Our NSF-sponsored project addresses issues of fundamental reform in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum via advanced integration of liquid- and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments and theory. Our integrated curricula comprise a suite of NMR laboratory exercises (initially targeted within the analytical chemistry laboratory) coupled with advanced NMR theory targeted to physical chemistry students. These curricula provide multiple layers of instructional merit from basic structural characterization to important physical chemistry concepts. For programs lacking solid-state NMR capabilities, we are developing schematics and construction materials for a low-cost, static 2H probe that is compatible with existing liquid-state spectrometers. Deuterium NMR lineshapes are sensitive to molecular motion and serve as excellent instructional aids for topics such as methyl rotors. In future work, tools will also be designed for vertical integration into organic chemistry courses, providing a more comprehensive and complete learning platform for this important analysis technique.
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Back to The 33rd Northeast Regional Meeting (July 14-17, 2005)