Unraveling a case: when students become characters of a fictional narrative in the discipline of experimental organic chemistry

Being part of the Pharmacy course curriculum, Organic Chemistry emphasizes the fundamentals of Organic Synthesis, reaction mechanisms, as well as the methods for separation, purification and identification of organic compounds. However, students do not always realize the direct association between this knowledge and their future working field. In an effort to make such association more explicit, we proposed a case of possible intoxication, inviting students of Experimental Organic Chemistry to play the role of laboratory workers and seek evidence to resolve the case within a one-week period. By analyzing the proposed resolution, we verified that the students sought information about the substances involved, employed techniques studied in the discipline, and indicated possible poisoning culprits. Despite some limitations, the students involvement with the case and the search for information enlightened the direct relationship between the techniques addressed in the discipline and their future activity.