CHED 547 |
| Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a fundamental instrumental technique used by modern chemists. The Chemistry faculty at the University of Central Arkansas are adapting experiments from many sources to incorporate GC-MS into their teaching laboratories and faculty-mentored student research program. GC-MS is introduced in the Organic Chemistry two-course sequence as a tool for chemical separations and compound identification. In Quantitative Analysis, students explore practical GC-MS instrumental concerns and perform intensive quantification experiments. After completing Quantitative Analysis, students move into several upper division courses, each using GC-MS, such as an analysis of a complex organic mixture using GC-MS, FTIR, and NMR in Organic Spectroscopy. In Environmental Chemistry laboratory, students rotate through a series of experiments where they explore aspects of GC-MS in environmental analysis. Students also utilize GC-MS to investigate pesticide/herbicide levels in local soil/water samples as part of a comprehensive environmental management plan in the Environmental Science Practicum. In designated research courses, students use GC-MS to analyze reaction mixtures of new dendrimers and complex ions to optimize conditions for the synthesis of nanoparticles, investigate DNA damage by removal of nucleobases via hydrolysis, and expand existing methodologies of GC/MS analysis of lipids found in ancient bone/pottery for the analysis of ancient rock paintings (petroglyphs). The author gratefully acknowledges NSF (DUE 0511181) for support of this work. |
|
NSF Catalyzed Innovations in the Undergraduate Curriculum
1:00 PM-4:15 PM, Thursday, 14 September 2006 San Francisco Marriott -- Salon A1, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |