9452296 Creasy An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP), a shatter box for grinding samples, and a microwave digester for sample dissolution are allowing for the quantitative chemical analyses of waters, soils, and rocks in an undergraduate curriculum. The ICP is uniquely adapted to the multi-element analytical needs of our project-oriented curriculum. Students in geology are studying a wide range of geochemical processes through field and laboratory research at all levels in the curriculum. The addition of the ICP is allowing: (1) introduction of a new geochemistry course; (2) development of new field- and laboratory-based analytical projects in existing courses (aqueous geochemistry, petrology, and hydrogeology) and in two current field courses and; (3) expanded opportunities for independent student research. The ICP permits students to obtain whole-rock chemical analyses and thus adds a dimension to their interpretation of petrologic processes. Students at Bates College address problems in environmental geochemistry through courses and research opportunities offered by faculty in geology and chemistry. The ICP reinforces existing interdepartmental connections and the interdisciplinary nature of research.
