The rapid data gathering and analysis capabilities of modern, computerized X-ray powder diffractrometry (XRD) places this technique on an equal footing with the more established techniques of IR and NMR for routine characterization in the undergraduate laboratory. Data that once took hours to record and process can now be obtained in minutes. At Rider, XRD is introduced into the curriculum at an early stage of a student's development and provides a more diverse experience at the upper levels. XRD is used as a routine tool for phase identification in the organic laboratory, thereby exposing not only chemists but biochemists and biologists to; its utility. XRD is also used in upper level chemistry and geoscience courses for such tasks as quantitative analysis, crystallite size determination, elementary crystallographic characterization and conformation of simple structure. The institution is matching the NSF grant with an equal amount of funds.
