Improving Undergraduate Laboratory Experiences by Using Problem-Based Learning for GC/MS Experiments

化学（12）气相色谱/质谱仪（GC/ MS）用于扩大和提高有机，仪器，环境和物理化学实验室课程以及本科研究项目的实验室经验。一系列原始的问题为基础的实验和实验改编自文献的复杂性增加，学生从有机通过物理化学实验室课程的进展。这些实验在提供给学生的程序细节数量上各不相同。最初，提供了完整的程序。在高级实验中，采用基于问题的方法，向学生提出一个问题，要求他们研究文献，开发分析方法，并作为一个团队工作以获得解决方案。这种方法培养了解决社会面临的许多复杂分析问题所需的独立解决问题的技能。在适当的情况下，实验与当前的现实生活中的问题，如环境和能源相关的问题。这种方法的基本原理是，学生变得更感兴趣和兴奋的实验室实验，如果他们可以将他们的作业与当前的工业实践，而不是执行食谱类型的实验。这种实验室经验的重定向使毕业生能够迎接工业和研究生院的挑战。此外，该项目提供了未来的初中和高中教师在该机构的化学教育计划与发现为基础的学习主题与环境问题的例子。

Chemistry (12) A gas chromatograph/ mass spectrometer (GC/ MS) is used to expand and enhance laboratory experiences in organic, instrumental, environmental and physical chemistry laboratory courses as well as in undergraduate research projects. A series of original problem- based experiments and experiments adapted from the literature increase in complexity as students progress from organic through physical chemistry laboratory courses. The experiments vary in the amount of procedural detail provided to the students. Initially, complete procedures are provided. In upper level experiments, a problem- based approach is taken where students are presented a problem and required to research the literature, develop a method for analysis and work as a team to obtain a solution. This approach develops independent problem-solving skills needed to address the many complex analytical issues facing society. Where appropriate, experiments are related to current real-life problems, such as environmental and energy-related issues. The rationale for this approach is that students become more interested and excited about laboratory experiments if they can relate their assignments to current industrial practices rather than performing cookbook-type experiments. This redirection in laboratory experiences equips graduates to meet the challenges of industry and graduate schools. In addition, this project provides future middle school and high school teachers in the institution's chemistry education program with examples of discovery-based learning topics related to environmental issues.