Master HPLC & GC
The 5-Day Hands-On UPLC, HPLC & GC Mega-Course delivers:
Advanced skills fast
New skills for your resume
Confidence to solve complex separation problems
Technical mastery to help you get promoted
13K+ trained professionals have gained the skills they needed to advance their careers.
“This course helped me troubleshoot issues that my service rep hasn’t been able to help me with.“
Make your manager happy and get trained
Download this pdf to convince them to send you to Axion Labs
I’ll help you master the science of seperation by teaching you UPLC, HPLC and GC at the same time. It’s what I love.
Hi I’m Lee Polite, founder of Axion Labs. Over the last 30+ years I’ve taught chromatography to nearly 14,000 people like you. I’ve been invited to train in hundreds of labs in 20 different countries.
I know what your challenges are, what concepts you need to know and what experiences you need to have to master HPLC and GC.
Tens of thousands of conversations with smart people like you convinces me that learning HPLC and GC together results in a better grasp of separation sciences and better performance in the lab.
That’s why I teach HPLC and GC together. You’ll grasp the concepts and practices of separation science better if you learn both.
“Over the course of my career, I have attended several GC and HPLC trainings. This was the first training in which I left the course with a level of understanding that I could maximize the equipment.“
Mastering Chromatography Takes Hands-On Training
What’s Holding You Back?
Entry Level New-Hires
No instruments to learn on.
Our HPLCs and GCs are used to support day-to-day operations and aren’t readily available for training and learning purposes.
Senior-Level Lab Managers
No time to learn.
I could try to learn it myself, but I just don’t have the time because of all my other work.
New Grad Job Seekers
No hands-on experience.
I’ve only had a lecture or two about HPLC and GC at university. But employers are looking for hands-on experience.
Hundreds of companies have sent thousands of industry professionals to Axion Labs
Why? 2 Words – Hands-on Experience
After 5 days of hands-on experience you will confidently be able to tackle the 4 essentials:
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Method development
Optimization
Get Advanced Skills With Axion’s 5-day LC/GC Mega-Course
Master The 4 Essentials
Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Method Development, Optimization
Hands-on experience with GC:
Choose the right inlet for your application. Split/splitless, multi-mode inlets, cool on-column, etc.
See how oven temperature impacts the separation.
Master the resolution equation.
Maximize efficiency by understanding the VanDeemter and Golay equations.
How to choose and install a column.
Learn what detector to use – TCD, FID, MS, etc.
9-step funnel that will enable you to troubleshoot your GC.
And more.
Hands-on experience with HPLC & UPLC:
5 different modes of HPLC: reversed phase, ion pair, normal phase, ion exchange, and size exclusion.
Install a column.
Adjust parameters to control capacity, selectivity and efficiency. Develop and optimize methods.
UV-Vis detectors. Refractive index (RI) detectors.
When to choose reversed phase column.
Troubleshoot common problems. Pressure fluctuations, baseline fluctuations, ghost peaks, tailing peaks, fronting peaks, doubled peaks.
And more.
You will know you are successfully trained before you leave Axion. Guaranteed.
How? By the end of this course you’ll take a complete unknown for GC and one for HPLC and you will develop two new methods using everything that you have learned.
You’ll write two new methods and then optimize them for resolution, speed and sensitivity.
Success Means More Than Just Pushing Buttons.
Master how LCs and GCs work and the science behind separation.
You have a AS, BS, MS or even a PhD.
You can follow standard procedures.
Can you choose all the right parameters and create a robust optimized HPLC method?
Can you develop a GC method for a completely new sample - on your own?
Can you perform maintenance on both HPLCs and GCs?
Can you efficiently troubleshoot your HPLCs and GCs?
Axion has been the go-to provider of advanced chromatography training since 1999.
Why is that important for you?
There are millions of HPLCs and GCs in labs at companies like these around the world.
They are always looking for top professionals with valuable skills.
And they want their employees to develop technical mastery.
Get an Edge in the Lab and in Your Job Search.
Become an advanced practitioner of both HPLC and GC.
Develop and grow your career
Get the HPLC & GC skills to move from an entry level job.
Do more than push the buttons and simply follow a written procedure.
Learn to solve complex problems.
Land a new job
Differentiate yourself and make yourself more valuable by learning both HPLC & GC.
Multi-billion dollar companies and start-ups alike are posting jobs that require both HPLC and GC experience.
“…was a game changer for my career. It single handedly helped me get every job I have ever had. I was in metrology at APP pharmaceuticals. It helped me move to AD at a startup and later a third party field service tech and now owning my own service business. I am very thankful for my experience.”
“… Not only did this course broaden my knowledge, it helped me land my first job using chromatography! This course is for anyone who wants to increase his or her marketability and become thoroughly educated in chromatography.”
LC/GC Course Curriculum
Don’t let a lack of knowledge and hands-on skills hold you back from advancing your career.
This course offers 18 lectures and 10 hands-on labs.
What is the fastest way to master LC & GC? Classroom learning followed by immediate reinforcement via hands-on experience with the instruments in a real analytical chemistry laboratory.
Example: In the classroom you learn that choosing the correct oven temperature is critical for good GC resolution. Then you go into the lab, and analyze real samples on the GC, vary the temperature, and see for yourself how oven temperature affects separation.
Day 1
9:00 Introduction to GC
How does GC, the world’s most popular analytical tool, fit into the analytical chemistry toolbox? What is the difference between gas chromatography and liquid chromatography? How GC proves that kale is bad for you. When to choose GC over HPLC. Learn the main advantages of GC over HPLC.
10:00 GC Inlets
Understanding GC inlets is crucial for troubleshooting. Learn how to choose the right inlet for your application. Learn about Split/splitless, multi-mode inlets, cool on-column, etc. Learn how to maintain your inlet
11:00 Lab 1: Introduction to GC + Temperature
You will operate one of our 15 GCs, make real injections and test how varying temperature changes the resolution. Understanding fully how oven temperature impacts the separation is a fundamental tool to developing and optimizing GC methods.
12:00 Lunch provided by Axion
We can accommodate your dietary needs.
1:00 Resolution
A deep dive into the master resolution equation. You will learn how to control the three factors that are necessary for a good separation – capacity, selectivity and efficiency.
2:00 Lab 2: Split Ratio
You will run a series of experiments with varying split ratios.
4:00 Lab 3: Split/Splitless
Explore the utility of split and splitless techniques.
Day 2
9:00 GC Theory
Understand the VanDeemter and Golay equations to minimize band broadening aka maximize efficiency. This will keep your peaks as tall and skinny as needed. Eddy diffusion, longitudinal diffusion and mass transfer are explained. You will understand how different carrier gasses and column diameter, column film thickness and carrier gas linear velocity interplay to determine efficiency.
9:45 Capillary Columns
“In the olden days I used to make capillary columns by hand.” – Lee Polite
How to choose a column that will work for your application? You need to pick the right column diameter, length, film thickness and stationary phase. Learn how in this module. What is the best way to store your GC columns? How to condition your column.
10:45 Lab 4: GC Parameters
In this lab you will put your new-found GC theory understanding to work and play with all the most important parameters in GC.
11:45 Lunch provided by Axion
We can accommodate your dietary needs.
12:45 Lab 5: GC Quant
2:30 Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
How can you confirm that a peak is what you think it is? What methods exist to measure (quantify)? You will learn a variety of quantitation procedures and calibration methods
3:30 Lab 6: Column Installation and Maintenance
You will remove and then install a GC column and then test for performance.
7:00 Dinner provided by Axion
We often get tapas at one of our favorite restaurants.
Day 3
9:00 GC Detectors
What detectors do you use? Thermal conductivity (TCD), Flame ionization detector (FID) discussed with emphasis on FID. Other detectors can be discussed as requested.
10:00 GC/MS Talk and Demo
Learn how a modern mass spec works to “weigh a molecule”. How do molecules get ionized and then how are their masses measured?
11:00 Introduction to HPLC
Learn how HPLC fits into the broader picture of chromatography. When to choose HPLC over GC? Learn how 5 different modes of HPLC compliment each other: reversed phase, ion pair, normal phase, ion exchange, and size exclusion.
11:45 Lunch provided by Axion
We can accommodate your dietary needs
1:45 Lab 7: LC Parameters
3:30 HPLC Instrumentation
You’ll get a thorough overview of modern HPLC instrumentation including pumps, injector, column and detectors.Learn how to install a column and how to solve and avoid the most common problems.
4:30 Resolution and Theory Review
The beautiful thing is that you already know the fundamentals of chromatographic separation. You know that controlling capacity, selectivity and efficiency is the key. In this module you will learn what parameters to adjust on the HPLC to control these factors. We also introduce the concept of particle diameter as a key factor for good separations.
Day 4
9:00 HPLC Detectors
Gain a conceptual understanding of how UV-Vis detectors give both qualitative and quantitative measurements in HPLC. Refractive index (RI) detectors are also discussed.
10:00 HPLC Columns
We survey a range of column packing materials focusing on popular bonded phases. You will learn the mechanism of reversed-phase separation, and when to choose reversed phase.
How do common functional groups interact with packing material? How can you predict the elution order? How to reduce the time for each analysis while maintaining resolution? When do you need to use a long or a short column? What about guard columns? You will learn all the answers to these questions.
11:00 Reversed Phase of Acids and Bases
Don’t you love acid/base chemistry! Learn how acidic, neutral and basic compounds interact with the column and how to prevent peak broadening using buffers. Why use a base deactivated column?
12:00 Lunch provided by Axion
We can accommodate your dietary needs.
1:00 Lab 8: Determination of Caffeine in Soft Drinks
Or bring your own caffeinated beverage and analyze it!
2:00 HPLC Troubleshooting
What problems do you encounter when using HPLC? High pressure, low pressure, pressure fluctuations? Baseline fluctuations, ghost peaks? Tailing peaks, fronting peaks, doubled peaks?
All of these are common problems with simple solutions that you will understand now because you understand how a HPLC works. We also show you how to test if your HPLC is working correctly before you start a project.
3:00 LC Method Development
Need to develop a brand new method or want to optimize an existing method? You will learn those skills in this module. You’ll learn how to employ a variety of gradients and method building techniques to deliver a fast and robust HPLC method that delivers the resolution that you need.
4:00 Lab 9: LC Method Development
We will give you a complete unknown and you will develop a method using everything that you have learned. You will have to deliver a method with adequate separation and then optimize that method.
Day 5
9:00 GC Method Development
Learn a systematic approach to developing and optimizing GC methods. Learn how to analyze solubility, concentration and matrix and the goals of the analysis to select the proper inlet, detector, column, and oven temperature. Then learn what parameters to adjust to increase cycle time, improve resolution or increase sensitivity.
10:30 Lab 10: GC Method Development
Similar to the HPLC method development lab, we will give you an unknown sample and you will have to develop a method completely from scratch. Then you will optimize that method using all that you have learned in the course
12:30 Lunch provided by Axion
We can accommodate your dietary needs.
1:30 GC Troubleshooting
You will learn a 9-step funnel that will enable you to troubleshoot your GC. You will evaluate a variety of real world problems and diagnose using your understanding of modern GC systems. There is a focus on the inlet and detector problems as they are a common source of problems.
3:00 End of Course
This course is fast paced and fun! You will learn chromatography we also have fun while doing it. Axion takes students out to lunch daily and also plans an evening activity around Chicago.
Bonus: Dr. Lee Polite invites the class to have dinner with him one night during the week. Enjoy delicious cuisine courtesy of Axion Labs.
Take A Virtual Tour Of Our Lab on Google Maps
FAQ’s about Axion Labs Training Facility
Why learn HPLC and GC at the same time?
The fundamental concept to understand GC and HPLC is separation. So when you learn HPLC and GC you learn two applications of separation science. This reinforces and deepens your understanding.
So in our opinion – based on training over 13,000 professionals – learning HPLC helps you understand GC better and vice versa.
Bonus: Having advanced skills in both techniques will differentiate you and make you more valuable to your employer and in the broader market. Not convinced, watch this video.
Will this course help me get a job?
We can’t promise you’ll land a job but here are what some of our students have said,
“was a game changer for my career. It single handedly helped me get every job I have ever had.”
“next week I will start my new job… Your classes were really helpful”
“it helped me land my first job in chromatography. This course is for anyone who wants to increase his or her marketability”
Where is Axion Labs located?
Our training headquarters are located just west of downtown Chicago in the West Loop neighborhood. All of our courses are held here:
14 N Peoria St STE 100, Chicago, IL 60607
Is Axion in a safe area?
Yes. Our neighborhood boasts the Google – Fulton Market offices, McDonald’s HQ, Mondelez Global HQ, and a vibrant stip of Randolf Street known as Restaurant Row. There is a lot of pedestrian traffic.
Are there hotels near Axion?
There are many hotels within walking distance from Axion labs. After you register for a course, we will send you a list of our recommened hotels and discount codes to access our negotiated rates.
What is the best airport to use?
We recommend either O’Hare International or Midway. You can take the train, an Uber, Lyft or Taxi from either airport to Axion Labs or your hotel.
Is there parking near Axion?
There are several lots nearby ranging from $18-25 per day. There is also limited metered parking on the street. However, if you are arriving from out of town we recommend that you do not rent a car. It is easier and cheaper without one.
Am I qualified or over qualified to take this course?
No prior experience in advanced mathematics, theoretical chemistry, or physics is required for this course.
All students should start with the LC/GC Bootcamp regardless of education or work experience.
Axion HPLC training course with Dr. Polite was a great, non-intimidating experience! I went in knowing little about chromatography, but Dr. Polite taught in a way that was easy to understand, using analogies and knowing the information inside and out.
Savannah Hahn
I’m a trained chromatographer with a focus in mass spectrometry. Despite having a PhD in the field with years of study behind me, I was able to garner new information to expand my knowledge base.
Tiffany Liden, Ph.D.
Lee’s teaching style enables less experienced chromatographers to easily grasp the complexities of HPLC and GC and the more experienced to deepen their understanding so they can tackle any challenge.
What You Get With The LC/GC Bootcamp Mega-Training
5-Day Hands-on training in Chicago.
- All course materials: binder with course content, a notebook and pen.
- Lunch is provided daily from our favorite Chicago restaurants (we happily accomodate dietary restrictions).
- After completion of this course you will receive a certificate of completion
Bonus: $1000/h consultation. Expert insights to help with your unique problems via 1-on-1 time with Dr Polite during course week. He loves application specific questions.
Bonus: $1000/h consultation. Bring your samples to the course for method development consultation.
Bonus: $1686 LC/GC On-Line Course. Post-course access to course video recordings.
Registration
Only 18 seats per course
5-Day LC/GC Bootcamp Course
Be an advanced practicioner of both HPLC and GC.
Where: Axion Labs and Training Institute, Chicago Illinois
Instuctor: Dr. Lee N. Polite
*If you are a legal professional get course info here.
Choose Your Date
$4,495.00
Mar 10-14, 2025
Apr 28-May 2, 2025
Jun 23-27, 2025
Jul 28-Aug 1, 2025
Sept 15-19, 2025
Nov 3-7, 2025
If you want a payment plan email us at info@axionlabs.com
After registration you will receive an email containing our recommended lodging list with discount codes.
Bonus: $1000/h consultation. Expert insights to help with your unique problems via 1-on-1 time with Dr Polite during course week. He loves application specific questions.
Bonus: $1000/h consultation. Bring your samples to the course for method development consultation.
Bonus: $1686 LC/GC On-Line Course. Post-course access to course video recordings.
