Determining the Antifungal Agent Clioquinol by HPLC, the Not So Pure Preparation: A Laboratory-Based Case Study for an Instrumental Analytical Chemistry Course

Abstract

The case study approach provides students with a better appreciation of how scientists solve problems and conduct themselves in the "real world". When applied to the undergraduate chemistry laboratory, this approach also challenges critical thinking skills and creativity in ways "cook book" experiments very often do not. This approach provides students the opportunity to learn analytical principles in the context of relevant everyday problems, stimulate a sustaining interest, and develop higher cognitive skills and reasoning abilities. The laboratory-based case study described here combines the use of small collaborative groups and a modern instrumental technique, with application to a common consumer product. Students are required to conduct themselves as chemists would, when addressing the problem of product purity claims, and to make a determination based on their experimental results that will be used to direct future action taken by a formulation company. This case study even addresses potential legal exposure issues the company may encounter with the Food and Drug Administration. In that context, students come to realize that a faulty conclusion could potentially have undesirable ramifications. In addition, students are provided with the opportunity to gain useful hands-on experience on instrumentation commonly used in modern analytical laboratories. A "professional" report must also be written by students in journal style format including all relevant data, calculations, and statistical and error analysis. Assessment was made using mixed methods. Results indicate the laboratory was largely successful in meeting its objectives.

The Case Study Method in Chemistry Teaching: A Systematic Review

“…The research studies report that the demonstration of the technique is important for the students’ learning, so some classes were developed in the laboratory. This shows that it is possible to develop the CS method combined with experimental practices. ,,, …”

How to Design Experiential Learning Resources for Independent Learning

“…The choice of accessible compounds such as fragrances and foods as the context for chemical laboratories also presents students with an authentic experience as they are easy to relate to and help students appreciate the real-world applicability of the course material. − This could be generalized to using accessible and relatable contexts and examples for nonchemical systems. This resource design approach incorporates both context and personal authenticity.…”

Students as Investigators: Promoting Active Learning through a Case Study Assignment in a Lecture-Based Analytical Chemistry Course

“…Several case study assignments have been published previously including a murder mystery, authentication of orange juice in the laboratory, detection of contaminants − and poison, among other publications. − To our knowledge, some of these case studies involve at least one laboratory component that requires hands-on sample analysis and, as such, cannot be used in a lecture-based course. Others provide students with data sets and require data analysis; however, they lack the critical thinking and interactive components offered by the requisition form, as well as the creative freedom given to students in the case study assignment described herein.…”