The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire will introduce the powerful analytical technique of atomic absorption spectrometry to chemistry and geology students at the undergraduate level. A flame atomic absorption spectrometer, including an electrothermal atomizer, will be acquired and installed in place of the present, obsolete instrument. The new instrument will be introduced and used in two chemistry laboratory courses, Quantitative Analysis and Instrumental Analysis. Applications will include comparison of this instrument with molecular absorption instruments and a simple analysis in Quantitative Analysis and a thorough familiarization and investigation of major instrumental parameters in Instrumental Analysis. Elemental analyses are critical to the geological sciences so it is necessary to teach this widely used technique. Atomic absorption analyses will be done in at least three geology courses including Geochemistry, Economic Mineral Deposits, and Chemical Hydrogeology. In addition, the instrument will be used extensively in research projects in both departments.
