Magrieta Snyman
Contact
Chemistry Lab Coordinator, Augustana - Sciences
- msnyman@ualberta.ca
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 110 - General Chemistry I
A general introduction to chemistry. Topics include atomic structure, periodic trends, bonding, molecular shapes and Lewis structures, states of matter and intermolecular forces, functional groups and IR spectroscopy. Prerequisites: Chemistry 30 and Mathematics 30-1.
AUCHE 112 - General Chemistry II
Continuation of AUCHE 110. Topics include thermodynamics, free energy, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibria, acid-base chemistry, buffers, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. Prerequisite: AUCHE 110. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUCHE 112, AUCHE 212 (2022) or AUCHE 214.
AUCHE 250 - Organic Chemistry I
An introduction to bonding and functionality in organic compounds. Mechanistic approach to solving problems will be emphasized, with discussion of the reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and alkyl halides. The three-dimensional structure of molecules and the concept of stereochemistry will be examined. Infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy will be applied in both the lecture and the lab. Prerequisite: AUCHE 112 or AUCHE 212 (2022). AUCHE 214 may be a corequisite.
AUCHE 252 - Organic Chemistry II
Continuation of AUCHE 250, again emphasizing a mechanist approach. The chemistry of alcohols, conjugated unsaturated systems, aromatic rings, carbonyl-containing compounds, organic reduction-oxidation reactions, and beta-dicarbonyl compounds will be discussed. Carbohydrate chemistry will be introduced as a way to explore many concepts in a biochemical context. Prerequisite: AUCHE 250.
AUSCI 425 - Senior Mentorship Experience
This course will involve weekly laboratory instruction for general chemistry (AUSCI 125 and AUCHE 213) labs. Students enrolled in the course will be responsible for supervision of students during the labs as well as mentoring of junior students who will be assisting in the lab. Students will be expected to attend weekly technical meetings on lab logistics, safety and procedures. In addition, students will attend weekly seminars on teaching practice, communication and student mentorship experience. 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.