The Changing Face of Research: The Use of Chemical Information Skills to Identify Novel Research Areas

Abstract

An experiment in teaching students to use the literature to devise and defend a plan for novel research is presented as part of a graduate-level course in heterocyclic chemistry. Students in three successive iterations of the course completed an assignment during which they were assigned novel heterocyclic cores that were selected by varying or relocating the heteroatoms of a known drug. They were then asked to identify potential research areas related to their assigned cores and to determine whether the structures containing these cores were likely to have practical applications. The students presented their results as though they were a collaborative research group in an industrial setting requesting funding for future research. A full description of the assignment and a summary of the student outcomes and ideas for future development are discussed.

The Scientific Method as a Scaffold to Enhance Communication Skills in Chemistry

“…The literature surrounding chemical communication pedagogy is diverse. However, efforts to improve written and oral communication skills have followed four general and broad approaches, which are sometimes presented in a hybrid form: (1) the incorporation of technical writing with chemical literacy, 66 − 77 in first-year courses, 39 , 66 , 67 , 78 − 83 stand-alone classes, 27 , 43 , 69 , 79 , 84 − 96 and/or discipline specific courses; 70 , 97 − 115 (2) laboratory experiments; 21 , 26 , 32 , 59 , 69 , 107 , 116 − 127 (3) critical thinking exercises; 3 , 13 , 26 , 117 , 128 − 143 and (4) research experiences. 134 , 144 − 155 Despite the community’s best efforts, a host of factors, which were identified early on, continue to present significant barriers for engaging and enhancing the communication skills of undergraduate students.…”

“…The literature surrounding chemical communication pedagogy is diverse. However, efforts to improve written and oral communication skills have followed four general and broad approaches, which are sometimes presented in a hybrid form: (1) the incorporation of technical writing with chemical literacy, − in first-year courses, ,,,− stand-alone classes, ,,,,− and/or discipline specific courses; ,− (2) laboratory experiments; ,,,,,,− (3) critical thinking exercises; ,,,,− and (4) research experiences.…”

“…At the end, students splice the knowledge generated from each phase into a single cohesive and meaningful scientific story, which is communicated both orally and in writing. In this report, we specify how we have leveraged the scientific method along with the community’s reports on technical writing for chemical literacy, ,,,− , laboratory experiments, ,,,,,− ,− critical thinking exercises, ,,,,− and research experiences − …”