Consistent with the increasingly instrumental emphasis of laboratories in chemistry, the project is introducing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) into the undergraduate curriculum. Now, widely used for chemical analysis in academic chemical research, industry, forensics, and environmental monitoring, FT-IR spectroscopy is significantly improving the quality of the chemistry instrumental practice. Presently available are new, lower-cost yet high resolution instruments for FT-IR spectroscopy, appropriately and efficiently controlled by a micro computer for data collection, analysis, and presentation. Incorporation of FT-IR spectroscopy is improving directly three areas of the undergraduate curriculum: analytical, organic chemistry, and instrumental analysis; significant additions to the physical chemistry laboratory and enhancement of undergraduate research. The instrument is the only Fourier-transform spectroscopy instrument and is introducing the students directly to the utility of modern computer assisted time-domain instruments, and is allowing applications through educationally superior experiments. The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.
