Course Construction of “Gemmological Modern Testing Technology” and Discussion of Its Teaching Methods

Because of the continuous development of new materials, new theories, and new technologies of gemmology, especially the advancement of gems synthesis and optimization technology, gemmology no longer is studied by traditional qualitative description of microscopic phenomena, and becomes a study that needs a variety of modern testing technology and methods for quantitative analysis, microscopic and trace elements researches.Gemmological institute of China University of Geosciences opens a "gemmological modern testing technology" course for undergraduate students.This course is a compulsory course for "gemmology and material technique" students, which is opened in the second term of the junior year.This course aims to let undergraduate students grasp the working principle and purpose of some large instruments which are common used in modern gemmological research (such as infrared spectrometer, Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe, scanning electron microscope), master the delivery methods and testing methods, and be familiar with data analytical methods of large instruments used in a variety of gemmological researches.Through the study of this course, students are expected to obtain basic ability of science research, and to have ability to put forward their own research program according to gemmological thematic issues. According to the teaching purpose of the course, the course is divided into two parts, classroom teaching and experiment teaching.The whole course has 48class hours, including 32class hours of classroom teaching and 16class hours of experiment teaching.Classroom teaching is divided into five learning modules.They are introduction (2class hours), gemmological spectroscopy analysis and application (14class hours), chemical composition analysis and application (6class hours), micro-area and micro-observation analysis and application (4class hours), and other gemmological testing technology and application (2class hours).In addition, students' oral reports are arranged in classroom teaching (4class hours).Experimental teaching includes three parts, visiting teaching (4class hours), the instrument workshop (8class hours), and self-chosen experiments (4class hours). The course "gemmological modern testing technology" has difficult theories which make students feel very esoteric, boring and hard to understand.Therefore, it needs to use various classroom teaching methods, such as question-based teaching, group discussion and group reports, and use multi-level experimental teaching means, such as focusing on the delivery and testing methods in previous instruments, the training of testing and practical ability, and use different grading ways.For example, the final score is composed of classroom group reports, laboratory reports, and book-closed exam scores.New teaching methods of this course have mobilized the enthusiasm of students, developed their skills of comprehensive analysis and cooperation spirit.On the other hand, these methods can cultivate their research ability and innovation spirit.After teaching practice of several years, a very good effect of teaching have been achieved.