Chemical Analysis with Lab: Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques

Theory module Within this course the theoretical principles and instrumental methods relating to the main spectroscopic and separation analytical techniques will be illustrated. The resolution of common qualitative and quantitative problems will also be addressed, in particular regarding infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry techniques. Laboratory module Within the scope of the laboratory module, experimental procedures/ protocols, calibration methods as well as basic calculations (also using a spreadsheet) related to instrumental analytical chemistry will be described. The laboratory experiments will focus on instrumental spectroscopic (atomic and molecular spectroscopies) and chromatographic (HPLC and GC) methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of unknown samples.

Theory module At the end of the course the student will know the main spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques and will be able to solve small qualitative and quantitative analytical problems by using the most suitable instrumental technique. The student will also be able to identify the structure of simple organic compounds by studying the relative IR, NMR and MS spectra. Laboratory module Ability in choosing and utilising the most suitable instrumental analytical spectroscopic and/or chromatographic technique for the determination of unknown samples, use of the most common calibration methods for quantitative determinations and processing of related data (also with spreadsheet). Acquisition of the ability to work with a group of colleagues.