Integration of Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry troughout the Chemistry Curriculum in a New Major

为了响应最近国家通过创新教学和学生实验室体验来改善本科科学教育的要求，该系认识到本科实验室需要现代化设备和计算机应用。该项目的两个不同目标是将现代仪器和计算机方法整合到整个化学课程中，并获得新专业的 ACS 认证。这些目标在实施过程中是完全互补的，并且在某种程度上具有协同作用。 为了兑现这一承诺，该项目使用台式气相色谱/质谱 (GC/MS) 系统，为三个不同级别的实验室带来创新和兴奋。 GC/MS 系统的吸引力在于它是一种多功能仪器，能够激发学生的想象力并以新的、多样化的方式激发他们的想象力。作为介绍，学生将观察分子行为的演示，然后指导学生在有机实验室中个人使用 GC/MS 进行结构测定。在先进的实验室中，他们研究气相反应并学习如何进行更复杂的痕量分析并更多地了解计算机系统的功能。最后，他们有机会发现 GC/MS 作为研究工具的价值，并了解其在本科生实验室中的作用。 该系认为 GC/MS 系统非常适合激励学生从事化学职业，并为他们提供毕业后在工业界或学术界取得成功所需的许多技能。

In response to recent national mandates to improve undergraduate science education with innovations in teaching and laboratory experience for students, the department recognizes the need for modern equipment and computer applications in the undergraduate laboratory. The two distinct goals of this project are to integrate modern instrumental and computer methods throughout the chemistry curriculum and to achieve ACS accreditation for the new major. These goals are totally complementary, and somewhat synergistic, in their implementation. To move forward on this commitment, this project uses a benchtop gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system to bring innovation and excitement into the laboratories at three different levels. The appeal of a GC/MS system is that it is a multipurpose instrument capable of capturing the imagination of students and motivating them in new and diverse ways. As an introduction, students observe demonstrations illustrating molecular behavior and are then guided through personal use of GC/MS in structure determination in the organic laboratory. In advanced laboratories, they study gas phase reactions and learn how to do more complex trace analyses and discover more about the power of the computer system. Finally, they have an opportunity to discover the value of GC/MS as a research tool and learn to appreciate its role in the undergraduate laboratory. The department sees a GC/MS system as an instrument well suited to motivating students to pursue a career in chemistry and as a tool that provides them with many skills they need to succeed in either industry or academia once they graduate.