Engaging Students in Organic Chemistry

Linking OChem to natural products, polymers, pharmaceuticals and more

Organic chemistry educators have a critical role in engaging and improving student outcomes at a foundational level. The material in the traditional one-year sequence is foundational for upper level science courses as well as many pre-professional programs, such as medicine. When students are engaged in learning the fundamental concepts in organic chemistry, they are better prepared to apply organic concepts to other applications across chemistry. In this work, authors share methods for engaging students in organic chemistry, including in an online environment. These methods range from creative activities for individual class topics to pedagogical models utilized over an academic year. Laboratory experiments, writing assignments, and innovative assignments are included.