Vertical Integration of Raman Spectroscopy into the Chemistry Curriculum

佛罗里达大西洋大学化学和生物化学系的教师正在将拉曼光谱实验和经验垂直整合到本科化学课程中。 该项目是解决关键的，具体的课程，学生的学习成果，以及基本的，锚定的概念（“大想法”）。 该项目通过获得一台先进的拉曼光谱仪来实现这一目标，并使用该仪器随着学生在课程序列中的进步而引入和加强越来越复杂的化学概念。 这个项目是一个重组的化学课程，包括“光谱学学习”的方法的一部分。 拉曼光谱有助于学生深入学习分子结构、定量分析、反应机理的阐明以及光谱学如何辅助研究。该项目正在演示和建立一种方法，通过这种方法，可以在整个化学课程中使用复杂的光谱仪器，以促进各级学生对锚定概念的理解。 学生们正在参与越来越先进的基于拉曼仪器的实验，因为他们通过化学课程的进展，使他们能够：（1）连接在讲座中教授的理论与真实的研究和行业实践;（2）在自己的学习中成为更积极和负责任的参与者;和（3）加强和扩展他们以前学到的概念的理解。 独立顾问正在指导评估这一努力的有效性，旨在提高学生对化学原理的理解和他们对学习的态度。FAU校园的学生团体确保多样化的人口正在经历与最先进的仪器的亲身体验。 调查人员正在通过介绍和一个专门网站传播他们的工作。 此外，正在编写一本图文并茂的手册，介绍新的本科生拉曼经验和实验，以供出版。 还正在编写一本教员手册，其中载有学习成果的事前和事后衡量标准。

The faculty in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Florida Atlantic University are vertically integrating Raman spectroscopy experiments and experiences into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. The project is addressing key, course-specific, student learning outcomes as well as fundamental, anchoring concepts ('big ideas'). The project is accomplishing this by acquiring a sophisticated Raman spectrometer and is using this instrument to introduce and reinforce increasingly more complex chemistry concepts as a student progresses through the course sequence. This project is part of a restructured chemistry curriculum that includes a 'spectroscopy-to-learn' approach. Raman spectroscopy is aiding students' deep learning of molecular structure, quantitative analysis, the elucidation of reaction mechanisms, and how spectroscopy aids research.The project is demonstrating and establishing the methods by which a sophisticated spectroscopic instrument can be utilized throughout the entire chemistry curriculum to promote understanding of anchoring concepts at all levels. Students are engaging with increasingly more advanced Raman instrument-based experiments as they progress through the chemistry curriculum enabling them to: (1) connect the theory taught in lectures with authentic research and industry practice; (2) become more active and responsible participants in their own learning; and (3) reinforce and extend their understanding of concepts previously learned. Independent consultants are guiding the evaluation of the effectiveness of this effort aimed at the over-arching ideas of improving student understanding of chemical principles and their attitudes towards learning.The student body of the FAU campus ensures a diverse population is experiencing a hands-on encounter with state-of-the-art instrumentation. The investigators are disseminating their work through presentations and a dedicated web site. In addition, an illustrated handbook featuring the novel undergraduate Raman experiences and experiments is being prepared for publication. An instructor's manual that contains both pre- and post-measures of learning outcomes is also being developed.