Abstract:
During the last decade, the University of Toronto has adopted an integrated approach where green and sustainable chemistry education is built into the overall departmental framework. Green chemistry principles are embedded throughout a variety of interconnected modules within the Department of Chemistry, including undergraduate curricula (both in the classroom and teaching laboratory), a graduate student-led organization, and other department-wide initiatives. Instead of treating green chemistry as a stand-alone topic or sub-discipline, and highlighting it in a specific single assignment, laboratory exercise, or course, the model embeds it into the curriculum as a whole. Consequently, students experience a well-rounded chemistry education that highlights the theory and skills required to become informed citizens and scientists. Progress made has allowed the University of Toronto to become the first Canadian institution to be recognized through the Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Commitment in 2016.
This presentation will provide an overview of the initiatives that have supported the culture of green chemistry practice in our department. The contributions include specific examples at each level of undergraduate teaching (both in the classroom and laboratory), graduate-level initiatives, and general departmental efforts. Each of the contribution descriptions will include a particular emphasis on how each promotes an integrated approach to green and sustainable chemistry education, and how they align with the stated learning objectives of the Green Chemistry Commitment.