I teach at all levels of the curriculum, from introductory chemistry (for both science and non-science majors) to advanced courses. My teaching philosophy is that chemical concepts are best learned when lecture, discussion, and laboratory are closely coordinated. Studies show that students retain more information in courses in which they can be active learners, where they can work cooperatively with less competition, and where visual methods of learning are included. Therefore, my courses have a heavy emphasis on active learning.
My special area of study within chemistry is physical chemistry, and within that field my focus is on quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. In a nutshell, quantum mechanics is the study of nuclei and electrons that make up atoms and molecules. The fundamental tenets of quantum mechanics provide a coherent explanation for the phenomenon of spectroscopy – the study of the interaction of light with matter. Herein lies a strange paradox – quantum mechanics is quite abstract and esoteric, yet at the same time, quite practical and applicable.
The following is a list of the courses I teach. Please refer to the Chemistry Department web page for formal course descriptions, and click the course titles below for a recent, representative course syllabus.
Introductory Chemistry for science majors (Chem 131-132)
Introductory Chemistry for non-science majors (Chem 111)
Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (Chem 341)
Advanced Topics in Chemistry (Chem 490)
First Year Seminar Program
The introductory teaching laboratory in Rector Science Comlex,
viewed through the glass window that separates the classroom from
the lab. This layout fosters a strong connection between classroom
and lab.
