Markers of Excellence: Professional Development Opportunities in an Organic Chemistry CURE

TL;DR

This study shows how an organic chemistry course can effectively teach professional skills through team-based research.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a CURE model that fully integrates professional development competencies with team science training.

Findings

The CURE exhibited all five professional development competencies at the highest level.

Students gained stronger preparation for collaborative scientific work through team science training.

The model provides a framework for enhancing professional development in chemistry courses.

Abstract

The American Chemical Society has developed professional
development
competencies to guide the integration of professional skills into
chemistry curricula. This study examines how these competencies were
demonstrated in an organic chemistry course-based undergraduate research
experience (CURE) with a unique emphasis on team science. This CURE
exhibited each of the five professional development competencies at
the highest level, providing a model for how instructors can enhance
the professional development impact of their courses. By embedding
explicit team science training within a CURE, students gained stronger
preparation for collaborative, real-world scientific work than traditional
laboratory courses typically provide.

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