This project is a response to recent national mandates for improvements in undergraduate science education with innovations in teaching and laboratory experiences for students. The goals of this project are to integrate modern instrumental and computer methods throughout the chemistry curriculum in order to receive ACS accreditation for our program. An older EM360 NMR is being upgraded to a Fourier transform (FT) instrument with C-13 capabilities. Experience with this instrument is better preparing students to enter the workplace or to go on to graduate school. Students are using the instrument in organic laboratory as a routine method of structure determination as well as an analytical tool to help them solve assigned chemical puzzles. In advanced laboratories they are investigating chemical kinetics and doing more complex analyses using methods such as 2-dimensional NMR. Finally they are using the FT-NMR as a tool in their research. Thus, the instrument should provide motivation for students and better prepare them for careers in chemistry or related fields. *
