About the Seminar:

Our first-year seminar is an introduction to the study of Chemistry from the perspective of research, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning. The course is primarily discussion-based and includes panels and invited speakers, especially from the department, to discuss their on-going research projects.  Since 2017, an innovated learning activity was integrated to the class in which students are exposed to research methods while answering real-life questions. The activity consists of taking student to one of the water resources on campus, teach them how to prepare a sampling plan, and have them conduct the plan and test for basic water quality parameters. To facilitate the experience, the students used the HACH Surface Water Test Kit and learned the process of making predictions, formulating hypothesis, designing experiments, and drawing conclusions to present results to their peers. While there were inherent challenges in the application of this teaching technique, students developed interest in chemical research, increasing retention in the course and in the major.