In-Depth Courses:
Advantages, Disadvantages and Considerations

Advantages

• Allows much more thorough coverage of tools and techniques than other forms of instruction
• Long-term assignments can integrate all the lessons of the course.
• Learning chemical information becomes a primary goal, rather than a secondary goal.

Disadvantages

• Getting approval for a full-term, especially credit bearing class, can be difficult at some institutions.
• Motivating students to take the class in the first place can be a challenge.
• Wide range of student interests may cause part of class to tune out at any given time.
• Creating and maintaining an in-depth course can be very time-consuming.
• Handling large classes, especially for hands-on training can be difficult.

Considerations

• How long should the course be? Should you try to cover everything in one course?
• What level should you aim at?
• Should chemical information instruction be required? At what level?
• What instructor resources do you have? (Transparencies, presentation software, live online, etc.)
• Hands-on training with electronic resources: what are your options?
• How big a class can you manage?
• Are there opportunities for team-teaching?