Improving the Chemistry Laboratory Experience with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

St Joseph'S University, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12) This project uses gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) as a key component in a developmental program to make laboratory courses more discovery-based. The GC-MS is being used 1) to improve introductory laboratory courses in General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry by making them more relevant and research-oriented for both non-chemistry and chemistry majors, 2) to enhance the level of sophistication in more advanced laboratory courses in Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry so that chemistry majors appreciate the significance and effectiveness of GC-MS for solving real-world problems, and 3) to increase the scope and quality of undergraduate research programs, especially in the areas of environmental chemistry and geochemistry. In order to accomplish these goals, advantage is being taken of the many imaginative experiments that have been published in chemical education journals utilizing GC-MS to explore problems in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Several experiments are being adapted from these sources (primarily the Journal of Chemical Education) and implemented in a discovery-based lab program. A science educator will assist in evaluating the project.