Educational Initiatives
The curriculum in the Department is constantly evolving to reflect the cutting edge issues in the field of chemistry and innovative teaching methods. The faculty are also deeply committed to expanding the impact of this work through innovative online learning and exciting outreach to K-12 students. A few examples of these developments include:
- The first-year Modern Chemistry courses enhance students' ability to visualize key concepts (09-105) and use simulations in solving interesting real-world problems (09-106). Most of these simulations, including virtual labs, were developed at Carnegie Mellon as part of the ChemCollective project in the Yaron group.
- Chemistry majors and others have the opportunity to study the chemistry of cooking and practice some molecular gastronomy in the Kitchen Chemistry Sessions that was described in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Advanced students can take green chemistry to learn the current state of a rapidly emerging field from one of its leaders, Terry Collins. Online materials are also available for a wider audience who are interested in Learning Green.
- The Color of Minerals and Inorganic Pigments course, a joint effort between the Mellon College of Science and the School of Art, brings together chemistry and art students. Students explore the origin of the color using principles of inorganic chemistry and, as a final project, the students exhibit their work. See article in C&EN, Where Chemistry and Art Meet.
- A BS/MS Honors program enables students to earn both BS and MS degrees within four years.
