Experimental Work and the Teaching of Chemistry at University

Abstract

Chemistry, the central science for many areas of knowledge, is a compulsory discipline in several University courses. The teaching of chemistry to non-chemists is a difficult challenge that must be overcome, because Chemistry is often a necessary tool in their future activity. However, the failure in General Chemistry courses is an obstacle in the normal academic lives of students. Students’ difficulties are often caused by poor previous chemical knowledge or by lack of motivation, and represent important factors in the lack of success. The work here presented is inscribed in a larger study on the role of experimental work in several different first year Chemistry courses. This study intends to propose answers to several questions often raised by chemistry teachers: - What “Chemistry” should be taught to non-motivated non-chemistry students? - What should be the role of experimental work in the preparation of these students? - What is the influence of the involvement of students in practical classes in their academic success?