ENVR08033 2020 Advanced Environmental Instrumental Analysis

Define advanced analytical methodologies and appraise these in relation to environmental samples.

Describe suitable advanced instrumental techniques for the analysis of environmental samples.

Describe advanced sampling and sample pre-treatment methodologies for determination of trace organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental samples.

Create a suitable sampling plan for the evaluation of organic and inorganic pollution events.

Critique the analytical performance of advanced instrumental techniques.

Implement advanced analytical methodologies to the evaluation and determination of trace organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental samples.

Judge the quality and relevance of analytical data from experimental work using advanced analytical methodologies.

Compose professional quality reports from experimental work using advanced analytical methodologies.

This module will be delivered fulltime. This will include lectures, tutorials 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.

This module is 60% Continuous Assessment and 40% Final exam.  

The continuous assessment will involve two (5% each) written assignments on applications of instrumental analysis and the submission of laboratory reports based on the laboratory experiments undertaken during the semester (50%).

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.

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

1. Define advanced analytical methodologies and appraise these in relation to environmental samples.
   • Temporal and spatial sampling.
   • Remote sensing.
   • Hyphenated techniques.
2. Describe suitable advanced instrumental techniques for the analysis of environmental samples.
   • Hyphenated techniques.
   • Supercritical fluid chromatography.
   • Inductively coupled plasma techniques
3. Describe advanced sampling and sample pre-treatment methodologies for determination of trace organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental samples.
   • Sampling statistics.
   • SPME & Headspace sampling.
   • Liquid phase and solid phase microextraction.
   • Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler.
4. Create a suitable sampling plan for the evaluation of organic and inorganic pollution events.
   • Point vs diffuse source.
   • Sampling procedures.
5. Critique the analytical performance of advanced instrumental techniques.
   • Linearity & sensitivity.
   • Sample pre-treatment requirements.
   • Limits of detection/quantitation.
6. Implement advanced analytical methodologies to the evaluation and determination of trace organic and inorganic pollutants in environmental samples.
   • Sample collection and pre-treatment.
   • Hyphenated techniques
7. Judge the quality and relevance of analytical data from experimental work using advanced analytical methodologies.
   • Determination of Limits of detection/quantitation.
   • Propagation of errors.
   • Significance testing.
8. Compose professional quality reports from experimental work using advanced analytical methodologies.
   • Analysis of representative samples.
   • Data processing and display.
   • Interpretation of pollution event(s) using case studies.