This project centers on the introduction of modern infrared spectroscopy into the chemistry curriculum, beginning in the general chemistry laboratory and proceeding to the organic laboratory. General chemistry students are using FT-IR spectroscopy in both the first and second semesters of the laboratory, in the context of group-based open-ended research projects. The sophistication of their observations and uses of the spectra will progress as students increase their chemical knowledge. Even those students who do not go on to take any more chemistry (the majority) will have had quite extensive exposure to modern instrumentation by the end of two semesters of chemistry. FT-IR is also being used in the organic laboratories in a newly developed curriculum that extends the developments made in the general chemistry labs.
