Examining Student Learning of Infrared Spectroscopy in Organic Chemistry

A scaffolded infrared (IR) assignment was designed to support novice learners in developing the ability to analyze spectra. Beginning with pentane (containing no functional groups), students are guided in reviewing more molecules to construct a data table of functional groups that can be readily identified by infrared spectroscopy. Students use their completed data tables to engage with functional group patterns across the regions of an infrared spectrum. Finally, students apply their knowledge to unknown spectra, incorporating each aspect of the assignment in order to identify the presence of functional groups. This paper describes the evolution of this assignment over time, as well as the resulting student learning outcomes, in a large undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory course.