Theme-based modular approach for delivering the undergraduate analytical chemistry curriculum

Educational professionals at Butler University made efforts to develop a theme-based modular approach for delivering the undergraduate analytical chemistry curriculum. Educational professionals at the university explored a pedagogical model that aimed at exploiting the strengths and served as a bridge between the traditional and inquiry-based models for delivering the undergraduate analytical chemistry curriculum. They utilized the strengths of the lecture in the new approach to deliver content while involving students in active participation in their learning through in-class collaborative group problem-solving. Critical thinking and professional skills development were strongly addressed within the framework of theme-based modular laboratory courses. The goal of analytical chemistry curricular change at the university was to address the problems described earlier. The laboratory courses under the new approach comprised of several theme-focused modules that were used to facilitate the development of critical thinking and professional skills.