The utilization of major instrumentation to solve chemical problems is usually reserved for a course in instrumental analysis given in the third year of an American Chemical Society approved degree program. With increasing numbers of students opting for non-ACS approved chemistry degrees, fewer students are completing a chemistry sequence that includes instrumental analysis. Yet, it is important that today's students be familiar with state-of-the-art technologies and their capabilities in the arena of chemical analysis. A program to incorporate a graded introduction to instrumentation through a) demonstrations for freshmen and non-science major courses, b) use of such equipment for structural analysis and purity determinations for organic chemistry courses, c) understanding of the instrumental design in instrumental analysis, and d) incorporation as a resource tool in Senior Research projects is being introduced. The program is being developed around the three major spectroscopic techniques - nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The purchase of the mass spectrometer is completing the integrated spectroscopy program. The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.
