Role-playing analytical chemistry laboratories. Part 1: structural and pedagogical ideas

Metabolomics applies multivariate statistical analysis to sets of high-resolution spectra taken over a population of biologically derived samples. The objective is to distinguish subpopulations within the overall sample population, and possibly also to identify biomarkers. While metabolomics has become part of the standard analytical toolbox in many areas of chemical research, its principles and methods have not yet been generally incorporated into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Identification of the arabica and robusta varieties of green coffee beans using 1H NMR-based principle component analysis provides an inexpensive teaching laboratory experiment that introduces students to the methods of metabolomics. The experiment does not require any expensive chemicals, or unique equipment or software, or access to higher-field instruments. Because there is a general curiosity among students about the chemical composition of coffee, the experiment is also particularly engaging to the students’ interest and imagination.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Introducing Undergraduate Students to Metabolomics Using a NMR-Based Analysis of Coffee Beans

Sandusky

2017

“…Each student also kept a logbook to record detailed schematics of their spectrophotometer, evidence used in making design decisions, raw and worked-up data, and analysis of spectrophotometer performance. Finally, each group presented their design to the “upper-management” of the fictitious company in which they presented an analysis of their design and its performance characteristics. − These served as multiple measures of student performance in this project.…”

Section: The Spectrophotometer Projectmentioning

confidence: 99%

Authentic Performance in the Instrumental Analysis Laboratory: Building a Visible Spectrophotometer Prototype

Wilson

2016

In this work we describe an authentic performance project for Instrumental Analysis in which students designed, built, and tested spectrophotometers made from simple components. The project addressed basic course content such as instrument design principles, UV−vis spectroscopy, and spectroscopic instrument components as well as skills such as evidence-based decision-making, seeking and applying knowledge, teamwork, and breaking down complex problems. Over the course of the seven-week project, students produced unique, functional spectrophotometers with creative designs. Students reported a high level of engagement and learning during the project. Student performance on a UV−vis spectroscopy assessment instrument improved significantly (28%) from a pretest to a post-test, with the greatest gains occurring in items aligned to the project learning outcomes.

“…While making everyday decisions may seem routine for the seasoned veteran, students are not often forced to evaluate their surroundings and make a decision based on what they find. A search of the literature reveals important techniques for how to guide students in decision-making processes. ,,, The early work of Walters highlights the importance of project ownership and communication while students encounter decision-making steps. − Overall, the exercise of gathering equipment and materials proved to be both a challenge and a new experience for the student, which mimics work typically encountered within an analytical laboratory.…”

Section: Acquisition Of Equipment and Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Selection, Evaluation, and Modification of a Standard Operating Procedure as a Mechanism for Introducing an Undergraduate Student to Chemical Research: A Case Study

Claycomb

Venable

2014

In an effort to broaden the selection of research opportunities available to a student registered in a one-semester, upper-level independent study course at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI), a highly motivated student was asked to select, evaluate, and modify a standard operating procedure (SOP). The student gained valuable experience in the decision-making processes involved with selecting an SOP based on discernment of which procedures could be performed at our institution. Once a procedure was selected, the student set up and evaluated the performance of the procedure, enabling mastery of the process. After demonstrating competence, the student was asked to suggest and perform modifications to the procedure thereby providing an opportunity to gain a better connection between the procedure and results. In this work, the QuEChERS (quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe) method for the analysis of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was examined demonstrating the effectiveness of using an SOP as a tool for introducing an undergraduate to research at a PUI.