Course Overview
In mass spectrometry, the mass spectrum is as unique to a compound as fingerprints are to people. When gas chromatography is combined with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), a technique is created with which the components of a mixture can be separated and identified. It is the purpose of this course to discuss the techniques of modern GC/MS as applied to the separation and identification of agricultural and environmental compounds.
Prerequisite(s)
- EENG 8820 or equivalent.
Credits
2.0
- Not offered this term
- This course is not offered this term. Notify me to receive email notifications when the course opens for registration next term.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, the student will be able to:
- Explain the fundamentals of extraction processes.
- Discuss partition coefficients, solid support cartridges and Soxhlet extraction.
- Explain the fundamentals of separation science.
- Discuss the history and general process of chromatography.
- Describe thin layer chromatography.
- Compare and contrast rate theory versus plate theory.
- Discuss retention time, theoretical plates, resolution, selectivity factor, retention factor, linear velocity and mobile phase.
- Describe in detail the components and operation of a gas chromatograph.
- Discuss elution problems and temperature programming.
- Explain column types and materials.
- Discuss band broadening and column efficiency.
- Explain the principles of mass spectrometry.
- Discuss GC/MS applications.
- Discuss quantitation in mass spectrometry.
- Explain the basic components of a mass spectrometer.
- Describe ion sources in mass spectrometry.
- Describe the operation of a 3-dimensional quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer.
- Describe the operation of a linear quadrupole mass filter.
- Carry out a hardware inspection of a HP 5973 GC/MS.
- Perform a qualitative analysis.
- Operate HP ChemStation software.
- Explain the basics of a mass spectrum.
- Interpret examples of mass spectra.
- Access and apply a mass spectra library to identify unknown compounds.
- Perform a quantitative analysis.
- Describe the basics of quantitation by MS.
- Calculate the response factor.
- Use internal standards and surrogates.
- Carry out data calculations on a MS run.
- Design a quantitative method for BTEX analysis.
- Perform GC/MS maintenance.
- Describe ion source cleaning.
- Describe vacuum system maintenance.
- Carry out troubleshooting - leak detection.
- Perform method validation.
- Apply performance-based methods.
- Describe MDL concepts/statistics.
- Describe the essentials of method validation.
- Carry out a quantitative analysis of BTEX in sediments.
Effective as of Fall 2003
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice. Find out more about BCIT course cancellations.