Understanding the Learning Gap Between Undergraduate General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

Presenter Type

UNO Undergraduate Student

Major/Field of Study

Chemistry

Advisor Information

Sachin Nedungadi

Location

MBSC Ballroom Poster # 406 - U

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

24-3-2023 1:00 PM

End Date

24-3-2023 2:15 PM

Abstract

Understanding the Learning Gap Between Undergraduate General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

Within most university requirements for chemistry-based degree programs, two semesters of general chemistry are a prerequisite for the organic chemistry sequence. Traditionally, students who have succeeded in general chemistry tend to struggle in organic chemistry which could be due to a learning gap between the two courses brought about by a difference in the approach employed when teaching both courses. To better understand the difficulties students, face when transitioning from general chemistry to organic chemistry, a pilot survey was administered to organic chemistry faculty. The aim of the survey was to get an idea of the relative importance of general chemistry concepts for understanding organic chemistry. Additionally, the organic chemistry faculty were surveyed on the efficacy of the current general chemistry curricula in preparing students for organic chemistry and methods they have employed to help students overcome this transition from general chemistry to organic chemistry. The results from this pilot survey will be discussed including modifications to instructional strategies to better prepare students for organic chemistry. Future work involving a national survey of organic chemistry faculty will also be discussed.

Scheduling

1-2:15 p.m., 2:30 -3:45 p.m.

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Mar 24th, 1:00 PM Mar 24th, 2:15 PM

Understanding the Learning Gap Between Undergraduate General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

MBSC Ballroom Poster # 406 - U

Understanding the Learning Gap Between Undergraduate General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry

Within most university requirements for chemistry-based degree programs, two semesters of general chemistry are a prerequisite for the organic chemistry sequence. Traditionally, students who have succeeded in general chemistry tend to struggle in organic chemistry which could be due to a learning gap between the two courses brought about by a difference in the approach employed when teaching both courses. To better understand the difficulties students, face when transitioning from general chemistry to organic chemistry, a pilot survey was administered to organic chemistry faculty. The aim of the survey was to get an idea of the relative importance of general chemistry concepts for understanding organic chemistry. Additionally, the organic chemistry faculty were surveyed on the efficacy of the current general chemistry curricula in preparing students for organic chemistry and methods they have employed to help students overcome this transition from general chemistry to organic chemistry. The results from this pilot survey will be discussed including modifications to instructional strategies to better prepare students for organic chemistry. Future work involving a national survey of organic chemistry faculty will also be discussed.