PH2S08 - ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2022 | Version 7

Associated Module Information

Module Code: PH2S08
Module Title: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
Faculty: Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science
Faculty Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Sub Group: Chemical and Environmental Sciences
Module Leader: Andrew Graham, Natasha Galea
Module Team: Christian Laycock, Suzanna Kean, Rehana Karim, Peter Miedziak, Abigail Watts, Mia Lambert, Hannah Minton, James Cruwys, Ryszard Babecki
First Intended Intake: SEP 2015 Final Year of Intake: 2013
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100413 - analytical chemistry
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 7
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2022

Module Aims

1. To introduce the principles and applications of modern analytical chromatographic methods, sample preparation and instrumentation, with a particular emphasis upon their applications in forensic, toxicological, pharmaceutical and environmental analysis.

2. To acquire an understanding of the criteria in the selection of analytical techniques.

3. To develop a capacity for the critical appraisal of the quality and significance of analytical data, and instill Good Laboratory Practice.

Content Summary

An introduction to the analytical process. Problem definition and the fundamentals of sampling, sample preparation and data interpretation. An introduction to wet techniques and instrumental techniques. Instrument calibration and method validation. Review and comparison of separation and extraction procedures. Review of intermolecular forces, solubility, and retention mechanisms in chromatography. Partition coefficients and extraction efficiency and selectivity. Calculation of extraction efficiency and extraction coefficients.

The use of statistics in analytical chemistry. Uncertainty, accuracy, precision, reproducibility and detection limit. The occurrence and identification of random and systematic errors. Determination of standard deviation and confidence interval calculations. Q tests for the identification and rejection of outlying data points. Introduction to quality control and the use of Shewart charts.

Comparison and applications of different forms of simple chromatographic techniques. An introduction to solid phase extraction methodology and protocols including normal phase, reversed phase and mixed mode SPE techniques. Representative examples of the use of SPE for the separation of neutral, acidic and basic components. Enrichment factors and sample concentration.

Chemical spot tests and control samples, analysis of drugs such as amphetamines and LSD.

Fundamental principles of gas chromatography. Overview of instrumentation. Gas chromatograms and resolution. Sampling techniques: derivatisation of samples, silylation, acylation, alkylation. Detector performance, signal noise and detection limits. Detector characteristics: thermal conductivity detector, flame ionisation detector, nitrogen-phosphorus detector, electron capture detector. Gas chromatography method development. Applications of gas chromatography. Fundamental principles of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Fundamental principles of high performance liquid chromatography. Overview of instrumentation. Stationary phases and columns for liquid chromatography. Isocratic and gradient elution profiles. HPLC detectors: UV absorbance detectors (fixed and variable wavelength), photodiode array detectors, fluorescence detectors, electrochemical detectors, conductivity detectors, refractive index detectors. Liquid chromatography method development. Quantitative analysis. Applications of high performance liquid chromatography.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 24
Tutorial 12
Practical classes and workshops 12
Directed Study 72
Independent Study 78
Formative Assessment - Independent 2
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Interpret and evaluate experimental data to yield analytical information.
LO2 Understand the principles, applications and limitations of a wide range of analytical techniques and use instruments or other experimental approaches to conduct practical work.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Practical Written Work 1 Written reports describing laboratory experiments - Students are expected to spend 1 hour on their assessment for every 1 hour spent in the laboratory. 0 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Two end of topic written assignments. 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Practical Written Work 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

D. C. Harris, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 8th Edition, 2011.  978-1-4292-1815-3

ChromAcademy – an online learning resource - www.chromacademy.com

R.J. Flanagan, Fundamentals of Analytical Toxicology, 1st Edition, 2008, Wiley - 978-0-470-31934-5