Introduction to General Chemistry 2 Lab: A CURE Approach

Course Structure and PhilosophyPage 1

The Gen Chem 2 lab operates as a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). The first half of the semester focuses on learning essential laboratory techniques and research skills. In the second half, students work in groups to design and conduct their own research experiments. The course emphasizes student autonomy, the scientific process over achieving 'correct' results, and broad relevance, as the research aims to produce authentic data applicable to real-world problems.

Introduction to Biochar ResearchPage 1

The central research topic is biochar, a material produced by heating biomass in an oxygen-free environment through pyrolysis. Dr. Eric Singsas from the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRI) explains that biochar can be engineered to be 'fit for purpose'—tailored to solve specific industrial or environmental challenges. Unlike basic biochar used in biology, the research in this lab focuses on materials science and industrial applications.

Industrial and Environmental ApplicationsPage 2

NRI utilizes biochar for several critical applications, including: 1) Steel manufacturing (as a cleaner 'green' carbon reductant to replace coal), 2) Coal ash remediation (solidifying hazardous sludge into stable bricks), 3) Roadside filtration (engineering bioswales to absorb pollutants and runoff), and 4) PFAS/pollutant removal from wastewater. Students will contribute by measuring the performance and physical/chemical properties of different biochars to advance these real-world solutions.