Organic chemistry Archives

Making organic chemistry fun, meaningful, and accessible

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Using relevant day-to-day examples and applications, Dr Irosha Nawarathne aims to make organic chemistry meaningful and accessible.

Many undergraduate students perceive organic chemistry modules as make-or-break courses in their university career. They often resort to rote memorisation, which not only alienates them but prevents them understanding the discipline in depth. Social and economic factors may also be significant barriers in the study of this fundamental subject. With examples drawn from her extensive teaching experience, Dr Irosha N […]

The serendipitous discovery of a new green chemistry method

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Dr Petri Turhanen was working on a synthesis of a modified version of the biological molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), when he discovered that the cation exchange resin he was using was unintentionally producing another molecule. Closer investigation revealed that the molecule had been iodinated, meaning an iodine atom had been added. This specific reaction is challenging to perform using current […]

Inquiry learning: Empowering African American women in STEM

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By employing modern theories of learning such as metacognitive skillfulness, agency, and inquiry-based learning, Dr Leyte Winfield, former Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and current Chair of the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, is creating an environment where African American women can gain critical thinking skills to thrive in Science, Technology, […]