Great Expectations: Using an Analysis of Current Practices To Propose a Framework for the Undergraduate Inorganic Curriculum

Abstract

The undergraduate inorganic chemistry curriculum in the United States mirrors the broad diversity of the inorganic research community and poses a challenge for the development of a coherent curriculum that is thorough, rigorous, and engaging. A recent large survey of the inorganic community has provided information about the current organization and content of the inorganic curriculum from an institutional level. The data reveal shared "core" concepts that are broadly taught, with tremendous variation in content coverage beyond these central ideas. The data provide an opportunity for a community-driven discussion about how the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training's vision of a foundation and in-depth course for each of the five subdisciplines maps onto an inorganic chemistry curriculum that is consistent in its coverage of the core inorganic concepts, yet reflects the diversity and creativity of the inorganic community. The goal of this Viewpoint is to present the current state of the diverse undergraduate curriculum and lay a framework for an effective and engaging curriculum that illustrates the essential role inorganic chemistry plays within the chemistry community.

A reaction-coordinate perspective of magnetic relaxation

“…Despite this conceptual overlap and the importance of dynamic magnetic properties in many cutting-edge fields, education in magnetic relaxation is typically absent from undergraduate chemical curricula. [17][18][19] As a consequence, concepts in magnetic relaxation can be intimidating for chemistry researchers to utilize in their research. Yet it is precisely these chemists that are needed to make the molecules that drive the observations of new processes, developments of new theories, Cassidy E. Jackson Cassidy E. Jackson received her BS in Chemistry from James Madison University where she worked under Dr Donna Amenta and Dr John Gilje on the synthesis and characterization of porous materials.…”

Computer-Aided Identification of Symmetry Relating Groups of Molecules

“…[17][18] In the typical curriculum, a heavy, if not exclusive, emphasis is placed on the symmetry of individual molecules, which we will refer to as intramolecular symmetry. 3 Far less commonly treated is the concept of intermolecular symmetry, the symmetry present within/among a group of molecules.…”

“…Undergraduate programs in chemistry typically provide students with an introduction to symmetry, including the mathematical formalism of group theory, because of its importance in chemical reactivity and spectroscopy. − Although surveys of undergraduate chemistry curricula from across the United States have revealed a significant heterogeneity in the manner in which symmetry and group theory are treated, − they are often considered foundational topics as described in the Inorganic Chemistry Supplement to the Guidelines for Bachelor’s Degree Programs prepared by the Committee of Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. , Students become familiar with the Schönflies notation and the representation of symmetry properties in character tables. They subsequently apply concepts of symmetry and group theory in the contexts of molecular electronic structure (e.g., molecular orbital theory), spectroscopy (e.g., vibrational and electronic), and reactivity (e.g., cyclization reactions).…”

Exploring the pH Dependent Aqueous Speciation of Metal Complexes through UV–Vis Spectroscopy

“…Aqueous speciation of metal complexes is a little discussed topic in a traditional undergraduate inorganic chemistry course. The inorganic field is very broad, encompassing a vast diversity of topics relating to all elements, and as a result, the introductory course has yet to adopt a standardized curriculum . This can result in a lack of sufficient depth in the coverage of material especially when offered only as a one semester course .…”

“…The inorganic field is very broad, encompassing a vast diversity of topics relating to all elements, and as a result, the introductory course has yet to adopt a standardized curriculum. 14 This can result in a lack of sufficient depth in the coverage of material especially when offered only as a one semester course. 14 With the introduction of the topic of aqueous speciation into the introductory course, many important themes that are already discussed regarding coordination chemistry can be enriched with deeper understanding and real-life connections and applications.…”