This grant is being used to incorporate Raman spectroscopy into teaching and research labs across the Chemistry curriculum at Hood College, with particular emphasis on Physical, Analytical, and Biological Chemistry courses. The funds are being used to purchase a Raman spectrometer and for student assistance in designing and implementing the experiments. This project is increasing the students' understanding of Raman spectroscopy by systematically increasing the complexity of the experiments as the students progress through their introductory and major courses. In addition to improving the teaching laboratories at Hood College, the Raman instrument is also augmenting the research equipment available to both students and faculty. Research has been ongoing at Hood for many years, and, with the addition of two new, research active faculty members, all chemistry faculty are involved in faculty-mentored student research. The proposed instrument is an integral part of at least one of these research projects. By integrating Raman spectroscopy into a popular archaeology course, this project is improving the scientific literacy and experience of students choosing non-science majors at Hood, as well.
