560+Research+Methods

= = =560 Research Methods=

=Description= This course focuses on technology and methods used in current research laboratories. Field trips to academic and corporate facilities are included. Students leave the course with a basic understanding of instrumental design.

1 trimester course

Video Trailer
Coming Soon

Prerequisites:
Six core science classes or equivalent.

Essential Question(s)
How can scientists "see" what is happening on a molecular level?

How do we decide which technology best fits our needs?

What doors have technological advances opened for us?

Where is instrumentation heading in the future?

Public Demonstration of Knowledge
Final presentations will be broadcast online.

Final Assessment
Project focusing on how technology development led to one significant scientific discovery

Units

 * Unit 1** //The Basics of Analytical Methods// Classical methods led to instrumental methods. Basic instrument requirements like signal generators, detectors, processors, and readout devices. Steps to defining a problem and determining acceptable ranges. Review of amplification. Comparison of analog and digital signals. Signal to noise ratios. [1 week]


 * Unit 2** //Uses of Electromagnetic Radiation// Review of EM radiation and its properties. Components of instruments for optical spectroscopy: filters, sources, diffraction gratings, detectors. Beer's Law. UV-Vis, Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, Chemiluminescence, Atomic Absorbtion, IR, and/or Raman will be discussed. Instrument focus will be decided based on planned field trips and actions with the outside community.


 * Unit 3** //Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy// Review of quantum numbers and spin. Discussion of Fourier Transform. Pulse sequences, Free Induction Decay, Shift. Instrumental design including magnets, probes, transmitter and receiver coils, various detectors. Comparison of proton and carbon-13 spectra. Skype conference with Mag Lab in FL, U of I in Urbana, etc. to talk about actual work with the instruments. Obtain sample spectra to interpret.


 * Unit 4** //Mass Spectrometry// Relationship between mass and velocity. Comparison of detectors and analyzers: electron multipliers, TOF, Quadrupole, Ion Trap. Use of FT. Comparison of sources: electron impact, chemical ionization, field desorption, fast atom bombardment. Spectral analysis by use of mass


 * Unit 5** //Chromatography// Discussion of separation techniques. Comparision of GC, LC, and HPLC. Discussion of mobile phase, stationary phase, and flow rates. Combination of chromatography with previously discussed instruments as detectors.

Attachments
Unit Plans