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The development of Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) revolutionised our understanding of environmental samples, which have been studied for decades or even centuries. It was discovered that samples of soil, water or air consist of thousands of unknown organic constituents that were overlooked by other techniques. The complexity of such samples has been specifically demonstrated in crude oil, where 250,000 individual signals were detected in a single sample. This “hidden” complexity raises several questions. How can we predict the impact of a petroleum spillage if we don't know what was spilled? How can we describe microbial processes in soil if we miss most of the components of the carbon cycle? Unlike other methods, FTMS provides a unique opportunity to study unknown compounds by directly assigning exact elemental compositions from mass spectra, without the need for references, even in complex mixtures. Determining the elemental composition of a mixture is the starting point for many research questions. Although FTMS is now available worldwide, its potential remains to be fully exploited.

The aim of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of FTMS techniques and their areas of application. Throughout the course we will consider various case studies where the full power of FTMS is demonstrated, including its use in biogeochemistry, ecology, environmental and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, we will discuss how FTMS is used to study whiskey, beer, meteorites and mummies. You will get an understanding of the types of data provided by FTMS, where you can apply it and how to manage the large data it generates. We will also cover how to analyse and visualise FTMS data in various applications.

If you do not have a University of Cambridge Raven account please book or register your interest here.

Additional information

• ♿ The training room is located on the first floor and there is currently no wheelchair or level access.
• Our courses are only free for registered University of Cambridge students. All other participants will be charged according to our charging policy.
• Attendance will be taken on all courses and a charge is applied for non-attendance. After you have booked a place, if you are unable to attend any of the live sessions, please email the Bioinfo Team.
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here.
• Guidance on visiting Cambridge and finding accommodation is available here.