CHM2741 - Instrumental analysis

Leader(s): Dr Alison Green (Gippsland); Dr Lim Yau Yan (Sunway)

Offered

Gippsland First semester 2009 (Day)
Gippsland First semester 2009 (Off-campus)
Sunway Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit is designed to introduce the student to the principles of modern instrumentation basic to physical, chemical and biological sciences. It is designed around instrumental applications for both atomic and molecular analysis. UV/VIS, atomic absorption and mass spectrometry as well as chromatographic techniques are covered. The main emphasis is on practical quantitative analysis with the laboratory course being a 'hands on experience' with a wide range of spectroscopic and chromatographic instruments.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students will be able to describe the basic ideas and terminology of modern instrumental methods of analysis; demonstrate an understanding of the various ways that instruments used in UV-VIS, Infrared and atomic absorption spectroscopy are put together and the purpose of each component; discuss the principles of (spectroscopic) analytical sample preparation methods, the (spectroscopic) analytical signal and how it is generated, its general properties, any likely interferences and calculate results thereof; explain the principles of mass spectrometry relevant to its use as a detector in chromatography; demonstrate competence in the use of a variety of spectroscopic instruments and sample preparation methods; understand the theory of separation of compounds by chromatographic methods; apply theoretical principles to suggest suitable techniques and conditions to separate mixtures; be able to separate simple mixtures using column chromatography and GC and HPLC instruments; understand the importance and principles of representative sampling techniques; apply the principles of chemistry to traditional analytical techniques in chemical analysis.; be able to analyse for specific compounds using these techniques; display high level writing skills, data analysis and presentation for laboratory practical reports.

Assessment

Two assignments (5000 words): 20%
Practical work: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 40%

Contact hours

Three 1-hour lectures per week, 3 hours of practical work each week

Off-campus attendance requirements

Off campus students will attend a four-day vacation school for tutorials and practical laboratory work.

Prerequisites

12 points of first level Chemistry

Prohibitions

CHM2736, CHM2922