Uses of Gas and High Performance Liquid Chromatographs for Undergraduate Instruction

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Mankato State University's (MSU) Department of Biological Sciences includes quantitative training of undergraduates to develop skills necessary for biologists and environmental scientists in the next decade. A Hewlett Packard gas chromatograph (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography system (HPLC) are to be purchased to facilitate instruction in Biology programs, including Environmental Sciences, Toxicology, and Microbiology, as well as encourage development of more interdisciplinary undergraduate courses and projects at MSU. The GC and HPLC are essential tools for the detection and quantification organic chemicals in a variety of matrices. Laboratory exercises and class projects have been designed in seven courses to instruct students in the theory, advantages, limitations, and proper use of each instrument. Course projects will involve use of these instruments to determine anthropogenic organic compounds in water, soil/sediments, biological fluids/tissues and air. Instrumental uses will include measurement of the accumulation of organic compounds in organisms and associated biomarker enzyme levels, natural products and the transformation of pesticides. Undergraduate students will also have access to these instruments for their independent study research projects.