Creativity in the design of laboratory experiments requires access to appropriate techniques for the analysis of the results. When students are given responsibility for the design of experiments to explain phenomena, the need for advanced instrumentation is even greater. This project incorporates a GC-MS into the organic teaching laboratories. This instrument enhances the instrumental analytical capabilities for use in the Analytical Chemistry courses. A GC/MS, and a GC with a capillary column and an FID detector for method development, allows Organic Chemistry students greater creativity in their experimental design as they investigate competitive reactions and equilibrium environments. Analytical Chemistry students can gain a strong working knowledge of this essential instrumentation. The instrumentation can also be used for undergraduate student research. This project serves to enhance the education of women scientists and encourage them to pursue further scientific studies. If student participation is encouraged in the design of their experiments, a greater intellectual involvement and a greater willingness to adopt experimental methodologies to solve problems are promoted. The enthusiasm and intellectual growth engendered by these processes results in the production of better students and positively influences their decisions to pursue graduate study and scientific careers.
