Undergraduate - UnitCHM2741 - Instrumental analysis

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit is designed to introduce the student to the principles of analysis using a number of different instrumental techniques. It is designed around instrumental applications for both atomic and molecular analysis. Introductory principles of analysis, spectroscopic techniques encompassing UV/VIS, atomic absorption and mass spectrometry, as well as chromatographic and electroanalytical techniques are covered. The main emphasis is on practical quantitative analysis using a range of different techniques.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students will have gained an understanding of the key principles involved in chemical analysis; be able to explain the principles of atomic and molecular spectroscopies and be able to discuss the instrumentation commonly employed in UV/VIS, infrared and atomic spectroscopies; have gained an appreciation for the different instrumental components used in different techniques; be able to explain the principles of chromatography and its application in a variety of instrumental techniques including GC, HPLC, molecular exclusion chromatography, ion chromatography and electrophoresis; be able to suggest appropriate techniques and conditions to separate particular mixtures using these techniques; be able to explain the basis of electroanalytical methods and discuss the different classification of electroanalytical methods; appreciate the benefits offered by electroanalytical methods of analysis; have further developed their practical skills, particularly chemical analysis using analytical instrumentation, data handling and report writing; have further developed their problem solving skills and their ability to work both independently and in small groups.

Assessment

Two assignments (5000 words): 20%
Practical work: 30%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Alison Green

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures per week, 3 hours of practical work each week

Off-campus attendance requirements

Off campus students will attend a four-day vacation school for tutorials and practical laboratory work.

Prerequisites

12 points of first level Chemistry

Prohibitions

CHM2736, CHM2922