Improving Undergraduate Instruction Through the Acquisition of a Scanning Electron Microscope and an Energy Dispersive Analysis Facility

科尔盖特大学地质系正在开展一系列实验，向本科生介绍使用扫描电子显微镜和EDAX x射线分析系统的现代分析方法。这些实验正以越来越复杂的程度被引入现有的院系课程。该项目还包括针对非理工科学生、教师和中学生等更大受众的活动。此外，该仪器还被用于加强现有的师生合作研究项目，这与学院的理念是一致的，即以问题为导向的研究努力是本科科学教育的重要组成部分。

A series of experiments are being developed by the Geology Department at Colgate University to introduce undergraduates to modern analytical methods using the scanning electron microscope and the EDAX X-ray Analysis System. These experiments are being introduced into existing departmental courses with increasing levels of sophistication. The project also involves activities directed at larger audiences consisting of non-science students, faculty and secondary school students. In addition, the instrumentation is being used to enhance the existing program of cooperative student-faculty research, consistent with the departmental philosophy that problem-oriented research efforts are an essential part of undergraduate science education.