Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: A Firm Foundation For Open-Ended Projects Throughout The Chemistry Curriculum

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A computer-controlled gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC-MS) system with an autosampler and searchable library of mass spectral data is being used to provide a powerful tool for sample separations and analysis to support open-ended laboratory projects throughout the curriculum, including student/faculty research activities. The department is committed to the inclusion of open-ended, hands-on laboratory projects at all curricular levels, culminating in a series of advanced courses in which students participate extensively in experimental design, instrument maintenance, methods development and even grant-writing. Students have access to the GC-MS instrument from the earliest stages of their college careers. Upper-level students develop and refine methods to be used for open-ended laboratory experiments in the freshman and sophomore courses. Additionally, junior and senior level students carry out advanced open-ended projects of their own design that utilize and explore the full capabilities of a hyphenated separations-analysis instrument. The institution has committed to funds for student travel to disseminate results from the project.