Luminescence Spectroscopy in Molecular Assemblies and New Energy Conversion Materials: Integration Across the Undergraduate Curriculum

化学（12）智力优势。一个由化学系或生物化学和分子生物物理系的教育者组成的合作小组正在实施使用两种荧光分光光度计，作为催化对本科化学和生物化学实验室课程进行综合修改的一种手段。修改后的课程为本科生提供了关于发光和相关主题的广泛介绍，包括多年来在合成和生命系统中太阳能转换和能量传输的科学过程。由于一些原因，在本科课程中对发光光谱和发光材料进行全面和综合的介绍变得非常重要。荧光分析广泛用于生物和仿生材料的表征和分析，与人类基因组测序同时，在生物科学的所有领域中，单分子荧光研究的使用出现了爆炸式增长。发光光谱学是许多纳米科学发展的核心，特别是用于太阳能转换的新型纳米材料的发展。通过提供探索这些重要主题的实践和深入的实验室经验，学生们正在加强他们对荧光作为分子系统动力学探针的理解，并熟悉当代研究领域的最新进展，如太阳能转换，纳米科学和生化荧光光谱。荧光分光光度计被化学和生物化学本科生在他们三年级和四年级的课程中使用，包括分析、物理和无机预备课程，以及生化技术实验室。正在进行的实验研究a)光吸收和激发态的产生、能量转移和发光衰减；b)荧光发射、共振能量转移（FRET）和分子组件的各向异性，强调微环境对这些过程的影响；c)各向异性和FRET在生物大分子结合亲和和反应动力学测量中的应用；d)由半导体和氧化物纳米颗粒连接而成的太阳能转换系统中的发光和电子转移之间的竞争。最后一门课程涉及到学生在无机化学和物理化学实验室的跨课程合作顶点体验。实验采用“自下而上”的方法设计，以便在学生的整个训练过程中适当地重叠最重要的问题。更广泛的影响。每年大约有250名学生参加受影响的课程。由于这一课程修改的结果，这些学生正在发展荧光和一些相关主题的理解增强，同时暴露于当代研究的重要领域。他们逐渐认识到科学的协作性和跨学科性。在教师的指导下，研究生助教承担了大量的实验开发工作，在教育和专业上都有很大的贡献。与本科化学俱乐部合作，正在执行一个额外的太阳能教育外联部分。在项目过程中开发的材料将向更广泛的科学界开放。

Chemistry (12)Intellectual Merit. A collaborative group of educators from the Chemistry Department or from the Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics Department are implementing the use of two fluorescence spectrophotometers as a means for catalyzing an integrated modification of the undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry laboratory curriculum. The modified curriculum is providing undergraduate students with a broad introduction to luminescence and associated topics, including a multiyear exposure to the scientific processes underlying solar energy conversion and energy transport in both synthetic and living systems. A thorough and integrated introduction to luminescencespectroscopies and luminescent materials in the undergraduate curriculum has become important for a number of reasons. Fluorescent assays are widely used in the characterization and analysis of biological and biomimetic materials, and in parallel with the sequencing of the human genome there has been an explosion in the use of single molecule fluorescence studies in all areas of bioscience. Luminescence spectroscopy is at the heart of the development of many forms of nanoscience, especially the development of new nanomaterials for solar energy conversion. By offering practical and in-depth laboratory experiences that explore these important topics, students are enhancing their understanding of fluorescence as a probe of the dynamics of molecular systems and are becoming familiar with recent advances in contemporary research fields such as solar energy conversion, nanoscience, and biochemical fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence spectrophotometers are being used by both Chemistry and Biochemistry undergraduates, in years three and four of their curriculum, including in Analytical, Physical and Inorganic Prep classes, along with a Biochemical Techniques laboratory. Experiments are being developed that investigate a) light absorption and excited state creation, energy transfer, and luminescence decay; b) fluorescence emission, resonance energy transfer (FRET), and anisotropy in molecular assemblies, emphasizing the effect of microenvironment on these processes; c) biochemical applications of anisotropy and FRET in measurements of biomacromolecular binding affinity and reaction kinetics; and d) the competition between luminescence and electron transfer in solar energy conversion systems created from linked semiconductor and oxide nanoparticles. The last of these involves a cross-course collaborative capstone experience for students in Inorganic and Physical Chemistry laboratories. Experiments are being designed using a "bottom-up" approach so that appropriate overlap of the most significant issues occurs throughout the students' training.Broader Impacts. Approximately 250 students are enrolled in the affected courses each year. As a result of this curricular modification, these students are developing an enhanced understanding of fluorescence and a number of related topics while being exposed to important areas of contemporary research. They are gaining appreciation for the collaborative and cross-disciplinary nature of science. Under the guidance of the faculty, graduate teaching assistants carry out much of the experimental development, and are benefiting both educationally and professionally. An additional solar energy education outreach component is being implemented in collaboration with the undergraduate chemistry club. Materials developed over the course of the project will be made accessible to the wider scientific community.