The inorganic part of the lecture Chemistry IV and Praktikum IV will be tightly connected. The learning objectives will be acquired on the basis of research-related, increasingly demanding projects in small groups. The experiments will be designed, tested and implemented largely independently by the students. Project meetings ensure mutual learning, critical thinking and performance monitoring.
Abstract
First small research projects shall be carried out independently within defined specifications in groups of 2 or 4 students as a wrap-up of the laboratory practical training in the 2nd year of study (total 40 students). The basics will be elaborated in the course Chemistry IV (V + U). The projects are "open" (complementary characterization methods and procedures, design and redesign are possible/desirable), problem-oriented, as well as research and application oriented. Examples are the design and building of a magnetic balance that is used in further experiments, and the synthesis and analysis of novel compounds, starting from known compounds (research-oriented).
Experiments are no longer limited to 1-2 afternoons, but are interconnected. Independent work and critical thinking is of central importance, students are introduced into the systematic design and implementation of experiments and are further instructed in literature and data search. Current research topics are referred to both in the lecture Chemistry IV, as well as the projects.
The projects are analyzed and optimized in regular discussion and feedback sessions (moderated by assistants or lecturers, depending on project phase).
Success factors
• Competence-oriented coordination of practical laboratory course and lecture
• Promoting independent working and critical thinking (as a preparation for Praktikum V/Bachelor's thesis)
• Promoting research-oriented learning (ability to transfer, interdisciplinarity, teamwork)
• Sustainable competence acquisition (performance assessment for Chemistry IV)
Innovative elements
Project-based experiments, which are closely connected to a course, will promote the acquisition of competence in the field of inorganic chemistry for materials science. Since the experiments are closely related to research, but have a "project character", the students are accompanied when making the step from carrying out clearly defined, result-oriented experiments to implementing their own ideas in open-ended projects.
Room for improvement
Create a pool of additional projects that are less or more demanding than the standard projects in order to appropriately challenge/support under- or above-average groups.
Opinion of students
Exemplary: "...I think the learning effect is by far the greatest in PIV. You really have to actively deal with what you're doing and then you can't be a "fellow lab technician" anymore. I think that's great. It's also good that the Praktikum is so close to the lecture. That makes it a lot easier for you to start preparing for your internship on your own."
Tips for lecturers
A much smaller supervision ratio than usual in Praktika is very desirable!
Assistants must be very well prepared (partly open ended projects).
Links and downloads
Authors
Applicant
Dr. Martin Willeke
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Manager
Dr. Irene Bräunlich
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Contact person
Dr. Martin Willeke
martin.willeke@mat.ethz.ch
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Department
D-MATL
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Institute
Departement Materialwissenschaft
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Filing date
30.09.2016
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Period
01.12.2016 to 31.12.2018
