BIO06028 2019 Analytical Techniques

Define basic analytical theory and standard/sample preparation.

Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of a range of instrumental and classical methods of analysis.

Demonstrate competence in the practical application of selected instrumental and classical methods of analysis. 

Calculate chemical compositions from raw analytical data in a variety of units and evaluate the reliability of analytical data using simple statistical and quality control techniques.

Communicate and report the findings of experimental analysis in an individual and /or group format taking into consideration good laboratory practice. 

This module will be delivered full-time. This will include lectures and laboratory practicals augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals). 

This module is 65% Continuous Assessment and 35% Final Exam.

Continuous assessment will provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate the learning outcomes and monitor the student's progress. The continuous assessment is broken down into practical assessment (50%) and theory continuous assessment (15%).

Laboratory skills and report writing ability (50%) are assessed as part of the practical work performed during the module. A   minimum attendance of 75% is required in order to meet the learning outcomes of the practical component of this module. Failure to meet this requirement may result in repeat attending the module.

Theory continuous assessment (15%) is broken down into an assignment (7%) mid-semester and a MCQ quiz (8%) at the end of the semester. 

The final exam is designed to test the ability of the student to retain and interpret the information obtained during the course. The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam

Define basic analytical theory and standard/sample preparation

Basic analytical GLP. Overview of chemicals, reagents and apparatus used in analytical chemistry.

Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of a range of instrumental and classical methods of analysis.

Spectroscopy: Atomic absorption, Flame photometry, Ultraviolet - Visible Spectroscopy, Infra-red.

Chromatography: Mode of Separation, High Performance Liquid chromatography, Gas Chromatography.

Standards: Primary and secondary standards. External, Internal and Standard Additions. 

Demonstrate competence in the practical application of selected instrumental and classical methods of analysis. 

Instrument calibration, qualitative analysis, quantitation using single and multiple external standards, internal standard and standard addition techniques.

The laboratory course is integrated closely with the theory component. The experiments represent a subset of common instrumental (infrared, uv-visible, gas chromatography, atomic absorption, HPLC) and non-instrumental qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis techniques. Emphasis throughout is on data quality and developing a high standard of personal analytical competence and confidence.

Calculate chemical compositions from raw analytical data in a variety of units and evaluate the reliability of analytical data using simple statistical and quality control techniques.

Volumetric and gravimetric calculations.

Relationship between units of concentration (Molarity, molality, % wt/wt, % wt/vol, % vol/vol, ppm, ppb).

Statistical evaluation of the data in order to ascertain accuracy and precision of laboratory findings.

Communicate and report the findings of experimental analysis in an individual and /or group format taking into consideration good laboratory practice. 

Data recording, effective use of laboratory notebook, management and presentation of analytical information. Report writing demonstrating an understanding of the findings and an ability to critically evaluate the data obtained.