Magrieta Snyman
Contact
Chemistry Lab Coordinator, Augustana - Sciences
- msnyman@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 679-1109
Overview
About
I started teaching at Augustana in 2005 after working for 15 years as a functional specialist in the development section of an organic chemistry focused company. I acquired the position of Chemistry Lab Coordinator in 2015 and am excited to be part of a campus where a well-rounded education is realized through engagement, knowledge and skills.
Teaching
I believe that in chemistry it is of vital importance that theory and practice be taught hand-in-hand. When theory meets practice in the lab, a deeper understanding and appreciation of chemistry takes place. I also believe that it is very important to value and respect people, to listen and understand, to provide purpose and to motivate students. For me, excellence in teaching is showcased in effective teaching which always grows and develops with experience, innovation, attentiveness, connection with students and the strive for perfection.
My teaching role in the lab, as well as the role of chemistry coordinator, has many facets. I strive to provide students with a friendly but organized, accurate and honest environment where they will learn and develop skills and develop a deeper insight in chemistry and its relationship to the world around them.
Courses
AUCHE 250 - Organic Chemistry I
An introduction to bonding and functionality in organic compounds. Mechanistic approach to solving problems will be emphasized. Topics include electron movement arrows, acid/base chemistry, conformations and stereochemistry, simple substitutions, eliminations and additions to alkenes. Infrared spectroscopy will be applied in the lab. Prerequisite: AUCHE 112. Suggested corequisite: AUCHE 230 for students planning to take AUCHE 252.
AUCHE 252 - Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of AUCHE 250, again emphasizing a mechanistic approach. The chemistry of alcohols, conjugated unsaturated systems, aromatic rings, carbonyl-containing compounds, organic reduction-oxidation reactions, and beta-dicarbonyl compounds will be discussed. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy will be applied in both the lecture and the lab. Prerequisite: AUCHE 230 and AUCHE 250.
AUSCI 425 - Senior Mentorship Experience
This course will involve a weekly learning placement, faculty-led seminar, and technical meeting lecture. The learning placement will be an on-campus experience facilitating learning for junior students, such as serving in a tutoring center or overseeing laboratory experiments. The seminar is a weekly meeting studying how people learn, communication, and the mentorship experience. The technical meeting provides details unique to the learning placement with a staff member. An important component of this course will be reflective assignments about the teaching experience. Prerequisites: 3rd or 4th year standing. Consent of the instructors based on successful completion of the selection process.