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Citation: Lu Wang. Introduction to Curriculum Design and Restructuring of General Chemistry Courses at Harvard University[J]. University Chemistry, ;2025, 40(12): 192-196. doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202511001 shu

Introduction to Curriculum Design and Restructuring of General Chemistry Courses at Harvard University

Lu Wang ^,

Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge 02138, USA

Corresponding author: Lu Wang, wang29@fas.harvard.edu
Received Date: 3 November 2025
Revised Date: 11 November 2025

This article provides an overview of the general chemistry curriculum at Harvard University, with particular emphasis on the use of Professor James G. Anderson’s textbook, University Chemistry: Foundations and Frontiers from a Global and Molecular Perspective, in Physical Sciences 11 (PS 11) more than a decade ago. The unique structure of Harvard’s general chemistry sequence is introduced, detailing the range of courses available to first-year students with varying backgrounds in chemistry and biology, as well as the rationale for their design. The article highlights PS 11, a general chemistry course that integrates fundamental chemical principles with global issues in climate change and energy, making use of real-world applications to optimize conceptual learning. The curriculum’s core features, including its context-driven content and case studies are discussed. Reflections on the benefits and challenges of this integrated approach are shared, emphasizing how focused, context-based teaching can foster student motivation, deepen understanding, and prepare students to apply chemical knowledge broadly across scientific and societal challenges.
- General chemistry,
- Course design,
- Global perspective,
- Molecular level
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