Introduction

Mass spectrometry was developed by physicists at the beginning of the 20th century as a technique to determine the structure of the atom.  During World War II, mass spectrometry played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb.  In the 1940s, the mass spectrometer was being used for identification and quantitation of organic materials in the chemical and petroleum companies and commercial instruments began to appear.  This led to a wider use in various fields from geology to drug discovery to forensic science.  Forensic science is an interdisciplinary science that draws from research in chemistry, biology, and physics. It is also dependent on expertise in such specialized fields like microscopy, serology, crime scene reconstruction, and microchemistry. Forensic chemists began using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the 1970s for use in criminal investigations.  Mass spectrometry is used in nearly all branches of science and is one of the best analytical techniques used today.

Background
This course has been developed as an orientation and overview of how the mass spectrometer works, how mass spectrometry is used in forensic science, and how to interpret mass spectra.  West Virginia University Extended Learning and WVU’s Forensic Science Initiative presents these learning materials and this course to you on-line.

Objectives

Course Goal
This course will provide you with a better understanding of how the mass spectrometer works and how it applies to forensic science.  It will describe the many applications and techniques that are beneficial to the forensic scientist and give an overview on spectral interpretation.

Course Objectives
By completing this course, the student will learn:

• What is mass spectrometry and how it is used in forensic science
• The history and pioneers in mass spectrometry
• The basic components of the mass spectrometer
• The different types of ionization sources, mass analyzers, and detectors
• The different rules and aspects of mass spectra
• How the elemental composition and molecular ion help in interpretation
• The different hyphenated systems and new technologies

Overview

Course Structure and Schedule
This is a non-credit course offering 2.2 ILUs. Average completion time for the course is 31 hours.  The instructor should be notified if an extension is required.  The course cost is $199 per registration, and a certificate for course completion will be issued to the student. 

Public Laboratory Employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. A $30 processing fee will be charged to the Individual for any student that doesn't access or finish the class in the time alloted.  See below on how to register.

Overview/Subject Matter
Topics covered in this course are:

• Mass Spectrometry:  Introduction
• Ionization Sources
• Mass Analyzers
• Detectors
• Hyphenated Systems
• Forensic Applications
• Mass Spectral Interpretation
• Compound Classes and Functional Groups
• Future Trends in Mass Spectrometry

Requirements

Prerequisite(s)
No prerequisites or course materials are required for the course.

Computer Requirements

• Internet Explorer
• Macromedia Flash Player
• Java Runtime Environment (JRE) Version 5.0 Update 7

(Free software plug-ins are available in the Getting Started area of the course.)

Basic computer skills required (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc.).  The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.

Materials
All required readings are provided in PDF format.  There is no required text.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to have access to a mass spectrometer?No. The course is set up so that any part of the system you may need to view is provided through animations and screen shots.Q: Do I qualify for NIJ funding?If you are in any type of forensic public sector, you qualify. NIJ provides funds so that forensic scientists, law enforcement, crime scene personnel, and related professionals can receive proper training. The exceptions are individuals working in the private sector, federally funded employees, and individuals working in academia.
Q: Do I need to be technically savvy?As long as you have basic computer skills (i.e. turning on your computer, navigating to websites, etc) you will be fine. The course is user-friendly but support is available if needed.
Q: How long will it take for me to complete the course?On average, the course can be completed in approximately 31 hours. Students work at their own pace and convenience and may work as much or as little as they would like during each session.  The student has until the end of the semester to complete the course, although extensions may be granted upon request.
Q: What level is this course geared toward?This course is at an introductory level. However, some prior knowledge of mass spectrometry and interpretation of spectra is recommended.
Q: Who should I contact for more information?Instructor: Samantha.Neal@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5836

Registration Information

Public laboratory employees are funded by NIJ Award 2001-RC-CX-K003 and 2003-RC-CX-K001. Please fill out the Supervisor Approval Form and fax or mail it. No other form is required to register. Students that submit a Supervisor Approval From will receive registration confirmation by email showing a charge of $199. Please disregard this charge if you are a public laboratory employee funded by the NIJ Award. When WVU Extended Learning receives the Supervisor Approval Form, you will receive class access information by email within 5 business days. If you are not notified, please contact WVU Extended Learning at (800) 253-2762 or (304) 293-7570.

Others: Register online through our secure server or fill out this form and fax or mail it to Extended Learning. You will be given class access by email within five working days. Call 1-800-2Learn2, or email WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu if you have any questions. Major credit cards and electronic checks are accepted.

Refund Policy

For all students: A $30 processing fee will be charged to the individual for any student that does not access or finish the class in the time allotted.

Others: All requests for cancellations/refunds must be in writing. Requests must be made within one week from when the class access information was emailed to the student. Mail to: WVU Extended Learning, P.O. Box 6800, Morgantown, WV, 26506 or email to WVUEnrich@mail.wvu.edu