FROM START TO PRESENT! TEACHING A PROJECT BASED ELECTRON MICROPROBE ANLAYSIS COURSE

In 2002 and 2006, ConocoPhillips donated two JEOL 733 Electron Microprobes to the School of Geology at Oklahoma State University (OSU). The donations provided important opportunities to integrate hands-on research and instrumentation into the education of OSU students. An official course in Electron Microprobe Analysis was initially offered to both undergraduate and graduate students in Spring 2004. Enrollment has steadily increased from 6 students (2004) to 8 (2005), and 9 (2006). Thus far, 13 undergraduates and 10 graduates (14 male, 9 female) have taken the class. Students meet for 2 lecture and 2 lab hours of practical training off the main OSU campus in a research park. The location allows first-hand experience with a professional environment. Field trips have included sample collecting missions and visits to other research labs. After week 10, students begin independent research projects and are expected to use the machine at a minimum of 4 hours per week to generate their own data. Most of the capabilities of the electron microprobe are involved, including imaging, qualitative analysis, and element mapping. Graduate students are required to write a paper in the style of a geological journal and integrate data into their Master's Theses, whereas undergraduates typically work in pairs to create a poster. Undergraduates are required to present their poster at a GSA meeting, and thus far, 13 have presented 8 posters. Research has included comparing lunar and terrestrial rock types, analyzing rocks collected in the state, generating data for alumns, other graduate students, faculty from various departments, and external users. The Electron Microprobe has provided OSU students with an authentic research experience, the capability of generating their own data, and a better understanding how to make interpretations. These aspects motivate them to pursue a research-based career and prepare them for graduate school and fields that use the instrumentation.