Selection, Evaluation, and Modification of a Standard Operating Procedure as a Mechanism for Introducing an Undergraduate Student to Chemical Research: A Case Study

Abstract

In an effort to broaden the selection of research opportunities available to a student registered in a one-semester, upper-level independent study course at a primarily undergraduate institution (PUI), a highly motivated student was asked to select, evaluate, and modify a standard operating procedure (SOP). The student gained valuable experience in the decision-making processes involved with selecting an SOP based on discernment of which procedures could be performed at our institution. Once a procedure was selected, the student set up and evaluated the performance of the procedure, enabling mastery of the process. After demonstrating competence, the student was asked to suggest and perform modifications to the procedure thereby providing an opportunity to gain a better connection between the procedure and results. In this work, the QuEChERS (quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe) method for the analysis of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was examined demonstrating the effectiveness of using an SOP as a tool for introducing an undergraduate to research at a PUI.

Tocopherols in Seeds and Nuts: QuEChERS Extraction, HPLC Separation, and Fluorescence Detection

“…A review of the Journal of Chemical Education literature indicated there are no publications reporting the analysis of tocopherols by HPLC or the use of PFP columns. There are just two publications that detail the application of HPLC with FL detection for quantitative analysis. , There are four publications that deal with QuEChERS: two focused on the analysis of pesticides/insecticide residues in food using gas chromatography; , the other two papers, while including QuEChERS in the experimental details, were reporting on the value of standard operating procedures and the importance of quality assurance measures …”

“…There are just two publications that detail the application of HPLC with FL detection for quantitative analysis. 5,6 There are four publications that deal with QuEChERS: two focused on the analysis of pesticides/insecticide residues in food using gas chromatography; 7,8 the other two papers, while including QuEChERS in the experimental details, were reporting on the value of standard operating procedures 9 and the importance of quality assurance measures. 10 In summary, the pedagogical aims of this experiment are the following: (a) to support the theory presented in lectures and provide students with an opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and understanding of separation mechanisms to a real exampleespecially as analysis of tocopherols has evolved over time from silica stationary phases (normal phase) to C18 phases and more recently PFP phases; (b) to introduce students to the sensitivity and selectivity of FL detection when compared to UV−vis; (c) to provide students with a relatively complex and authentic analysis that includes sample preparation and cleanup and quantitative HPLC analysis using the method of internal standards; (d) to provide students with an opportunity to consolidate their learning of key theoretical concepts and demonstrate their understanding through completing a written report.…”

Analysis of Pesticides in Plant Foods by QuEChERS and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment

“…Certain aspects of QuEChERS have already been demonstrated in teaching courses for the analysis of pesticides in apple juice 12 and as a teaching process for investigators to conduct independent research or create a workflow plan. 13 For this laboratory experiment, students used the QuEChERS sample preparation procedure with modifications 4 to isolate pesticides from food for quantitation and identification by GC−MS/SIM. Students applied classroom knowledge to reinforce understanding of a procedure commonly used in many laboratories worldwide.…”

Surveying Iodine Nutrition Using Kinetic Spectrophotometry: An Integrative Laboratory Experiment in Analytical Chemistry for Population Health

“…Recent curriculum renewal efforts in our department have included the development of stand-alone laboratory courses decoupled from traditional lectures, with emphasis on inquiry-based laboratory experiments that bridge the gap between explicitly prescribed experiments and independent senior thesis research projects . There is growing interest in renewing the curriculum to enhance the job-readiness of undergraduate students as required for future careers in analytical chemistry within a regulatory environment in government or industry . Indeed, the top skill sets in chemistry-related sectors for employment of chemistry graduates not only require in-depth knowledge of modern instrumental techniques (LC–MS, GC–MS, UV–vis), but also training in method development and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) along with effective communication skills and collaborative abilities as required for reliable decision making …”