Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry in the Undergraduate Curriculum

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This project introduced gas chromatography-mass spectrometry into the undergraduate curriculum. The instrument is used by students in hands-on experiments so they will better see the relationship between theoretical concepts and the data obtained. The concept of GC-MS Service Laboratory has also been implemented. To do this, an autosampler was necessary and was acquired through this project. Students are trained to accept samples for GC-MS analysis from students in other courses, to run them and to return the laboratory results with explanations as needed. The experiences are practical and valuable whether students go on to graduate education or enter the working force immediately. Recent advances in column technology, instrument design, electronics and software have made this application a fesible project. The institution acquired the Hewlett-Packard GC-MS with autosampler and the NIST library of mass spectra. One prominent and important application of the instrument is in environmental analysis so a purge and trap collector was acquired. Experiments using GC-MS are done in the introductory and advanced organic laboratory , analytical and instrumental laboratories, physical chemical experiments that emphasize the use of GC to measure physical properties, and synthesis of volatile inorganics such as chelates and carbonyls. The instrument is also used by students in their research projects in their senior year and for demonstrations/video presentations in required courses for non- science students. The availability of the instrument had an immediate impact on the undergraduate curriculum. The institution contributed to this project in an amount equal to the NSF funds.