This project will add a second semester laboratory to the physical chemistry sequence by making use of an FTIR spectrometer and a differential scanning calorimeter. The course will focus on spectroscopy and physical polymer chemistry experiments. An expanded instrumental analysis course will also make use of the FTIR. The new instruments will also make possible the restoration of a Polymer Chemistry course to the chemistry elective offerings. Besides significantly upgrading the instrumentation capabilities of the University, the new instruments will allow the Department to upgrade its curriculum to meet ACS prescribed standards. They will also give students hands-on experience with mainstay equipment in the field of chemistry in general, and in physical and polymer chemistry in particular.
