A Scalable and Sustainable Undergraduate HPLC Laboratory Module for Honey Analysis: Adapting to Large-Enrollment Courses with Limited Instrumentation and Resources

Abstract A cost-effective and environmentally conscious high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) laboratory module for the analysis of sugars and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in raw honey was developed for upper-level undergraduate chemistry courses. A key innovation of this module is its logistical design, which enables a large number of students to gain hands-on experience with a single HPLC instrument, thereby maximizing the resource accessibility. The two-session experiment introduces chromatographic separation principles and reinforces fundamental laboratory skills including solution preparation, pipetting accuracy, and statistical analysis. The module integrates green chemistry principles by utilizing safer, benign reagents in place of environmentally impactful solvents, significantly reducing the level of chemical waste. By investigating the quality of honey, students are connected to real-world analytical applications in food safety and quality control. This laboratory has been implemented at Texas A&M University, providing valuable and scalable training to approximately 540 students over seven semesters. With low material, maintenance, and environmental costs, this learning module showcases a sustainable and scalable educational platform for modern analytical-chemistry instruction.