Comprehensive GC-MS (Agilent SQMS with MassHunter)

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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 five-day Comprehensive GC-MS introduces the fundamental theory of single quadrupole GC-MS along with the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of the Agilent single quadrupole Mass Spectrometer using MassHunter software.

This course includes an introduction to 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; Retention Time Locking (RTL); an introduction to deconvolution; 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 MassHunter software
  • You will learn installation, set-up and get an overview of the software
  • You will learn about the types of 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 and deconvolution
  • You will undertake quantitative data analysis creating calibration curves and producing appropriate sample reports
  • You will have an introduction to deconvolution and learn retention time locking

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 MassHunter software. This is also the introductory course for those learning the Agilent triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with MassHunter software. Please note that while hands on training will take place on an Agilent 5975 or 5973 the course is suitable for all models of Agilent GC single quadrupole MS instruments.

Course combinations

How to book this course

Feedback from previous attendees

"[I enjoyed] The mixture of classroom and practical exercises. [Most useful topic:] All of them! Especially the lab exercises on method parameters and qualitative data analysis/deconvolution."  Bespoke onsite training, May 2022.

"[I enjoyed] Practical components on own systems (resolving issues in live time), 'Tips and tricks' for software features, Seeing the broken/internal components of the system."  Bespoke onsite training, May 2022.

"Very good coverage of a wide range of topics. Especially useful to have recorded version of background slides and practical exercises - so there is plenty to refer back to. Previous courses have lacked this and relied on attendee note taking."  Bespoke onsite training, May 2022.

"Richard is extremely knowledgeable and delivers his content very well - it doesn't feel like a lecture! (which is great)"  Joe Roberts, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Keele University (May 2019).

"The course is very complete, a very good co-ordination of theory and practical exercises."  Sonia Garcia-Alcega, Contractor, The Open University (May 2019).

"(I enjoyed) the location and expertise."  Delegate from a management consulting company, attended the 4-day Comprehensive GC-MS Training (Agilent SQMS with MSD ChemStation), January 2018.

"Very Informative and intensive with Good communication and interaction."  John Stokes, Lab Technician, Zeus Juice (October 2017).

"(I enjoyed) the practicals and knowledge of the instructors."  Aristides de Oliveira Junior, FSE, Flow Service, Brazil (October 2017).

"(I enjoyed the) software part, interaction with instruments. Material is very good compared to others. Knowledge of instructors."  Renato Peres, FSE Chemist, Flow Service, Brazil (October 2017).

"(I enjoyed) both theory and practical."  Sanjay Kumar Patel, Senior Scientist, RSSL (attended 2-day Comprehensive GC-MS Hardware (Agilent SQ MS) course, March 2017).

"I found this course very useful and very good quality compared to other companies."  R&D Scientist, contact lens manufacturer (March 2017).

"(I enjoyed) learn GC and Mass Spectrum."  Mohammad S. Almutairi, Chemist, The Ministry of Public Works in Kuwait (March 2017).

"Overall course was good, the practical elements were very good. The course is of a very high standard and to be able to deal closely with the presenter is a big advantage."  David Mannion, Technologist, Teagasc, Ireland (September 2016).  

"(I enjoyed the) practical exercises. I think the course is of a high quality level."  Analytical research technician from a university (attended 3-day Agilent MassHunter for SQ software course, March 2016).

"Very comprehensive, covered all aspects. New to MassHunter so all good overall."  Senior analyst, forensic services (attended 3-day Agilent MassHunter for SQ software course, October 2015).

"Very good. (Most interesting topic was) qualitative and quantitative reporting"  Sein O'Connell, Analyst, Medical Bureau of Road Safety (attended 3-day Agilent MassHunter for SQ software course, October 2015).

"(I enjoyed) basic overview of all sectors and how it advanced throughout the course.  How the trainer was able to link everthing to each other."  Analyst, forensic services (attended 3-day Agilent MassHunter for SQ software course, October 2015).

"(I enjoyed) gaining a greater understanding of MassHunter."  Orla Gogarty, Analyst, Medical Bureau of Road Safety (attended 3-day Agilent MassHunter for SQ software course, October 2015).

"(I enjoyed) improving my skills with MassHunter. It was all useful and interesting."  Derek Ness, Managing Director, Applied Polymer Developments Ltd. (attended 3-day Agilent MassHunter for SQ software course, March 2015). 

"The best (compared to other courses) - instructor knowledge excellent. Other courses haven't been so good on this point."  Scientist, tobacco industry (March 2015).