Molecular imprinting technology holds significant potential for applications in chemical analysis and detection. In order to integrate the fundamental knowledge of polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, and analytical chemistry with practical applications and cutting-edge research, we proposed a comprehensive experiment of the preparation,…

In response to the shifting modalities of laboratory-based education, particularly amidst the rise of virtual and at-home instruction, we introduce a novel hybrid laboratory module for undergraduate biochemistry and biology courses. Central to this innovative approach is the use of sourdough as a versatile and accessible model organism, enabling a…

A laboratory experiment was designed to introduce the practical application of biocatalysis in Bachelor and Master courses in biotechnology and medicinal chemistry, respectively. To this aim, the lipase from "Candida rugosa" was characterized (protein concentration and activity), immobilized on a carrier (by hydrophobic adsorption), and…

The current study aims to contribute to the literature on how organic chemistry students weigh various factors when predicting products of substitution and elimination reactions. This study focuses specifically on these mechanism types, as they are often the first instances where students must consider the "how" and the "why"…

Formative assessment is highly beneficial for student motivation and achievement, but in undergraduate courses, especially large introductory life sciences courses, it may be difficult for instructors to gather the evidence necessary for quality formative assessment. Undergraduate teaching and learning assistants (UTLAs) can help to implement…

Researchers have employed diverse instructional strategies to impart science communication (SciComm) skills, a cherished 21st-century skill into undergraduate students. We reviewed the pedagogical strategies used in developing SciComm skills in undergraduates. This review revealed that analyzing data and scientific literature, increasing exposure…

Background: The purpose of this scoping review is to describe how the literature has discussed and studied disability in undergraduate-level STEM courses in the United States. A Critical Disability Studies lens informed our inclusion criteria. Results: We considered extensive lists of disability types and diagnoses and concluded that…

Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide students with valuable opportunities to engage in research in a classroom setting, expanding access to research opportunities for undergraduates, fostering inclusive research and learning environments, and bridging the gap between the research and education communities. While…

Academic dishonesty is becoming more common among university students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-based programs. This is concerning because these students hold positions of responsibility in their professional careers. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine if a student's academic standing and/or…

Scientific writing skills were an essential competency for biology students in preparing effective research reports because they enabled students to communicate their research findings clearly and professionally. These skills were crucial for ensuring that students could present their work in a manner that adhered to scientific standards,…

When higher education instructors introduce changes in teaching and assessment strategies to meet either personal or institutional goals, they often navigate practical and political challenges alone. This study investigates the perspectives of Norwegian university instructors in their effort to replace lectures and exams with a series of…

Academic harassment, which is the abuse of power in higher education, is a global concern in science academia. It hinders the careers of young researchers, particularly graduate students, and creates a toxic environment that fosters misconduct and turnover. Consequently, scientific progress is slowed and national scientific integrity is…

Interacting with others is an important aspect of life. Especially in education, collaborations can help students learn. Unfortunately, there are often systemic barriers of science being perceived as individualistic, which may impact student success in science. Therefore, this study investigated how college students' (n = 672) social experiences…

For STEM faculty to approach teaching as a scientist, they must develop tools for data collection and analysis of student learning outcomes. Here, we report a methodology for the development of a learning outcomes assessment instrument and statistical analysis of that instrument that can be undertaken in a short amount of time by a few faculty…

As simple and ubiquitous redox-active organic molecules, quinones participate in diverse electron transfer processes in chemistry and biological systems for energy transformation and signal transduction. We introduce here a practical exercise to study the redox potentials of benzoquinone and its two derivatives by combining the electrochemistry…