1.2 Schedule

• Week 1: Introduction and Familiarity Exercises with the FT-IR
  • Placement Test
  • General Theory of infrared (IR) absorption
  • Sampling modes for IR measurements
  • Instrument software overview
    

• Week 2: Sample Preparation and FT-IR Data Collection
  • Sample preparation for diffuse reflectance spectra
  • Collecting diffuse reflectance spectra
  • Preparation for attenutated total reflectance (ATR) spectra
  • Collecting ATR spectra
  • Adding new spectra to the library
    

• Week 3: Collect FT-IR spectra of non-controlled substances for the standards library
  

• Week 4: Salt conversion technique (acid-base extractions) and continue FT-IR library generation
  

• Week 5: Familiarity with the GC/MS system
  • Basic GC Theory
  • Sample Introduction
  • General MS Theory
  • Mass Spectral Iinterpretation I
    • Molecular Ion
    • Simple cleavage fragmentation reactions
      

• Week 6: Overview of MS system software; data collection and analysis
  • Acquisition, analysis and sequences
  • Methods
  • Data Analysis
  • Mass Spectral Interpretation II
    • Isotope peaks and isotope distributions
    • Rearrangement reactions
    • Group and class series
      

• Week 7: Sample Preparation for GC/MS
  • Organic solutions
  • Target concentrations
  • More acid-base extractions
    

• Week 8: Collect GC/MS data for non-controlled substances for standards library
  • Apply MS interpretation techniques to confirm sample ID
  • Interpret GC retention data
  • Add spectra to library
    

• Week 9: Continue GC/MS and FT-IR library generation as needed
  

• Week 10: Continue GC/MS and FT-IR library generation as needed
  

• Week 11: Begin analyzing forensic training samples
  • Follow evidence handling procedures
  • Maintain proper documentation
  • Practice good analytical techniques
    

• Week 12 and Beyond
  • Continue training samples and library generation
  • explore other techniques (TLC, microcrystal examination, UV-Vis spectra, chemical derivitization, etc.)