Instrumentation to Improve Laboratory Component in Environmental Science Program

该项目旨在提高环境科学及相关专业的GEOS 240、环境监测等课程的本科教学质量。学生们正在学习监测氮、磷和碳的最先进技术。在成功完成GEOS 240后，学生将使用与GEOS 240相同的仪器在CHICO环境实验室进行为期一学期的实习。学生有机会在专业人员的指导下，在经过认证的州立实验室中，将课堂理论和改进仪器技术与实际项目实践经验相结合。他们还有机会在个别研究项目中使用这些设备。该项目还包括扩建Lachat离子分析仪，以适应几种环境问题离子的分析；总有机碳分析仪，以确定土壤和水中无机和有机碳的数量；以及蒸汽消毒器，用于清洁玻璃器皿。该项目的变化可以带来更相关的学习体验，这将使学生为不断增长的就业市场做好更好的准备。

This project is designed to improve the quality of undergraduate instruction in GEOS 240, Environmental Monitoring and other courses required in the Environmental Science major and related majors. Students are learning state-of-the-art techniques for monitoring nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon. Upon successful completion of GEOS 240, students undertake a semester-long internship with the Chico Environmental Laboratory using the same instrumentation as used in GEOS 240. Students have the opportunity to integrate classroom theory and refine instrument techniques with practical hands-on experience on real projects in a certified state lab, under the guidance of professionals. They also have the opportunity to use the equipment in individual research projects. The project also involves the expansion of the Lachat ion analyzer to accommodate the analysis of several ions of environmental concern, a total organic carbon analyzer to determine the amount of inorganic and organic carbon in soil and water, and a steam sterilizer for the cleaning of glassware. The changes in the program can result in a more relevant learning experience, which will better prepare students for the growing job market.