Interpretation Courses

Course Description

We teach participants in a classroom setting how to approach infrared and Raman spectra to determine sample structure.
We use a functional groups approach, and explain how to recognize bands that are associated with functional groups, and how to ignore bands that are not useful.
Redundant information in the spectra is used to verify the identity of the functional groups.
We instruct participants how to arrive at a sample structure, once the functional groups are identified.
The course is taught in a classroom as opposed to online as we firmly believe participants master the material better in an immersive environment.
We are available during the entire week to answer questions about the course material, or on problems you have with samples or spectra as part of your employment.

We start the course with a brief introduction to the theory of vibrational spectroscopy and a discussion of functional groups.
Next, we present detailed discussions of the carbon-hydrogen functional groups, that is, the alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatics.
Other functional group discussions follow, such as, carbonyls, amides, and groups with other elements.
We coordinate the polymer spectra lectures with the various functional groups.
Three workshop sessions are held during the course to determine chemical structure from infrared and Raman spectra.
All the instructors present during the workshop sessions to assist with the exercises.
We also present lectures on search systems and sampling techniques, but there are no spectrometers or accessories available during the course.