What are we going to do about a problem like polymer chemistry? Develop new methods of delivery to improve understanding of a demanding interdisciplinary topic

Abstract

University of Bristol -Explore Bristol Research General rightsThis document is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. Full terms of use are available: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/pure/about/ebr-terms AbstractFollowing collaboration between two chemistry lecturers and an academic developer an attempt was made to enhance the learning of students within a chemistry module through the adaptation of the delivery of content material. This paper reports on a piece of action research which considered how effective the approach developed was upon both the level of student understanding and also the process through which this occurred. The module delivery was altered from an emphasis on the transmission of knowledge through a traditional lecture format, to rotating small group problem based sessions. Although there were challenges to the approach, feedback from the students appears to demonstrate that they believed it was an effective way for them to learn and the grades achieved indicate that the change was successful. There were additional benefits also found for the lecturers who were able to approach the material themselves from an alternative perspective.

Environmental Application of Cyclodextrin Metal–Organic Frameworks in an Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory

“…Because much of the scientific research enterprise is interdisciplinary, adequate preparation of undergraduate students for future employment in the chemical enterprise should focus on delivering relevant curricular material . Although efforts to incorporate more interdisciplinary lessons have been reported in this Journal − and others, , the vast majority of the undergraduate curriculum is still not interdisciplinary.…”

Three Ways to Polyamides: The Impact of Polymerization Mechanism on Polymer Properties

“…Polymers display many properties that are exceptionally structure-dependent . This makes teaching polymers a unique opportunity to apply multiple chemistry subdisciplines in the exploration of a single concept. , This lab experiment incorporates organic synthesis, instrumental analysis, and physical chemistry to explore how the amide formation mechanism affects the production of common polyamides. The students prepare Nylon-6,6 and Nylon-6 (Figure ).…”

Polymers Course for Small Colleges and Universities

“…Over the years a series of efforts have attempted to integrate polymer topics within the core subject areas of chemistry, most notably as reported by the polymer core course committee during the 1980's, which discuss the addition of polymer topics to each core area (Core course committee in general chemistry, 1983;Miller et al, 1984;Howell, 2013; Core course committee in physical chemistry, 1984; Droske, 1995) Recently there has been an effort to stress the teaching of polymer science, and many guidelines have been proposed, however mostly to deaf ears, likely leaving graduates underqualified and underpaid for today's job market (Seymour, 1982;Jefferson & Phillips, 1999;Hamaide, Holl, Fontaine, Six, & Soldera, 2012;Goh, 2013;Carraher & Deanin, 1980;Mahaffy, 2004;Cavalli, Hamerton, & Lygo-Baker, 2015) The new degree requirements, which include instruction in macromolecules/polymers leave smaller institutions with a challenge as to how they can meet these new stipulations. These institutions are not likely to have the resources to hire a dedicated instructor for teaching polymers and must find creative ways to incorporate instruction into their current courses or implement something that can be taught by the current faculty.…”

“…There have been a few education articles over the years that have suggested various course topics and training methods for polymer chemistry (Seymour, 1982;Jefferson & Phillips, 1999;Hamaide et al, 2012;Goh, 2013;Carraher & Deanin, 1980;Mahaffy, 2004;Cavalli et al, 2015).…”