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

为了响应最近国家要求通过创新教学和学生实验经验来改善本科科学教育，本系认识到在本科实验室中需要现代设备和计算机应用。这个项目有两个不同的目标，一是在整个化学课程中整合现代仪器和计算机方法，二是获得ACS对新专业的认证。这些目标在执行方面是完全互补的，有些是协同的。为了实现这一承诺，该项目使用台式气相色谱/质谱（GC/MS）系统，在三个不同的层面上为实验室带来创新和兴奋。GC/MS系统的吸引力在于它是一个多用途的仪器，能够捕捉学生的想象力，并以新的和多样化的方式激励他们。作为介绍，学生们观察了分子行为的演示，然后指导他们在有机实验室中使用GC/MS进行结构测定。在先进的实验室里，他们研究气相反应，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作为一种研究工具的价值，并学会欣赏它在本科实验室中的作用。该部门认为GC/MS系统是一种非常适合激励学生追求化学事业的工具，也是一种工具，为他们提供了许多他们毕业后在工业界或学术界取得成功所需的技能。

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.