University teaching of mass spectrometry as a key practical technique within the context of a fully integrated, spiral curriculum.

Rationale: Mass spectrometry (MS) is introduced to high school students in the UK in many pre-university course syllabi. As such, we have identified the use of MS as a key technique that should be taught practically to undergraduates from the outset of their studies. This mini-review describes how we introduce and develop students' use of MS throughout our three-year undergraduate spiral curriculum practical programme, using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization MS (APCI-MS).