Chemistry --
Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry NSF Grant
- Integration of Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
- Problem-Based Laboratories into a Newly Revised Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum
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What's this? Let's use the GC/MS to find out.
GC/MS grant:This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0410147
As part of our continuing effort to integrate new technology into our curriculum, the chemistry department at Saint Francis University is integrating gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) problem-based laboratories throughout the undergraduate curriculum. The goal is to enliven instruction for our students in general chemistry by studying chemical separations and molecular structure analysis followed by a coordinated progression of learning throughout our curriculum. Graduates of Saint Francis completing this progression of problem-based learning laboratories will be better prepared to face the difficult challenges in industrial as well as graduate school settings.
Several impacts of the grant include: incorporation of innovative materials and technology across the newly revised curriculum, excitement potential of younger scientists (especially underrepresented groups) through use of technology, students well-trained in problem-solving techniques and prepared for success in advanced degrees/industry, and an increased number of chemistry majors through recruitment potential of new technology. Saint Francis chemistry currently has 31 majors, a 200% increase over the last five years, of which 71 % are women.
"Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation."
Links to Labs that we are modifying/developing:
- Forensics - Detection of THC
- Forensics - Detection of Cocaine
- Forensics - Accelerants in Fire Debris
- General Chemistry GC/MS Exploration Lab
PI and CoPIs:
- Dr. Rose Ann Clark, PI
- Dr. Balazs Hargittai
- Dr. Pedro Muino
- Dr. Edward Zovinka
Courses/Events the GC/MS has been used for:
- Forensics Class and Lab (Fall 2005, Fall 2007 scheduled)
- Science Day, CSI Loretto (Fall 2005, Fall 2006), high school students
- Quantitative Analysis (Spring 2006, Spring 2007)
- TEAMS Science Lab Rotations (May 2006, 2007), 7th graders spent three hours in lab.
- STEP Grant Science Lab Roatations (Summer 2007), 11th graders spent three hours in lab
- General Chemistry (Fall 2006)
- Research projects as listed
Undergraduate Research Students:
- Sarah Keller (Summer 2005)
- Samantha Milosh (Spring 2006, Fall 2006)
- Valerie Schrott (Summer 2006)
- Jonathan Sirianni (Summer 2006)
- Jackie Caskey and Jonathan Sirianni (Summer 2007)
- Anne Stock and Brittany Walters (Summer 2007)
Questions or Comments? email rclark@francis.edu