State-of-the-art mass spectrometry for point-of-care and other applications: A hands-on intensive short course for undergraduate students

- Basics and current applications of ambient ionization.
- Biofluid analysis by paper spray ionization.
- Therapeutic and illicit drug analysis.
- Miniature mass spectrometer.
- Reaction acceleration in droplets.

Current mass spectrometry techniques and applications, especially those which achieve high speed by using ambient ionization and/or miniature instruments are presented with emphasis on the nature of the instrumentation and methodology. This is done in the context of describing an intensive two-day workshop for upper division undergraduate students (9th annual meeting for the Center for Analytical Instrumentation Development, CAID, Purdue University). Six hands-on demonstrations are detailed. Multiple ionization sources, types of mass spectrometers, and ion manipulation techniques are covered. The meeting “State-of-the-Art Mass Spectrometry for Point-of-Care and other Applications” might serve as a model for intensive short courses that other institutions might wish to develop in their particular research specialties. A hallmark is the emphasis on methodology, fundamental theory, and current applications. The effectiveness of the CAID short course to deeply immerse, motivate, and educate students was confirmed through formal student assessment and feedback.

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