An Innovative Model: Undergraduate Poster Sessions by Health Professional Majors as a Method for Communicating Chemistry in Context

Abstract

This paper develops the methods used to conduct poster sessions for undergraduate health professional majors. There are two main goals of the project. The first goal is to learn chemistry in thecontext of health professions, everyday activities and contemporary issues. The second goal is to continue to develop research and written and oral communication skills. The topics are chosen aftera classroom discussion of organic chemistry. The students then attend a library instruction class for introduction to appropriate research tools. Students are also taught the mechanics of posterpreparation. The sessions are presented during a laboratory class period and are open to the college and public at large. Evaluation criteria include comprehension of the chemistry, the level andaccuracy of the discussion and the appropriateness of the poster design for information exchange, All levels of the college community are invited to participate and greatly contribute to thesuccess of the poster sessions.