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

化学(12)智力价值。一个由化学系或生物化学与分子生物物理系的教育工作者组成的协作小组正在实施两个荧光分光光度计的使用，作为催化对本科化学和生物化学实验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发光及其相关主题的广泛介绍，包括多年接触合成系统和生命系统中潜在的太阳能转换和能量传输的科学过程。在本科课程中全面和综合地介绍发光、光谱和发光材料变得很重要，原因有很多。荧光分析被广泛应用于生物和仿生材料的表征和分析，与人类基因组测序并行，单分子荧光研究在生物科学的所有领域都出现了爆炸性的使用。发光光谱是许多形式的纳米科学发展的核心，特别是用于太阳能转换的新纳米材料的发展。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学。化学和生物化学本科生在三年级和四年级的课程中都使用了荧光分光光度计，包括在分析、物理和无机预科课程中，以及一个生化技术实验室。正在开展的实验包括：a)光吸收和激发态的产生、能量转移和发光衰减；b)分子组装中的荧光发射、共振能量转移(FRET)和各向异性，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力和反应动力学测量中的生化应用；以及d)由连接的半导体和氧化物纳米颗粒创建的太阳能转换系统中发光和电子转移之间的竞争。其中最后一项涉及为无机化学和物理化学实验室的学生提供跨课程的协作顶峰体验。实验的设计采用了“自下而上”的方法，以便在学生的整个培训过程中，最重要的问题会发生适当的重叠。每年约有250名学生参加受影响的课程。作为课程修改的结果，这些学生在接触当代研究的重要领域的同时，对荧光和一些相关主题有了更好的理解。他们对科学的协作性和跨学科性质越来越欣赏。在教员的指导下，研究生助教进行了大部分实验开发，并在教育和专业方面都受益。与本科生化学俱乐部合作，正在实施一个额外的太阳能教育推广部分。在项目过程中开发的材料将向更广泛的科学界提供。

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.