Scientific Communication

The ability to deliver a coherent, comprehensible and scientifically accurate oral presentation is a skill that all science students need. This assignment teaches students to search for information, organize it, and then present it to an audience of their peers. Some of the specific skills that students develop are public speaking skills, the ability to critically read and evaluate primary and secondary literature, and the ability to work cooperatively. Because the exercise is integrated directly into a second semester organic chemistry course, it also helps students with mastery of key chemical concepts presented throughout the one-year sequence. Lastly, students begin to realize that organic chemistry is relevant to many everyday issues.