Comprehensive GC-MS Training (Agilent SQMS with MSD ChemStation)

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Course summary

Course approval

Royal Society of Chemistry approved training logo

This course has been approved by the Royal Society of Chemistry for purposes of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

What will you learn on this course?

The four-day Comprehensive GC-MS Training course introduces the fundamental theory of quadrupole GC-MS along with the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the Agilent single quadrupole MS using MSD ChemStation software.

This course includes an introduction to single quadrupole mass spectrometry, method development and troubleshooting; hardware configuration; MS tuning; data acquisition in scan and selected ion monitoring (SIM) modes; qualitative & quantitative data analysis; reports; sequencing; an introduction to macros; Retention Time Locking (RTL); and method maintenance.

The course will train the operator to perform the maintenance required to ensure the smooth running of the instrument. The course also discusses the principles of troubleshooting by examining the effects of faults in the system on the chromatographic output. This course includes troubleshooting and maintenance focusing on tunes & diagnostics, GC considerations, vacuum system, ion source, quadrupole mass filter and MS detector.

It combines a mixture of classroom based presentations with hands-on hardware and software lab exercises, to give you comprehensive training.

Learning outcomes

  • You will learn the theory & principles of mass spectrometry focusing on the single quadrupole GC-MS
  • You will become familiar with the Agilent Single Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer instrumentation learning about the function & operation of individual components
  • You will gain knowledge of the important MS parameters
  • You will gain practical experience of performing the maintenance of each MS component including vacuum system, ion source, quadrupole mass filter & detector
  • You will learn the strategies and gain practical experience of instrument troubleshooting
  • You will learn the operation of the MSD ChemStation software
  • You will learn installation, set-up and have an overview of the software
  • You will learn about the different tuning methods, undertake air/water checks & an autotune then interpret the results
  • You will learn how to create full scan and SIM methods to gain an understanding of each method type
  • You will learn how to analyse individual samples and create sequences for analysing multiple samples
  • You will undertake qualitative data analysis including library searching
  • You will undertake quantitative data analysis, creating calibration curves and producing appropriate sample reports
  • You will have an introduction to macros and learn retention time locking
  • You will learn about method maintenance

Who is this course for?

This course is primarily for analysts and technicians responsible for the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of Agilent single quadrupole GC-MS instruments using MSD ChemStation. Please note that while the hands on training will take place on an Agilent 5975 or 5973 the course is suitable for all models of Agilent single quadrupole MS instruments.

Course combinations

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Feedback from previous attendees

"[I enjoyed] learning about machine I use away from the lab."  Sharon Hayward, QC Technician & GCMS Analyst, Robertet UK Ltd (January 2020).

"[I enjoyed] the location and expertise."  delegate from a management consulting company, January 2018.

"[I enjoyed] everything."  Fawza Al-Johani, Lab tech, Sabic (August 2017).

"A good lab for practices. Much more complete than Agilent."  Rogerio Almeida, Service Director, Flowservice, Brazil (January 2017).

"Good lab practices."  Fabio Gouveia, Engineer, Flowservice, Brazil (January 2017).

"Good. [I particularly enjoyed] hardware troubleshooting."  Arun Dhar, Engineer, CBRE (June 2016).

"[I enjoyed] interactive elements, hands on experience."  Engineer, pharmaceutical company (June 2016).

"More engaging and better presented than other technical courses."  Nick Davidson, Analyst, Northumbrian Water (attended software training, November 2014).

"Best (course) I have been on. Most relevant."  Sarah Pendlington, Analyst, Northumbrian Water (attended software training, November 2014).

"Very informative practical hands-on GC-MS work. Excellent course materials. Detailed/right level."  Research Fellow.

"I enjoyed the practical part on how to clean the ion source."  Laboratory Analyst from Kenya.

"it all interesting as it is planned around the instrument I use day to day. The file is useful to look back on and work through. Lab exercises and laptop work is useful."  GC/GC-MS Technician, University.

"Friendly atmosphere, great trainer! Enjoyed practicals – setting up the method, method development and sequence creating."  Karamjit Singh, Chemist, Veolia ES UK Ltd.

"More interactive than (other) GC course(s). Good to be able to use the software." Experimentalist.

"Well presented with lots of material and excellent handouts. Enjoyed hands-on approach to material and examining the GC-MS systems." Glen Woodward, Fujifilm SIS.