9351554 Shalhoub Modular laser instrumentation is being developed for use in upper-division chemistry courses and student research. This approach is advancing students' knowledge of modern spectroscopy and demonstrating the applications of lasers in chemistry. Since most students are intrigued by lasers, they are becoming more involved in hands-on experiments. Students are using a helium-cadmium laser, monochromator, and signal enhancing instruments interfaced to a computer to investigate the spectra of molecules. Light emitted from laser-excited molecules is directed through a monochromator and detected with a lock-in amplifier. Students are building instruments from components to ensure that they understand the workings of what is typically 'blackbox' equipment. The new experiments are replacing outmoded or redundant measurements in the physical chemistry lab with the result that the curriculum now has a better balance between thermodynamics and spectroscopy. ***
