynamics(/kinetics) and quantum mechanics. Current research in physical chemistry, however, focuses on condensed- or multi-phase systems (including biological, solution-phase, solid -phase, and surface-based systems) and incorporates a broad range of computational and mathematical approaches to model, simulate, and experimentally interrogate complex and nuanced molecular realities, all with the same two underlying themes.<br/>We envision a re-framed PChem curriculum and curricular approach that dismantles these cultural barriers in favor of courses and pedagogical approaches that encourage student creativity and self-agency in learning the two central themes of PChem. Such an approach would be less prescriptive but provide more space for hands-on training that enables students to succeed in PChem and beyond, equipping them for future coursework and research inside and outside of Chemistry. This new approach would include exposure to modern simulation techniques and data analysis tools, emphasize the current grand research challenges in physical chemistry, and use a broader mathematical tool set than just “by-hand calculus.”<br/>LABSIP is a Cottrell Scholars Collaborative Project whose main goal is to nucleate a community and a set of resources that can support a transition to new and more creative ways of teaching physical chemistry courses. By the time of this ACS meeting, LABSIP will have organized one online community workshop and conversation in Fall 2022, whose outcomes will be shared, and we will be in the final process of planning an in-person workshop in summer 2022. We look forward to working with the community of physical chemistry instructors, the PChem-associated chemical education community, and other stakeholders to provide resources that can best support a forward transition in PChem teaching.

LABSIP (Lowering activation barriers to success in PChem): A new collaborative community project and resource for instructors of physical 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.