Experimental Determination of Chemical Structure in the Undergraduate Curriculum: A Data-Driven Approach

尽管x射线晶体学在理解材料和生物分子方面起着核心作用，但大多数本科生仍然没有实验结构测定的经验。仪器和计算能力的快速发展已经创造出足够坚固的设备，允许非专业人员操作，并且足够强大，可以在与教学环境兼容的时间尺度内收集数据。在本科化学课程的各个层次中，很少有结合晶体学数据和技术的模式存在。该项目的主要目标是：(1)开发一种将结构方法整合到本科化学课程中的新模式；(2)评估学生在处理实验结构数据时的参与度和学习情况；(3)建立一个本地PUI用户群，以扩大x射线衍射方法和资源纳入本科课程；(4)创建用于教授晶体对称的交互式网络材料。智力优势：该项目为将结构方法整合到本科化学课程中创造了一个模式。评估工作在地方、区域和国际各级进行，而项目的每个组成部分都需要高质量的资源来教学结构方法。与STaRBURSTT网络仪器联盟的联系被用于建立以前nsf支持的项目，将x射线结构方法纳入本科课程。该项目建立在PI之前的NSF-CCLI项目NSF-0536710的基础上，“视觉空间学习：交互式网络对称教程的开发”，并利用了合成无机化学和脂质生物化学教师的专业知识。更广泛的影响：该项目正在影响学生和教师(1)通过课程开发和实施在当地，(2)通过PUI用户组在地区，(3)通过课程产品的传播和评估在全国，以及(4)通过开发基于网络的晶体学对称教学资源在国际上。通过实验室练习、课程和研讨会，教师和学生将接受晶体生长、x射线数据收集和x射线数据分析方面的培训。一个致力于本科教育的网络共享使用设施的创建，为俄亥俄州中部地区的教学和本科研究提供了急需的基础设施。最后，课程发展项目的细节及其评价将通过在国家会议上的发言和在化学教育杂志上的出版物来传播。

Chemistry (12)Experimental structure determination remains beyond the experience of most undergraduate students in spite of the central role X-ray crystallography plays in the understanding of materials and biomolecules. Rapid advances in instrumentation and computing power have created equipment that is both rugged enough to allow operation by the non-expert and powerful enough to collect data in a time scale compatible with a teaching environment. Few models exist for the incorporation of crystallographic data and techniques at all levels of the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. The key goals of this project are to: (1) develop a new model for integration of structural methods into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum, (2) assess student engagement and learning when working with experimental structural data, (3) establish a local PUI user group to broaden the incorporation of X-ray diffraction methods and resources into the undergraduate curriculum, and (4) create interactive web-based materials for teaching crystallographic symmetry.Intellectual Merit: The project is creating a model for integration of structural methods into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Assessment is occurring at the local, regional and international level while each component of the project addresses the need for high quality resources for teaching structural methods. Connections with the STaRBURSTT CyberInstrumentation Consortium are being used to build on previous NSF-supported projects for the incorporation of X-ray structural methods into the undergraduate curriculum. The project builds upon the PI's previous NSF-CCLI project NSF-0536710, "Visual-Spatial Learning: Development of an Interactive Web-Based Symmetry Tutorial," and makes use of the expertise of faculty in synthetic inorganic chemistry and lipid biochemistry.Broader Impacts: The project is impacting students and faculty (1) locally through curricular development and implementation, (2) regionally through a PUI user group, (3) nationally through dissemination of the curricular products and their assessment, and (4) internationally through the development of web-based resources for teaching symmetry in crystallography. Faculty and students are being trained in aspects of crystal growth, X-ray data collection, and X-ray data analysis through laboratory exercises, courses, and workshops. The creation of a cyber-enabled shared use facility dedicated to undergraduate education is providing much needed infrastructure for teaching and undergraduate research in the central Ohio area. Finally, the details of the curricular development project and its evaluation will be disseminated through presentations at national meetings and publication in a chemical education journal.