We present the use of arduino technology to create home-built instrumentation for chemical analysis in an instrumental analysis course. Students built a spectrophotometer with a motorized diffraction grating and data acquisition controlled by an arduino. Through the process of designing and building a spectrophotometer, a clear understanding and appreciation of signal transduction and the operation principle was obtained. We also present home-built instrumentation based on arduino technology for a one-credit course designed specifically for chemistry and electronics engineering technology majors to build instrumentation with basic electronics and programming skills. Our experience has shown that instrument construction provides students with a unique opportunity to explore signal transduction and principles of chemical analysis.

Home-built instruments as group projects in instrumental analysis courses

249th National Meeting (2015)

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