In-Depth Courses:
Advantages, Disadvantages and Considerations

Advantages

Allows much more thorough coverage of tools and techniques than other forms of instruction
Long-term assignments can integrate all the lessons of the course.
Learning chemical information becomes a primary goal, rather than a secondary goal.

Disadvantages

Getting approval for a full-term, especially credit bearing class, can be difficult at some institutions.
Motivating students to take the class in the first place can be a challenge.
Wide range of student interests may cause part of class to tune out at any given time.
Creating and maintaining an in-depth course can be very time-consuming.
Handling large classes, especially for hands-on training can be difficult.

Considerations

How long should the course be? Should you try to cover everything in one course?
What level should you aim at?
Should chemical information instruction be required? At what level?
What instructor resources do you have? (Transparencies, presentation software, live online, etc.)
Hands-on training with electronic resources: what are your options?
How big a class can you manage?
Are there opportunities for team-teaching?

Return to Teaching Chemical Information

Author: Chuck Huber (huber@library.ucsb.edu). Last modified: May 31, 1997