The undergraduate program is being strengthened by providing student access to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy throughout the curriculum, including courses for non-science majors as well as undergraduate research. This project will allow students to use specialized techniques to conduct investigations that would not be possible otherwise. For example, non-science students use attenuated total reflectance to identify unknown fabric samples; organic chemistry students use diffuse reflectance and thin-layer chromatography to identify and analyze complex organic mixtures; physical chemistry students analyze gas phase spectra, including vibrational isotope shifts; and analytical chemistry students carry out a modified gas chromatography interfacing experiment.
