Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry in the Undergraduate BiologyCurriculum

这个项目的目标是升级系的同位素比质谱仪(IRMS)，因为这台仪器已经成为几门高级课程的中心教学工具，现在对于由三名教员指导的独立学习/研究参与计划来说是必不可少的。该仪器允许学生以现代方法研究生态、生理和生化现象，利用碳(13C)和氮(15N)的自然丰度稳定同位素作为定量示踪剂。这次升级使样本分析自动化，方便学生进行分析；增加第三个探测器以便于同位素校正；使氮分析更容易进行；并利用计算机控制的分析系统，将数据传输到部门网络，以进行简化、统计分析和介绍。该仪器由一名IRMS技术人员提供支持，该技术人员为学生培训和使用提供便利。这一升级意义重大，因为它将该工具扩展到更多高级课程的学生手中，并增加了学生导师的机会。接受资助的机构正在将NSF的奖励与从非联邦来源获得的同等金额相匹配。

The goal of this project is to upgrade the department's Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS) because this instrument has become a central instructional tool in several advanced courses and is now essential for the independent study/research participation programs mentored by three faculty members. The instrument allows students to study ecological, physiological and biochemical phenomena with a modern approach utilizing natural abundances of the stable isotopes of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) as quantitative tracers. The upgrade automates sample analyses and facilitates throughput by students, adds a third detector to facilitate isotopic corrections, allows nitrogen analyses to be undertaken readily, and utilizes a computer-controlled analytical system which transmits data to a departmental network for reduction, statistical analyses, and presentation. The instrument is being supported by an IRMS technician who facilitates student training and use. The upgrade is significant because it extends the instrument into the hands of more students in advanced courses and enhances student-mentor opportunities. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.