Student and Faculty Appraisals of Course- Based Undergraduate Research (CURE) Chemistry Courses

Abstract

"Engaging students in undergraduate chemistry laboratories is vital in preparing students for careers in research. Course- based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) aim to integrate a unique research opportunity into the curriculum to increase student success. Current research shows students report increased preparedness and satisfaction from CURE- based labs as opposed to standard undergraduate chemistry labs, with results of CURE labs benefitting the scientific community through new information on drug entities and catalysts. Our CURE lab involved 12 students and three teacher’s assistants performing a palladium catalyzed heteroarylation involving tropinone, with this reaction chosen because of its difficulty and feasibility for undergraduate students."