During the past fifteen years, there have been significant technological advances in analytical instrumentation. Laboratory experience is an integral and important component of undergraduate education in chemistry and biochemistry. This project will provide on-line computer-aided data acquisition and analysis capabilities necessary to equip students with skills required in real-world professional practice. It will outfit the undergraduate chemistry instrumentation laboratories at California State University-Los Angeles with equipment to carry out experiments in two additional areas: high performance liquid chromatography and thermal analysis. Both systems will be interfaced to a computer controlling the equipment and processing the data. The requested equipment will enable students to become familiar with techniques frequently encountered in modern research and industrial laboratories. Furthermore, they will gain both a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation of modern technologies, which will increase their enthusiasm for chemistry, and help them become better prepared chemistry graduates. With vigorous undergraduate research activities and honors programs, this department makes a noteworthy contribution to chemistry education of minority students.
