Raman Spectroscopy in the Undergraduate Laboratory Curriculum

Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12) The is project is creating a model for integrating the use of a combined FT-Raman and FT-IR instrument into several laboratory courses taken by chemistry majors and chemical, polymer, and textile engineers at different levels of difficulty. Experiments, which are being primarily adapted from research literature, are designed to fit the needs of analytical, bioanalytical and physical chemistry education in a wide variety of disciplines. The combination of Raman spectroscopy complementary to IR spectroscopy and in conjunction with multivariate data evaluation techniques is of great pedagogical value for fundamental understanding of molecular spectroscopy at the basic and advanced undergraduate level. Furthermore, using the same instrumental method for addressing scientific questions in different disciplines facilitates interdisciplinary thinking and provides an enhanced learning experience.