Threading Interdisciplinary Biological-Chemistry Experiments Throughout the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum using MALDI Mass Spectrometry

Saint Olaf College, Northfield MN

Investigators

Abstract

Chemistry (12). This project incorporates matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry throughout the chemistry curriculum in order to study the large bio-molecules that are part of an interdisciplinary chemistry-biology interface. The MALDI instrument is a key component in a new Bioanalytical Chemistry course that prepares students for research at this chemistry-biology interface. MALDI, an important analytical tool in a wide range of research areas, is incorporated into a Forensic Science course, a new introductory chemistry-biology integrated course, and several other courses. This incorporation includes adapting labs developed by other institutions using MALDI instrumentation as well as developing new labs for Bioanalytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Forensic Science. The incorporation of MALDI throughout the curriculum insures maximum use of the instrument while preparing students for future research in chemical or biological fields. Students' experiences using MALDI, their understanding of the MALDI technique with its abilities and limitations, and the impact on student learning is measured using on-line evaluations. Senior peer evaluation is used to evaluate the new MALDI experiments. The project demonstrates how to use the MALDI-TOF in all levels of the chemistry curriculum.