Faculty in the Department of Chemistry
and Physics at the University of New England (UNE) have recently transformed
introductory and advanced chemistry curricula by embedding the high
impact practice of undergraduate research. Course Based Undergraduate
Research Experiences (CUREs) have provided experiential learning opportunities
for over 272 students over the past three years in three different
courses: University Organic Chemistry I/II (CHE 250/1 with lab), Fundamentals
of Biochemistry (CHE 310/310L), and Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory
(CHE 450). This communication discusses how three different faculty
members in three different courses adapted workflow and curricula
of chemistry CUREs laboratories to a virtual environment as dictated
by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages
of curricular adaptations are discussed considering both the faculty
and student experience and the importance of meeting originally defined
student learning outcomes.
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