Chemistry 250: Chemical Information   Tags: chemical information, chemistry, science databases  

Time
Section 1: Wed. 9:10-10 AM

Place
Section 1: SC 2200 Computer Classroom

• Grades: Students must attend all classes and complete all assignments. Missed classes must be made up.
• Syllabus
• Weekly Assignments: Due by end of following class. 50% of grade (includes attendance)
• Chemical Data Report: 20% of grade
  1. Blank table
  2. Sample table
  3. List of suggested compounds
• Project: 30% of grade
• Suggested Project Topics

Scope and Objectives of the Course

The primary purpose of this course is to assist students in understanding the body of information which constitutes the chemical literature, and in developing the skills required to effectively and efficiently utilize that literature both as students, and ultimately as professional chemists.

It is important to recognize that there are many "correct" approaches to searching the chemical literature. Hopefully, this course will enable the student to select the best approach for his/her purposes.

Course Goals

• Become proficient in using a variety of physical sciences information tools, including SciFinder Scholar, Reaxys, Web of Science, and other major scientific databases.
• Determine the appropriate resource to fill a particular information need.
• Learn to critically evaluate resources both commercial and open access.
• Understand the scientific publication process

Once you know how to gather information, and use it in your chemistry, you need to know how to get it out into the world.

Stephen Doster, JOA for Chemical Research in Toxicology for 8 years, gave the class a wealth of information on workflow and tips for success.

See his presentation here.