Program Overview

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Program Overview

The PRINCIPLES OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY module provides an introductory overview of the main techniques used in analytical chemistry. It offers understanding of the fundamental principles of chemical analysis as well as the main aspects of their application.

Module Details

• Module code: CHE1044
• Module provider: Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
• Module Leader: FELIPE-SOTELO Monica (Chst Chm Eng)
• Number of Credits: 15
• ECTS Credits: 7.5
• Framework: FHEQ Level 4
• Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Student Workload

• Independent Learning Hours: 62
• Lecture Hours: 20
• Tutorial Hours: 4
• Laboratory Hours: 35
• Guided Learning: 9
• Captured Content: 20

Module Availability

• Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

• None

Module Content

Indicative content includes:

• Fundamentals of analytical chemistry – Good laboratory practice, health and safety, COSHH; Fundamentals of analytical measurement – accuracy, precision (repeatability and reproducibility), traceability, robustness, control charts.
• Sample preparation – Sampling, decomposition & dissolution.
• Classical methods – Gravimetry & titrimetry analysis
• Spectroscopy – Fundamentals, Beer's Law, instrumentation, and calculations; Atomic emission spectroscopy; Quantitative molecular spectroscopy – UV-vis absorption and fluorescence.
• Introduction to separation science – Classification, terminology, fundamentals of solute interaction, equations/calculations in chromatography; Efficiency and resolution - Van Deemter equation; Basic chromatographic methods - planar (Thin Layes Chromatography, paper) and column chromatography.
• Electrochemistry – Basic concepts, galvanic cells, standard potentials, Nernst equation, applications, problem solving, calculations and data presentation; Potentiometry - basic ion selective electrodes, pH electrode, applications.
• Practical work on basic analytical techniques and laboratory good practice – Experiments on titration, electrochemistry, atomic emission spectroscopy and chromatography.

Assessment Pattern

• Practical based assessment: Experiments in titration and potentiometry (10%)
• Practical based assessment: Experiments in chromatography (10%)
• Practical based assessment: Experiments in spectroscopy and electrochemistry (10%)
• Examination: CLOSED BOOK EXAMINATION (2h) (70%)

Alternative Assessment

Failure in the laboratory may require re-assessment through a defined practical examination. For the laboratory exercises, an alternative written assessment can be set. This is based on analysing or explaining experimental data, or detailing experimental techniques.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

• Understanding of fundamental principles of basic analytical techniques.
• Know-how of the chemical analysis practice.
• Competence to perform fundamental calculations.
• Capacity for independent/critical thinking and problem-solving.

Module Aims

• Provide understanding of the theoretical principles, instrumentation, calculations, and problem-solving aspects of atomic & molecular spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry.
• Describe the fundamentals of the analytical sequence including sample preparation, operation & calibration of equipment, data recording, and quality assessment of chemical data.
• Develop the students' practical skills on the use of basic spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemical instrumentation in a laboratory environment.
• Improve the students' awareness of health and safety issues.

Learning Outcomes

| | Attributes Developed
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001 | Understand and describe the fundamental principles and operation of analytical techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and electrochemistry. | K
002 | Undertake calculations associated with the calibration of instruments and analytical quantification, and evaluate experimental error. | KCP
003 | Operate basic analytical techniques, develop problem-solving skills, and be familiar with good laboratory practice. | KCPT
004 | Appreciate the implications of the provisions for COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and Health and Safety regulations in the laboratory environment. | PT

Attributes Developed

• C - Cognitive/analytical
• K - Subject knowledge
• T - Transferable skills
• P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

• Introduce the students to the fundamentals of the analytical techniques during the lectures.
• Provide hands-on experience in an analytical laboratory; including practice in sample preparation, operation, and calibration of the instruments, validation, and analysis of unknown samples.
• Encourage the development of their self-evaluation skills by describing the main sources of error during the practical experiments, nurturing problem-solving skills and critical thinking.

Programmes this Module Appears In

• Chemistry BSc (Hons) - Semester 1 - Compulsory - A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
• Chemistry MChem - Semester 1 - Compulsory - A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
• Chemistry with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons) - Semester 1 - Compulsory - A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
• Chemistry with Forensic Investigation MChem - Semester 1 - Compulsory - A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
• Medicinal Chemistry BSc (Hons) - Semester 1 - Compulsory - A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module
• Medicinal Chemistry MChem - Semester 1 - Compulsory - A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module