Student Autonomy and Choice in the Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratory in an Intermediate Level Spectroscopic Techniques Experiment

A traditional intermediate level spectroscopic techniques experiment for the determination of the structure of an unknown organic compound is presented, which has been adapted to embed more autonomy, flexibility, and student responsibility in developing their learning. In our experiment, completed over a 3–4-week period, students apply the spectroscopic techniques of UV/vis, IR, and NMR with GC-MS in the structural determination of an unknown organic compound. Students develop their analytical methods, conduct analyses, and perform spectral interpretation, and we allow student choice, in the most appropriate way, for their learning of presenting their work. This inclusive, student-centered approach incorporates increased autonomy and choice. The approach, student perspective, and our learnings in its implementation are presented in this paper.