Integrating Fluorescence Spectroscopy Throughout the Undergraduate Chemistry and Biochemistry Curricula

化学(12)光谱方法，如荧光，被用于化学科学的不同领域，以研究化学结构、分子相互作用、光学性质、生物分子结构和功能、动力学、生物测定和许多其他应用。通过实施荧光分光光度计的使用，在我们的本科化学和生物化学课程中整合荧光光谱学大大增强了学生的学习体验，因为1)使用现代仪器来发展获取光谱数据的实用技能，2)使用有意义的数据来演示光谱学的原理，从而帮助学生理解光谱理论和能量转换的量子力学基础。通过让学生在整个大学生涯中接触到荧光和光谱概念，学生应该保留他们对光谱概念的知识，这将使他们能够更好地将这些知识应用于未来的科学问题。该项目也是部门努力使本科生实验室现代化和实施以项目为基础的练习的重要组成部分。荧光光谱学被整合到以下下级和上级课程中：概论、分析、仪器、物理和生物化学。我们的计划包括改编和实施主要研究文献或《化学教育杂志》中的基于荧光的实验，以及开发强调基本光谱理论和许多分析技术的互补性的新实验室模块。这种荧光计还被用于教师指导的本科生研究项目，鼓励学生最早在大二开始。荧光计位于该部门仪器实验室的中央位置，并通过西华盛顿大学(WWU)的综合实验室网络(ILN)向其他部门提供。ILN是一个计算机网络，允许远程访问仪器、软件、在线仪器教程和数据文件。对光谱学方法及其应用的基本了解对物理学家来说是至关重要的。该项目通过在整个化学和生物化学课程中实施跨学科和基于项目的实验室练习来满足这一需求。更广泛的影响购买荧光计大大加强了系和WWU在本科生研究和教育方面的基础设施。在低级化学课程中融入荧光和分子光谱学，正在影响一群不同的学生，其中许多人不是化学专业的学生。基于项目的跨学科实验的实施，向学生展示了一幅更现实的科学发现图景，展示了科学研究的相关性和重要性。作为该项目的一部分开发的实验和方法将通过互联网和化学教育文献进行传播。

Chemistry (12) Spectroscopic methods, such as fluorescence, are used in diverse areas of chemical sciences to investigate chemical structure, molecular interactions, optical properties, biomolecular structure and function, kinetics, bioassays, and many other applications. By implementing the use of a fluorescence spectrophotometer, the integration of fluorescence spectroscopy throughout our undergraduate chemistry and biochemistry curricula is significantly enhancing the students' learning experience by 1) using modern instrumentation to develop practical skills in acquiring spectroscopic data and 2) using meaningful data to demonstrate the principles of spectroscopy and thereby helping students comprehend spectroscopic theory and the quantum mechanical basis of energy transitions. By exposing students to fluorescence and spectroscopic concepts throughout their college careers, students are expected to retain their knowledge of spectroscopic concepts, which will enable them to better apply this knowledge to scientific problems in the future. This project also is an essential component in Departmental efforts to modernize the undergraduate laboratories and implement project-based exercises. Fluorescence spectroscopy is being integrated into the following lower and upper division courses: general, analytical, instrumental, physical, and bio-chemistry. Our plans include the adaptation and implementation of fluorescence-based experiments from the primary research literature or from the Journal of Chemical Education, along with the development of new laboratory modules that emphasize basic spectroscopic theory and the complementary nature of many analytical techniques. The fluorometer also is being used in faculty-directed undergraduate research projects that students are encouraged to begin as early as their sophomore year. The fluorometer is centrally located in the Department's instrument laboratory and is made available to other departments via Western Washington University's (WWU's) Integrated Laboratory Network (ILN). The ILN is a computer network that enables remote access to instruments, software, on-line instrument tutorials, and data files. Intellectual Merit A fundamental understanding of spectroscopic methods and their applications is essential for physical scientists. This project addresses this need by implementing interdisciplinary and project-based laboratory exercises throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curricula. Broader Impacts The acquisition of the fluorometer significantly enhances the Department's and WWU's infrastructure for undergraduate research and education. The incorporation of fluorescence and molecular spectroscopy in the lower-division chemistry courses is impacting a diverse group of students, many of whom are not chemistry majors. The implementation of project-based, interdisciplinary experiments presents a more realistic picture of scientific discovery to students, and demonstrates the relevance and significance of scientific research. Experiments and methods developed as part of this project will be disseminated via the internet and in the chemical education literature.