A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) is being acquired for use in two areas of undergraduate instruction - structured laboratories and independent undergraduate research projects. Students at the sophomore level are using the FTIR in microscale organic labs to perform quantitative analyses of products and to demonstrate organic reaction kinetics/mechanisms. Students in the junior analytical laboratory sequence are assembling a network of interfaced instruments by combining the FTIR and its associated computer with a compatible spectrofluorometer. The students are using the FTIR to explore its ability to quantitatively analyze samples in a variety of physical states - aqueous solutions, dilute solutions, opaque solids, polymer coatings, etc. Students are using the networked spectrofluorometer to characterize a polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon mixture with 3- dimensional fluoroscopy. Students in the extensive undergraduate research program are able to select from eight, FTIR-oriented research projects that have been designed by five faculty members (3 inorganic, 3 analytical/ environmental, 1 organic, 1 polymer). The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.
