Technology Access Fees Database

Ngee-Sing Chong

nchong@mtsu.edu

Richard Nagorski

Chemistry

Discipline specific equipment

Science Building (Room 3093 & 3107)

N/A

N/A

Chemistry Department requests the purchase of a mass spectrometer, Gaussian software, and an optical microscope with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to meet the laboratory instructional needs for CHEM 1121, CHEM 2031, CHEM 3011/3021, CHEM 4231/6231, CHEM 4700, CHEM 4330/4331, and FSCH 4230/4231 with a combined enrollment of 950-1000 students per year. The Gaussian software is needed to improve CHEM 3011/3021 students’ experience in molecular modeling of organic compounds and avoid losing access due to the potential malfunction of the existing computer for modeling. We currently do not have mass spectrometry (MS) experiments for CHEM 2031/3011/3021 and are relying on the use of one GC-MS instrument and one LC-MS instrument for research and laboratory instruction for CHEM 4231/6231 & FSCH 4231, thereby compromising the instructional quality for hands-on instrumentation training. The LIBS microscope is needed to replace a 15-year-old microscope for supporting courses related to polymer/materials characterization and forensic analysis. The requested items will modernize the lab facilities to ensure accreditation of Chemistry degree programs by the American Chemical Society and Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission. MS and LIBS instrumentation are widely used in the industry for biomedical, materials, pharmaceutical, environmental, and forensic analysis. The new MS and LIBS microscope with remote access capability will enable analytical demonstrations in large lecture classes and help chemistry majors develop proficiency in chemical analysis. This will broadly impact MTSU students majoring in chemistry, forensic science, or environmental science or concentrating in pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, Engineering Technology, and Concrete Industry Management programs.