ConfChem Conference on Case-Based Studies in Chemical Education: Case Study Teaching in the Community College

Abstract

Students attending community colleges are largely from local communities and of a wide range of age, experiences, and academic preparedness. Those taking chemistry courses are not usually intending careers in chemistry, and many do not have an innate passion or even interest for the subject. I have found that the majority of my students are not particularly receptive to seemingly abstract concepts taught via lectures with PowerPoint presentations that accompany textbooks. They do not often see the relevance of many of the core concepts covered in chemistry textbooks to their own lives and intended careers, and this often leads to perfunctory participation and poor performance. I have found that engaging case studies can be used to connect with these students and also teach core concepts in chemistry. My experiences developing and using case studies to connect with urban community college students and teach core concepts in organic chemistry and general, organic, and biological chemistry (GOB) are described. The cases include concepts pertaining to the mechanisms underlying liver toxicity of acetaminophen, the chemistry of curcumin, the chemistry of cocaine, the chemistry of commonly used painkillers, calorific values of foods, and the chemical principles underlying methemoglobinemia.