The Chemistry Department is using an FTIR to catalyze a major revision of laboratory and lecture courses in chemistry. This instrument is being used to introduce basic spectrometry to students in teacher education programs, to underclass liberal arts majors and to bachelor of science majors (including chemistry and pre-professional majors) who in the past received no exposure to this type of analysis. Students and faculty at the three private colleges and three community colleges allied with Kansas Newman also have access to the FTIR. Its application is being further expanded via workshops and advanced laboratory experiences for secondary teachers and for high school students enrolled in the Junior Academy of Science or in the Investigative Summer Science Program. The FTIR is making possible major changes in upper level laboratory courses by allowing fast, simple, and highly accurate analysis of all types of processes and compounds.
