Incorporation of an X-ray Analysis System into the Chemistry Curriculum

材料科学最近被克林顿政府确定为五个战略和关键研究领域之一，正经历着在许多领域取得重大进展的时期。由于这些材料的许多所需特性是作为其结构和/或元素组成的函数进行评估的，因此材料科学家期待X射线技术能够提供快速、准确、元素和结构信息，只需最少的样品准备。化学系正在建设由波长色散X射线荧光光谱仪和X射线粉末衍射仪组成的现代化X射线分析实验室。该项目影响到通识教育课程的非理科专业学生，以及从普通化学到物理化学课程的大多数理科专业学生。正在开展研究环境主题的本科生研究，从而鼓励非裔美国人和女学生参与独立研究。

Material science, recently identified as one of five strategic and critical areas of research by the Clinton administration, is experiencing a period of major advances in numerous areas. Since many of the desired characteristics of these materials are evaluated as a function of their structure and/or elemental composition, the material scientist looks toward x-ray techniques to provide fast, accurate, elemental and structural information requiring minimal sample preparation. The chemistry department is establishing a modern x-ray analysis laboratory composed of a wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometer and an x-ray powder diffractometer. This project affects non-science- majors in general education courses, as well as most science majors in courses ranging from General Chemistry to Physical Chemistry. Undergraduate research, examining environmental topics, is being implemented, thereby encouraging participation in independent study by African-American and women students.