Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GCD) for Improved Undergraduate Instruction

自然科学系正在加强本科化学实验课程，为所有年级的工程、科学和化学新生提供气相色谱/质谱（GCD）领域的实验工作。在新生化学实验室，每年有200名新生能够使用该仪器进行相关实验。购置GCD设备加强了目前提供的每一个实验课程。重要的是，通过化学课程的学习，学生有机会使用这种现代仪器技术；因此，对化学专业学生进行现代仪器的培训是有保障的。GCD在同位素分析和氟利昂等空气污染物的环境研究中的相关性正在大学化学中介绍，并通过有机化学和高级合成继续介绍，其中使用该仪器加强了反应产物结构的测定和鉴定。在物理化学中，学生使用GCD计算热力学性质和阿伦尼乌斯反应速率参数。在仪器分析中，提供了对空气、土壤和水中痕量污染物进行定量测量的附加实验。在质谱解释中已有的计算机和软件支持实验室教学。新环境化学课程的学生也受益于使用该仪器进行环境研究。作为导论课程的重要组成部分，在大学化学实验室中使用GCD设备，可以激发学生的兴趣，并改善招聘、留用和培养积极进取、合格的化学专业学生。

The Department of Natural Sciences is enhancing the undergraduate chemistry laboratory curriculum by offering all freshman engineering, science, and chemistry students, at all levels, experimental work in the area of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCD). Two hundred freshmen in the freshman chemistry laboratory, each year, are able to use this instrument in relevant experiments. Acquisition of GCD equipment strengthens each of the laboratory courses currently offered. It is important that students progressing through the chemistry curriculum have the opportunity to use this modern instrumental technique; therefore, training of chemistry majors on modern instrumentation is being insured. The relevance of GCD in isotope analysis and environmental studies of air pollutants such as freons is being introduced in University Chemistry and is continued through Organic Chemistry and Advanced Synthesis, where reaction product structure determination and identification is enhanced by the use of this instrument. In Physical Chemistry, students use GCD for the calculation of thermodynamic properties and Arrhenius reaction rate parameters. In Instrumental Analysis, additional experiments in quantitative measurement of trace contaminants in air, soil, and water are offered. Laboratory instruction is being supported by the use of computers and software already available in mass spectra interpretation. Students in the new environmental chemistry program also benefit from the use of the instrument for environmental studies. Use of GCD equipment in University Chemistry Lab, a key component of the introductory course, encourages strong student interest and leads to improved recruitment, retention, and training of motivated and qualified chemistry majors.