Integration of GC/MS Into the Undergraudate Curriculum

化学(12)本项目使用气相色谱/质谱学(GC/MS)经验来加强本科课程。仪器被纳入七门课程的实验室组成部分，包括普通化学、有机化学、仪器分析、三门高级课程(有机、无机和分析)和本科生研究。这种仪器为学生用来解决实际和复杂问题的设备阵列增加了一个新的和必要的维度。基于这样一种信念，即学生理解GC/MS涉及的基本物理和化学原理、了解仪器的主要设计特征、认识到该技术的适当应用以及认识到GC/MS提供的数据的局限性是重要的，本项目将在以前只能通过课堂教学介绍GC/MS的理论描述的课程中增加一个重要的实践部分。一系列实验，从普通化学第一学期开始，一直延伸到高年级，改编自教育化学文献(主要是《化学教育杂志》)，并正在实施。通过这些实验室经验，学生们学会了解释同位素质量和丰度数据，解释碎片模式，分析复杂的混合物，并通过使用图书馆匹配软件进行定性鉴定。他们还在为这项技术的基本操作原理奠定坚实的基础。该项目的独特之处在于将GC/MS经验按顺序纳入课程的三个层次，并通过多个直接经验发展学生对该技术的理解。

Chemistry (12) This project uses gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) experiences to enhance the undergraduate curriculum. The instrumentation is incorporated into the laboratory component of seven courses including general chemistry, organic chemistry, instrumental analysis, three advanced courses (organic, inorganic and analytical), and undergraduate research. This instrumentation adds a new and necessary dimension to the array of equipment used by students to solve real and complex problems. Based on a belief that it is important for students to comprehend the fundamental physical and chemical principles involved in GC/MS, to understand the major design features of the instrumentation, to recognize appropriate applications of the technique, and to appreciate the limitation of the data provided by GC/MS, this project will add an important practical component to courses where before it was only possible to present theoretical descriptions of GC/MS through classroom instruction. A series of experiments, beginning with the first term of general chemistry and extending through the senior year, are being adapted from the educational chemical literature (primarily the Journal of Chemical Education) and implemented. Through these laboratory experiences students are learning to interpret isotopic mass and abundance data, to interpret fragmentation patterns, to analyze complex mixtures and to make qualitative identifications through use of library match software. They are also developing a sound background in the fundamental operating principles of the technique. The unique feature of this project is the sequenced manner in which GC/MS experiences are built into the curriculum at three levels and integrated to develop the student's comprehension of the technique through multiple direct experiences.