The Chemistry Department has augmented its undergraduate curriculum by introducing chemistry students to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Access to GC/MS has enriched all aspects of a previously already diverse undergraduate chemistry curriculum, ranging from the core areas of chemistry, e.g., organic, to biochemistry and environmental chemistry. The theories and hands-on application of GC/MS analysis have been incorporated into most of the Department's courses, beginning with sophomore-level courses and extending to the advanced courses, both in lecture and, particularly, in the laboratory. Organic chemistry students use GC/MS to identify unknowns and products in reaction mixtures. Environmental and instrumental chemistry students analyze "real-world" samples for pesticides and other pollutants. Biochemistry students analyze complex biological samples like plants for bio-molecules such as sterols. The acquisition of GC/MS also enhanced numerous undergraduate research projects. The general aim of this project is to enrich the chemistry students' educational experiences by introducing them to state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation, specifically GC/MS. Exposure to modern hyphenated modes of MS like GC/MS, in addition to the more traditional MS, is better preparing the students for continued study in graduate school and/or for a career in chemistry. The institution is contributing to the project in an amount equal to the NSF funds.
