GENERAL REMARKS

The purpose of this course is to present a general survey of modern instrumental techniques with sufficient theory for their general comprehension. The strengths and limitations of the methods will likewise be outlined.

The awesome number and range of techniques make it impossible to cover very many of them in detail. Therefore, a reduced list will be covered which correspond to some of the more commonly used ones.

There are two general approaches to the teaching of a course of this type. First, one can focus on the instrumentation and its design. In this approach extensive discussions of electronic circuitry would occupy a major portion of the course. In the other, a survey of the instrumental methods and theories associated with each is presented. The textbook takes the latter approach. The instructor agrees with this emphasis, but also feels that a functional outline of how the electronics work is important. Consequently, this will also be included in the course. The student should be generally familiar with both the theory and functional description of the electronics. Both will appear on the tests.

Problem solving is extremely important in any science course -especially one of this type. Therefore problems will be assigned and solution of them should be considered the minimum amount of work necessary (besides reading the text of course) to pass the course. Serious students will work many more problems. Extra credit can be earned for working extra homework problems - quantitative ones only!

Students who need to discuss problems can do so during office hours or through email (jschreif@gmu.edu)-everyone should have an account on the mainframe to make this possible.

A student's grade will be determined on the basis of three hourly examinations, three 15 minute quizzes, graded homework, and a final examination as outlined below:

Quizzes will cover material discussed since the previous examination and will be one or two problems. The second and third examinations will test only material covered since the previous examination; the final will include all material covered during the semester.

Attendance in the lecture is mandatory. No Make-ups for missed examinations will be considered, except under rare circumstances. If the student feels it is absolutely necessary to miss an exam, it is the student's obligation to notify the instructor or the chemistry office and leave an explanation as to why the student must miss the exam. This must be done before the exam or if impossible as soon as possible after. If the student fails to do this, the instructor will not even consider a request to make-up the missed exam. As soon as possible afterwards the student should bring a note from a physician or other appropriate documentation of the reason for missing the exam to me.

Students with a physical handicap, that may impair their performance in this course, should privately contact me and describe the particular handicap and need. If at all possible, I will try to make sure that the appropriate assistance is given.