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Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional Groups

Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...

Introduction to Functional Groups

Introduction to Functional Groups

Functional groups are group of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups are found along the carbon backbone of macromolecules can form chains or rings of carbon atoms. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of common functional groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry....

Overview of Functional Groups

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Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, certain functional groups will make a molecule hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each functional group is a unique...

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Implementing a Functional Group Analysis Activity to Support Student Learning in Medicinal Chemistry: A Three-Year

Ansel Belani¹, Jitendra D Belani¹

¹Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.

Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland)

|September 22, 2025

Summary

A low-stakes functional group analysis activity improved medicinal chemistry exam scores for pharmacy students. Deeper engagement, particularly with the quiz, correlated with higher scores, boosting student success.

Keywords:

active learning formative assessments medicinal chemistry peer-to-peer learning student engagement

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Area of Science:

Chemical Education
Medicinal Chemistry Pedagogy

Background:

Pharmacy students often lack foundational skills in chemical structure interpretation and reactivity.
This deficit hinders their ability to connect core concepts to drug behavior in medicinal chemistry.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the impact of a low-stakes functional group analysis activity on student learning and anxiety in medicinal chemistry.
To determine if this intervention improves performance on foundational assessments.

Main Methods:

Implemented a functional group analysis activity with peer discussion and a follow-up quiz.
Compared first exam scores across three student cohorts: pre-intervention (2022) and post-intervention (2023, 2024).

Main Results:

Average exam scores increased in the two years following the activity's implementation.
A significant improvement was observed between the pre-intervention (2022) and the later post-intervention cohort (2024).
Higher student engagement and quiz performance strongly correlated with better exam outcomes.

Conclusions:

Low-stakes, concept-focused activities can enhance engagement and academic success in medicinal chemistry.
Peer discussion and formative quizzes are effective tools for reinforcing core chemical principles.
This approach can reduce student anxiety and improve foundational knowledge retention.