CHM3103 Instrumentation

This course builds on students’ existing background in analytical chemistry to develop both theory and practice relating to the latest analytical techniques used in industry and research. The course will introduce the student to modern instrumental methods of chemical analysis. Included are such topics as UV-vis, fluorescence, atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy. The principles and applications associated with electrochemical methods of analysis and chromatographic techniques such as GC and HPLC.

Course Objectives    
By the end of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• To explain why an analytical method must be validated before use; state the difference between validation and verification.
• To describe the major techniques of instrumental analysis, their capabilities and limitations. 
• To gain hands-on experience in all major techniques covered in the course.

Learning outcomes    
On successful completion of this course unit, the students should be able:

• To compare different instrumental techniques in terms of their analytical performance, sample introduction methods and susceptibility to interferences. 
• To propose solutions to a given an analytical problem, including appropriate techniques and be able to evaluate their suitability for the particular problem.
• To define the term ‘quality’ as it applies to analytical chemistry; give examples of good and bad analytical results and their impact on society.