9452544 Grimley A Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) System, including the software to perform spectral searching of the Wiley Spectral Library, is being used to significantly enhance the undergraduate educational program in chemistry at Elon College and at four area sister institutions (Bennett, Salem, and Guilford Colleges and High Point University). Students are gaining hands-on experience with a powerful analytical instrumental technique. Integration of the use of the GC/MS throughout the curriculum is leading to: 1. the demonstration of the basic concepts involved in determining the molecular masses and structures of a wide variety of chemical species; 2. the complementation of existing major instrumentation by allowing integration of instrumental techniques throughout the chemistry curriculum; 3. stimulation and enrichment of the undergraduate experience, catalyzing the attraction of current and prospective students to careers in scientific fields, and the opening of additional career opportunities for students in the sciences; 4. the updating of courses and the reinforcement of the high level of faculty commitment to the continued development of the chemistry program; 5. the stimulation of interaction between Elon College and other area institutions through sharing the GC/MS facility.
