Abstract:

This paper introduces a novel practical way, in which Raman spectroscopy (RS) can be presented to university students. This educational approach was applied to a group of undergraduate students at the Faculty of Science of the University of Hradec Králové. The lessons of RS were subsequently evaluated by the method of a semi-structured group interview with the participating students. The aim of this research was to obtain feedback on this course, especially to find whether the students are able to connect the obtained knowledge with the possibilities of its use in practice, whether they are interested in further education in this field and if they are motivated to use RS in their work life.

The above-mentioned group of six students initially took a theoretical lecture, during which the basic principles of RS were described. This lecture was followed by three laboratory exercises focused on the understanding of the mean principles of qualified handling of a Raman spectrometer, including the evaluation of acquired Raman data.

The goal of the first laboratory exercise was to learn how to calibrate the spectrometer, to observe Rayleigh and Stokes scattering and to study the influence of measurement parameters’ changes on the results. In the second exercise, the effects of material structure and elemental composition on the Raman spectrum were studied. Finally, in the third task, the students worked with the database of Raman spectra and performed Raman mapping.

All the students have shown that they were able to connect the acquired knowledge of RS with possibilities of its practical use. They also have shown their interest in further education in RS and in using it in their future employment. In general, the students were satisfied with the inclusion of RS in the third year of their study.

The authors' main motivation for this research was fact that recently there has been a shortage of graduates in technical and science-technical fields and, moreover, some graduates of these fields are not sufficiently prepared for their entry into practice. As a result, there is a lack of quality applicants for technical and science-technical work positions. Therefore, it is important to provide quality technical and science-technical education to students, and to motivate them to use their expertise in practice as well.
This research is presented virtually.

Keywords:

Raman spectroscopy, tertial education, laboratory exercise, technical education.