9450885 Al-Saigh Funds are requested for purchasing a state-of-the-art Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to be used for undergraduate instruction in chemistry at Columbus College. Several courses will be affected by the proposed equipment. This instrument is intended to enhance the quality of instruction and to expose students to both the theoretical background and the (experimental) operation of modern computer-assisted equipment. The AA will be incorporated in the curriculum of General Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Quantitative Analysis, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and in undergraduate research in Chemistry. Students will be able to use a powerful analytical technique to quantify a variety of elements such as lead in water and waste water, calcium in solutions, zinc in hair, manganese and iron in pet food, manganese in steel, and lead in food, blood, serum, and soft drinks. In addition, students will determine toxic metals such as Ba, Cd, Cr, Pb, Se, and Ag in water and wastes. Students will appreciate the utilization and benefits of interfacing a computer with this instrument and the effect it has on quantification.
