Training
The Procedure
If you are a graduate student or postdoc seeking training to use the NMR spectrometers, then please send an email to Damodaran (damodak@pitt.edu).
The previous training system in which certain students acted as trainers for their research groups has been suspended; basic level training will be conducted by Damodaran or Sage. Following the training, the corresponding self-test must be taken and the spectra submitted to Damodaran/Sage.
The table below lists the available user categories and their self-tests (pdf). To download the self-test, right click the link and 'save as'.
| User Level | Test Req | NMR | Allowed Expts |
| Basic 300 user | Self-test | Any 300 MHz | 1D and 2D spectra |
| 500/600 user | Self-test | 500 and 600 | 1D and 2D expts |
Exemptions from Training and FACES system
THERE ARE NO EXEMPTIONS FROM TRAINING. No student or postdoc is permitted to use any spectrometer until he or she has completed training. This holds even if you have had extensive prior experience. If you are knowledgeable user, then you will qualify for abbreviated training.
FACES ENROLLMENT: You will be enrolled into the FACES system once your 300MHz user self-test has been received and approved by Damodaran, upon which you will receive a welcoming email from FACES. A Pitt email address must be provided for this system unless you are a temporary student.
NMR SERVICE: The NMR facility is offering a limited NMR service to those students and postdocs who infrequently use the spectrometers. Though frequent users are expected to run their own experiments, exceptions can be made for complicated or critical samples. Simply fill out the form and submit it along with 20 mg of the sample in a capped vial to Damodaran.
Undergraduates
Pitt or visiting undergraduates cannot directly apply for NMR use privileges; however their research advisors can apply on their behalf. If you are an undergrad doing research with an occasional need for NMR spectra, then you should use the sample service option. Simply fill out the form and submit it along with the sample to Damodaran.