Enhancement of Undergraduate Courses in Mineralogy, X-Ray Crystallography, Physical Chemistry, & Instrumental Analysiswith Improved X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory Experiences

该项目提供了一套Peltier热电致冷硅探测器(TCD)系统，以支持Scintag 2000 X射线衍射仪。新的仪器满足了在化学中引入X射线衍射技术和显著提高地质学能力的公认需要。课程会立即介绍更多和更好地使用X射线衍射仪的经验，以及更复杂的X射线衍射学实验室练习，包括矿物学、X射线结晶学、独立研究、物理化学、仪器分析和无机化学。除此之外，仪器设备的升级为本科生的研究开辟了令人兴奋的新途径。该项目继续在二年级(地质学专业)和三年级(化学专业)引入X射线衍射仪，随后在地质学和化学的高级课程中逐步引入更高级的实际问题解决经验。仪器升级对教学的影响可以通过学生评估和对指定实验室活动的同行观察来评估。

This project provides a Peltier Thermoelectrically-Cooled Silicon Detector (TCD) system to support a Scintag 2000 x-ray diffraction (XRD) unit. The new instrumentation fills a recognized need to introduce XRD techniques in chemistry and to significantly increase the capabilities in geology. Courses immediately introduce and result in more and better hands-on use of XRD experiences and more sophisticated XRD laboratory exercises include Mineralogy, X-ray Crystallography, Independent Study, Physical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Inorganic Chemistry. Beyond this, the upgrade in instrumentation opens exciting new avenues for undergraduate research. The project continues to introduce XRD diffractometry in the sophomore (geology majors) and junior (chemistry majors) years followed by progressively more advanced real problem-solving experiences in the senior-level courses in both geology and chemistry. The impact of the instrumentation upgrade on instruction can be assessed by student evaluation and peer observation of assigned laboratory activities.