Organic Chemistry and Problem Based Learning

Organic chemistry is historically a course with a high failure rate. A likely contributor to poor performance in the course is a lack of preparedness and understanding of fundamental material covered in general chemistry that is essential for success in organic chemistry. Our project aims to evaluate students' understanding of this material within the first week of the course to: 1) allow students to assess their preparedness; and 2) provide resources for students who lack the requisite understanding of fundamental material and help them remediate deficiencies early in the course. This project is a collaboration of the author of this ePortfolio with Drs. Ken Nakayama, Stuart Berryhill, and Ms. Elaine Bernal.