Improvement of the Chemistry Curriculum with NMR

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Without a functioning nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, students do not have the opportunity to obtain physical evidence of those compounds that they prepare in the laboratory and are discussed in the lecture. This project introduces modern experimental NMR spectrometry into the curriculum in order to reinforce important concepts. Extensive use of structure determination based on NMR improves student development of scientific reasoning skills. Finally, students gain the skills in operating the NMR first in its basic mode, then in its more advanced applications and techniques. NMR theory and data interpretation are introduced first in Organic Chemistry and follow an organized program throughout the upper-division curriculum. Beginning with very simple explanations and spectra, increasingly more complex NMR methods are then applied to problems in Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Advanced Laboratory. Laboratory experiments make use of NMR data to actualize complex concepts presented in the lectures. Hands-on student operation begins after the introductory Organic Chemistry course. Two community colleges are being included in the project, and two annual workshops are being presented in collaboration with their faculty. A range of NMR methods can be introduced to Organic Chemistry students from these colleges. For dissemination of this program, information on NMR spectra and techniques in spectral interpretation can be placed on the World Wide Web using the university's homepage. This complements currently available lecture material and tutorials. The university can also publish and present innovative teaching methods and student research related to the project.