VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

With no admission requirements for first-year chemistry at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), there is often a disconnect between the expected foundational knowledge and practical lab skills incoming students possess. Given the large first-year intake (1300-1500 students), reviewing admission requirements requires significant time and resources. Additionally, many students are either out of province or international, which compounds the challenge of authenticating and crosschecking their credentials. To address these challenges, UTSC has been offering a Preparatory University Chemistry Course (PUCC) since 2000.This course provides incoming students with an opportunity to review key concepts, practice problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience in the lab. Offered free of charge, the PUCC acts as a community-based experience by targeting local high school students admitted to UTSC. The PUCC is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to succeed. The course focuses on building strong foundational knowledge in chemistry through interactive on-line lectures, a hands-on laboratory session, and collaborative learning activities. Also included are guest lectures to provide mentoring and academic advising and are aimed at helping students navigate challenges and achieve their academic goals. In this presentation, I will discuss how PUCC has evolved over the years, addressing some of the successes and challenges that have been presented. By integrating principles of equity and inclusiveness with a strong focus on student success, PUCC aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their first-year university chemistry studies and bey