This course is designed for users with prior experience in gas chromatography (GC) who wish to deepen their theoretical and practical understanding, and enhance their skills in method development, data interpretation, problem solving, and advanced analytical work.

The course provides in-depth knowledge and advanced insights into the principles of operation, analytical instrumentation, and working methodologies in GC. It combines precise analytical theory with extensive hands-on experience, drawn from the decades-long professional background of Dr. Igal Bar-Ilan, one of Israel’s leading experts in chromatography in general, and in gas chromatography in particular, including GC-MS and LC-MS applications.

Throughout the course, participants will gain critical insights into various aspects of gas chromatography, including:

• Principles of design and selection of GC systems and components.
• Chromatographic theory – fundamental concepts, efficiency, resolution, and peak broadening.
• GC columns – structure, stationary phases, polymers, packing types, flow characteristics, and their impact on separation efficiency.
• Carrier gases and essential components – properties, flow and pressure calculations, selection, operation, maintenance, advantages and limitations.
• GC detectors – principles of operation, sensitivity, application suitability, and performance comparison.
• Troubleshooting – identification, characterization, and systematic resolution of system and analytical problems, including flow, component, and result-related issues.
• Mass detectors and GC-MS systems – architecture, GC-to-MS interfacing, spectral data processing, and advanced applications.
• Sample introduction techniques – advanced methods for GC sampling and sample introduction, including Headspace, Purge & Trap, Thermal Desorption, and other approaches for VOC analysis.
• Data processing and chromatogram interpretation – use of External/Internal Standards, assessment of chromatographic quality parameters, and tools for improving resolution and quantitative accuracy.
• The Internet as a resource for chromatography – exploration of key online tools for GC users, including open-access simulators and web-based software for GC method planning and optimization.

The course is enriched with real-world case studies from industrial and research laboratories and features in-depth discussions on both classical and emerging topics. Participants will acquire practical analytical tools that improve method performance, enhance data quality, and optimize laboratory workflow efficiency.