Warner Cribb

warner.cribb@mtsu.edu

Warner Cribb

Geosciences

Discipline specific equipment

DSB 232

N/A

N/A

Geosciences provides general education students and STEM majors access to instruments used to chemically analyze rocks, minerals, and soils. ~ 100 students/yr enrolled in Mineralogy, Petrology, Geochemistry, Environmental Geology courses use X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) to learn principles of analytical geochemistry, and to complete course research projects. ~ 250 students/yr enrolled in Introduction to Earth Science general education courses (GEOL1030/1031) visit the lab in-person (or via Skype), where trained geology majors perform XRF demonstrations. The GEOL1030/1031 students use this data to complete assignments illustrating the importance of data acquisition and management to scientific discovery. These assignments are important to course outcomes related to data collection, data management, and data uncertainties. In addition, ~ 25 majors/yr (usage records) in Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Soils, and Engineering use XRF and other geochemistry lab instruments to acquire data for independent research. Non-MTSU users include community college students. Geosciences does not charge fees for this service. This request is to replace the existing XRF spectrometer (PTAG 68313, March, 2000) and purchase software to detect, calculate, and correct analytical uncertainties. The existing XRF frequently malfunctions due to worn parts and unregulated x-ray tube temperature. Many parts are no longer available. Current lab space is adequate to install and operate the new XRF.