Incorporating gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) into the curriculum at all levels will create relevant, project- style experiments that will increase the attractiveness of chemistry. General students will extract local soil and analyze it for ethalfluralin, a cotton herbicide. Allied health students will explore the diagnosis of Refsum's disease. General chemistry students will discover for themselves the principle of isotopic distribution and the determination of molecular formula. Students in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and instrumental analysis will use the GC/MS intensively for novel experiments. Undergraduate research efforts will also be enhanced. The grantee will match the NSF grant from non-Federal sources.
