# Mol: An Interactive Learning Platform to Address Difficult Concepts in Organic Chemistry

> **NIH NIH R44** · SUBSTRATE INTERACTIVE, INC. · 2020 · $695,481

## Abstract

Abstract
Concepts of organic chemistry are central to medicine and pharmacology. However, organic chemistry
represents a significant hurdle for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics students in pre-health
tracks. Low exam scores and high failure rates result from the enormous amount of information, complex
chemical structures and dynamics, and processes requiring creativity and spatial thinking. The challenge is
often exacerbated because students try to memorize facts rather than understanding foundational concepts.
Students from underrepresented groups and first-generation college students are often disproportionately
affected. Today’s undergraduates are acclimated to dynamic 3D interactive environments, which present a
promising learning alternative to static texts or on-line programs. However, no comprehensive solution is
available in organic chemistry.
Here, we combine our expertise in user experience, game design, visualization, and science education to
create innovative, gamified software aimed at making teaching and learning organic chemistry more effective,
engaging, and relevant. Interactions with key organic chemistry concepts are designed around proven problem
solving strategies and delivered through focused, session-based exercises. Exercises facilitate real-time
feedback, provide the opportunity for students to interact with both 2D and 3D molecular visualizations, and
harness effective gamification techniques to encourage replay.
During Phase I we developed a minimum viable product (MVP), Mol Stereochemistry, which comprises about
10% of the first semester content. Learning outcome assessments by students from two classes at Des Moines
Area Community College showed an average test score increase of 9% after 30 to 45 minutes of using the
MVP. Over 90% of students indicated the MVP provided a “great” or “very great” user experience. Our Phase II
leverages the robust educational and computational framework established in Phase I to develop Mol Organic
Chemistry (Mol), a mobile-first, next-generation digital learning environment. The modularity of the existing
framework will enable us to scale Mol content to encompass all of Organic Chemistry I including reaction
mechanisms, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry nomenclature, structural determinations by
spectroscopic imaging. This full content will be combined with context-based gamification mechanisms such as
performance-based bonuses, achievements, daily and weekly challenges, and setting and tracking learning
goals to promote recurring use. New usability and accessibility features will provide accommodations for
differently abled students, and instructor-centered tools allow for modification of content and integration with
learning management systems. Working with academic collaborators at Texas A&M University we will conduct
a large-scale, longitudinal assessment of about 1,000 undergraduate organic chemistry students. Taken
together, Mol will drive student ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9926289
- **Project number:** 5R44GM133273-03
- **Recipient organization:** SUBSTRATE INTERACTIVE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** William Schneller
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $695,481
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-05-06 → 2021-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9926289

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9926289, Mol: An Interactive Learning Platform to Address Difficult Concepts in Organic Chemistry (5R44GM133273-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9926289. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*