Term Paper/Poster Session Project: Evolution of a Learning Tool in Medicinal Chemistry1

Increased focus on the achievement of outcomes related to communication, interpersonal interactions, critical thinking, and life-long learning demands that innovative instructional tools be developed and implemented. These endeavors are often time-consuming, frustrating and risky; however, success is extremely rewarding not only for the students, but for the professor as well. This article describes a project that has been used in the medicinal chemistry course at Albany College of Pharmacy (ACP) for the past three years. Modifications have been made in both method and purpose based on annual assessment data. What began as an unpopular assignment for the fourth year students has become an event anticipated and enjoyed by many of the ACP community, including the students. The following manuscript gives a detailed description of the project in its current form, and the evolutionary process leading to its success