Bioelectrochemistry in Undergraduate Curriculum and Research

Abstract

Electrochemistry has a wide range of uses and applications, but undergraduate students do not appreciate this when the topic is first introduced in General Chemistry. Introducing more electrochemical methods in later chemistry courses can encourage interest in the field. In the chemistry department at Lebanon Valley College, the students first encounter electrochemistry through the typical introduction of redox reactions, the Nernst equation, and galvanic cells. The topic is expanded in Analytical Chemistry for juniors during which the students learn about and perform electroanalyltical methods, including potentiometric analysis, coulometry, amperometry, and voltammetry. Students who choose the advanced elective Chemical Sensors and Biosensors learn about electrochemical sensors as one unit of the course. This unit also includes a section on bioelectrochemical sensors. Students develop a hydrogen peroxide biosensor and use amperometry to evaluate its performance, giving them a better understanding of concepts like limit of detection, sensitivity, and dynamic linear range. In addition to the chemistry curriculum, students can choose to do electrochemical research in the department. Recent projects include fabricating and evaluating enzyme electrodes for a wide range of biologically relevant molecules, designing self-powered biosensors, and designing a biophotovoltaic device for solar energy conversion with plants. Students gain experience with several electrochemical methods, analysis of electrochemical data, and general lab skills. They are also required to present their work, either in posters or oral presentation, skills that will prepare them for their careers after college. Overall this combination of curriculum and research leads to more students being interested in electrochemistry. They learn that these methods can be used for every area of chemistry, not just analytical. It has lead to an increase in the number of graduating students who continue working in the field, whether in industry or academia.