(University of Nottingham)

Available in Windows and Web/Intranet Versions ISBN: 1 84211 033 0

Supervisor : Nick Shaw
Programmed by : Joe Cutting
Subject Specialists : Saul Tendler

This package introduces the student to the mass spectrometer and the techniques of mass spectrometry. It covers fragmentation patterns, and the interpretation of mass spectra and throughout the package, the student is given practice questions to test whether he/she can interpret spectra.


[Screenshot]
A screen from one of the Activity Modules
Contents

1 Introduction to Mass Spectrometry

The student looks at how the mass spectrometer works and then looks at the technique of mass spectrometry and how this technique can be used in pharmaceutical/chemical analysis.

2 Interpreting Mass Spectra

The student looks at the basics of interpreting mass spectra, including how to interpret isotope patterns, fragmentation patterns and metastable peaks.

3 Fragmentation Patterns

The aims of this section are that the student understands how various organic compounds fragment during mass spectrometry. On completion, the student should be able to describe the fragmentation patterns of ketones, esters, ethers and amides, the McLafferty rearrangement, and the fragmentation patterns of peptides.


Hardware and Software Requirements

Windows Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc and can be installed to a local hard disc or network drive. The minimum requirement is a PC with 100MHz Pentium processor , 8Mb of RAM and a VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65, 536 colors) at 640 x 480 resolution. The program is 32-bit and is compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT.
Web Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc for installation to a web server. The software runs on PC clients only. The minimum requirement is a 200MHz Pentium processor with 32Mb of RAM and a Super VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65,536 colors) at 800 x 600 resolution. The program is compatible with both Netscape Navigator 4.x and Internet Explorer 4 or better and requires Java and Javascript to be enabled on browsers.