A computer-controlled, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer is being incorporated into a project-based laboratory curriculum at a women's college. This laboratory program, developed over many years, involves students early with problem-solving and chemical instrumentation. The small classes permit introducing freshmen to basic spectral techniques and the FT-IR, in its one-button mode, is exposing these students to this powerful technology. Involvement with instrumentation is expanded through organic chemistry, quantitative analysis and an advanced lab in the junior year. The FT- IR is being used extensively in physical chemistry for kinetics experiments and to obtain high resolution spectra of gases. The FT-IR is greatly enhancing current experiments and numerous experiences, not previously possible are becoming routine, including computer data handling, spectral database searches, and reflectance sampling methods. Exposing students to the FT-IR at progressively higher levels is allowing them to use all of its capabilities. The grantee is matching the award from non-Federal sources.
