This project has two major objectives: (1) to improve substantially the science education of non-science majors and (2) to enhance the upper- level laboratory program for chemistry majors. A modern gas chromatograph (GC) will be used in a new, popular course in forensic chemistry for non-majors. With the GC, students will study methods of arson investigation and analyze the components of flammable liquid mixtures, accelerants, and residues from fires. These investigations provide a vehicle for students who are not science majors to learn important concepts in chemistry, principles of scientific reasoning, experimental design, and critical interpretation of data. Chemistry majors will use the modern GC system, which can be interfaced to the department's computers, for laboratory course experiments and projects in Instrumental Analysis, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Integrated Advanced Laboratory.
