The process of diffusion is intimately related to random molecular displacement and is central to many problems in chemistry. Here, we provide an intuitive derivation of the diffusion equation based on the analysis of the random trajectories of particles generated and plotted by simple MATLAB and Python scripts. The codes are very simple and…

Laboratory automation and data science are valuable new skills for all chemists, but most pedagogical activities involving automation to date have focused on upper-level coursework. Herein, we describe a combined computational and experimental lab suitable for a first-year undergraduate general chemistry course, in which these topics are…

An understanding of statistical concepts is necessary for a chemist with a complete education. Here, statistical tests were taught using the R Commander and the Factoshiny packages. These packages run on R software and have a graphical user interface (GUI), which allows students to do statistical tests quickly and easily. These packages were…

An integrated inorganic chemistry laboratory experience focusing on heterogeneous electrocatalysis with nickel (Ni)- and cobalt (Co)-based electrocatalysts is designed for upper-division, major-level chemistry students. In this laboratory, students will be guided through the fabrication of an indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass working electrode,…

In education, space exists for a tool that valorizes generic student course evaluation formats by organizing and recapitulating students' views on the pedagogical practices to which they are exposed. Often, student opinions about a course are gathered using a general comment section that does not solicit feedback concerning specific course…

The increasing integration of software and automation in modern chemical laboratories prompts special emphasis on two important skills in the chemistry classroom. First, students need to learn the technical skills involved in modern scientific computing and automation. Second, applying these techniques in practice requires effective collaboration…

The Scientific Computing for Chemists course taught at Wabash College teaches chemistry students to use the Python programming language, Jupyter notebooks, and a number of common Python scientific libraries to process, analyze, and visualize data. Assuming no prior programming experience, the course introduces students to basic programming and…