CHEM06039 2019 Inorganic and Classical Analysis

Describe the features of a range of classical inorganic techniques used for forensic 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.

Develop skills to perform a complex inorganic analysis safely and with confidence.

Record data and maintain records of analytical work in a laboratory notebook in a format required by Good Laboratory Practice and ISO17025.

Write experimental reports concisely, and in proper scientific format.

This module will be delivered fulltime (or part-time for online modules). This will include lectures, problem based learning (PBL) 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). Self-assessment tests and other forms of formative assessment are provided to students to check their own progress towards achieving the learning outcomes of the module and to motivate learning.

This module is 100% Continuous Assessment.  The continuous assessment will include the following elements: formative assessment through preparation of assignments for discussion at workshops and through pre-laboratory assignments for which answers are given in advance; Two written assessment around mid- semester and at the end of the semester(20%); pre-laboratory and other assignments (20%); assessment of practical laboratory work and records (40%) and of  laboratory reports (20%)

Assignments, assessment and practical examination

1. Describe the features of a range of classical inorganic techniques used for forensic analysis.

Primary standards

Gravimetric determinations

Precipitation titrations

Acid ‑ base determinations:

Complexometric titrations:

oxidation‑ reduction titrimetry

2. 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.

Units of concentration and unit conversions

Titrimetric calculations for standardization and sample analysis

Risk and hazard analysis

Statistical evaluation of accuracy and precision

Uncertainty determination

3. Develop skills to perform a complex inorganic analysis safely and with confidence.

Revision and augmentation of aspects of good laboratory practice for the analytical laboratory including examination of weighing and pipetting skills

Calibration of volumetric glasswatre

Weighing skills

Inorganic qualitative forensic analysis: identification of unknowns using spot testing

Barium as barium sulphate by gravimetry

Datermination of ckloride by precipitation titration

Water of hydration by gravimetry

Standardisation of inorganic acids and bases using primary standards.

Determination of acidity of soft drinks by titration

Derivative and Gran's plot methods for end point determination

Analysis of acid mixtures by potentiometric titration

Determinations using EDTA complexing agent

Determination of dissolved oxygen by redox titration

Determination of trace iron by ultraviolet ‑ visible spectrometry.

4. Record data and maintain records of analytical work in a laboratory notebook in a format required by Good Laboratory Practice and ISO17025.

Introduction and principle of determinations

Records of materials and equipment

Experimental data and completion of worksheets

5. Write experimental reports concisely, and in proper scientific format

Calculation methodology  

Processing of experimental data (calibration graphs, derivative plots, etc.)

Evaluation of precision, accuracy and uncertainty

Discussion of results