The theory and practice of mass spectrometry is an important component in the training of modern chemists about the atomic and molecular structure of organic and inorganic substances. The acquisition of a gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric/data system allowed the chemistry department to improve its curriculum in the theory and practice of mass spectrometry and, at the same time, gave young, undergraduate student scientists hands-on experience with one of the most powerful analytical methods for the rapid separation of complex mixtures encountered in the real world. Experiments using the system have been designed for and are used in Honors General Chemistry, Analytical Methods, Organic and Advanced Organic Chemistry, and the Research and Honors Research programs. The institution contributed to this project in an amount equal to the NSF funds.
