Building Analytical Competence for Geoscience Students through use of Spectroscopic Tools

该项目是史密斯学院、霍利奥克社区学院和芒特霍利奥克学院的合作项目，旨在通过使用拉曼和FTIR光谱仪培养本科生的分析能力。台式和便携式光谱仪正在这三所学院和该地区的其他学院之间共享，并被用于开发、实施和评估创新的教学模块，学生通过动手、研究性学习获得掌握这些模块的能力。通过分析未知矿物和其他材料，合成数据和预测，评估实验结果，学生不仅学习地质内容，还学习如何使用化学分析来解决相关问题。课程开发中针对的光谱知识和分析能力越来越受到国家地球科学工作人员的需求。该项目通过与两所女子学院和一所为各种非传统和第一代大学生提供服务的社区学院的接触，在扩大对地球科学的参与方面提供了直接的好处。项目人员还通过门户网站、视频张贴和在国家会议上举办的实践讲习班，在该区域以外传播他们的方法和课程模块。

The project, a collaborative effort among Smith College, Holyoke Community College and Mount Holyoke College, is building analytical competence in undergraduate geoscience students through use of Raman and FTIR spectrometers. Benchtop and portable spectrometers are being shared among the three colleges and others in the region, and are being used to develop, implement and assess innovative instructional modules through which students acquire mastery via hands-on, investigative learning. By analyzing unknown minerals and other materials, synthesizing data and predictions, and evaluating experimental results, students are learning not only geological content, but also how to use chemical analyses to solve relevant problems. The spectroscopic knowledge and analytical competencies that are targeted in the curriculum development are in increasing demand by the nation's geoscience workforce. The project is providing a direct benefit in broadening participation in the geosciences through its engagement with two women's colleges and a community college that serves a diverse population of non-traditional and first-generation college students. Project personnel are also disseminating their approach and curriculum modules beyond the region through a web portal, video postings, and hands-on workshops at national conferences.