Physical Chemistry Curriculum: Into the Future with Digital Technology

Abstract

Traditional physical chemistry courses consist of two or three 45-hour semesters using traditional 1000+ page text books containing hundreds of exercises and problems. Typically physical chemistry courses include the study of key topics and a plethora of concepts, exploration of mathematical models of physical systems, and the use of increasingly sophisticated mathematical manipulations, all accompanied by an emphasis on scientific writing. Given the breadth of the discipline and its wide range of applications across other scientific disciplines we must ask two key questions. First, what of all available topics should an instructor include in a typical course? Second, what components of physical chemistry courses have the potential to lead to enhanced student learning and future professional growth? This paper will highlight some suggestions regarding the conundrum of too much too fast for the young physical chemistry student. Included will be examples showing project-based laboratory and lecture activities and the use of symbolic mathematics software as mechanisms for including more modern topics or more modern approaches to standard topics.