A two-component undergraduate laboratory experience has been developed by students in a senior level capstone course. The first component is a 3 h laboratory experience dedicated to the rapid synthesis of a metal-organic framework (MOF-808) in aqueous solution using readily available reagents and equipment. During the second component, MOF-808 was…

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) are important for providing undergraduates with authentic research experiences. At Xavier University of Louisiana, a Genetics Laboratory CURE course was developed and implemented. The goals of developing this Genetics CURE laboratory course were: (1) to provide a large number of students the…

As described by the National Research Council, science practices reflect, in part, the way science is done. When researchers are developing an explanation for a phenomenon, they are using a combination of knowledge and skills reflected in the science practices. Laboratory-based chemistry courses provide the opportunity for students to move beyond…

Laboratory course redesign and effective implementation of an inquiry-based curriculum can be challenging, particularly when teaching assistants (TAs) are responsible for instruction. Our multiyear redesign of a traditional general chemistry laboratory course has included transitioning to a project based guided inquiry (PBGI) curriculum that…

Lab components of undergraduate science courses typically have students complete highly directed cookbook-like laboratory activities. These experiences rarely engage students in a meaningful manner and do not accurately convey what the work of science entails. With funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), we have created more…

This article presents a brief history of the artificial coloration of foods, a discussion of the worldwide use of synthetic food dyes, and methods for separating and identifying 14 dyes in common use globally. The United States Food and Drug Administration presently has certified seven synthetic dyes for use in foods. An additional seven synthetic…

The Advanced Chemistry Laboratory Program is a project designed to devise experiments to coordinate the use of instruments in the laboratory programs of physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and inorganic chemistry at the advanced undergraduate level. It is intended that such experiments would incorporate an introduction to the instrument…

Describes a pre-calculus, freshman-level modern physics course for prospective physics majors. The problems and goals which led to the course are discussed. Course objectives, content, laboratory projects, text and reference materials and evaluaton procedures used are reported. (LC)

Summarizes the early discussion results in the development of a physics project in higher education. Indicates that the first-year experience concentrates on the following aspects: laboratory work, tutorial programs, and individualized instruction. (CC)

Brief descriptions of several of the laboratory experiments which have been incorporated into an acoustics course for music majors. Includes vibratory motion and sound generation, nature, speed, and pitch of sound, spectrum analysis and electronic synthesis of musical sound and some conventional sound experiments. (Author/TS)

Presents the advantages and disadvantages associated with the canned computer lab from the educational and software aspects. Summarizes two years of experience with canned labs and gives an example of a program and a typical student output. (GS)

The program objectives are to instruct students in laboratory techniques, experimental procedures, evaluation of results, and laboratory project design. Integration of techniques which may span several areas of chemistry is emphasized in the solution of problems. Current course content of the program is listed. (GS)

The evolution of a laboratory oriented undergraduate plasma physics course is described. Brief accounts of the 14 experiments utilized in the course are provided. (CP)

This article looks at the problems of revision of laboratory courses. While revision of the syllabus of experiments is expensive, it is necessary to keep it up to date. The nature, causes, and rates of change in practical courses are discussed. (BB)