Analytical Chemistry: Introductory course

The course is classified at the level 30-60 credits for Degree of Bachelor. Alternatively, it can be read as a freestanding course.

The course can be part of the following programmes: 1) Bachelor of Science Programme in Chemistry (N1KEM), 2) Bachelor's Programme in Molecular Biology (N1MB1), 3) Marine Science, Bachelor's Programme (N1MAV), 4) Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (N1MVN), 5) Master's Programme in Chemistry (N2KEM) and 6) Teacher Training Programme (L1ÄLP)

Admission to the course requires completed courses KEM011 - Basic Chemistry 1 (15 credits), KEM022 - Basic Chemistry 2A Organic Chemistry (7.5 credits), and KEM023 - Basic Chemistry 2B Biochemistry (7.5 credits), or equivalent knowledge.

Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English level 2 from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS.

The course includes:

• Approaches and techniques for sampling and sample preparation and purification
• Concepts of quantitative analysis including calibration curves, standard addition, and limit of detection
• Use of modern instrumental analytical methods such as chromatographic analytical methods (liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and capillary electrophoresis), and electrochemical analytical methods
• Mass spectrometry including different ionisation methods and mass spectrometers
• Spectrophotometry in the UV-Vis range (absorption and fluorescence), molecular spectroscopic
• Methods including infrared spectroscopy, atomic spectroscopic methods (atomic absorption and atomic emission), as well as X-ray fluorescence and ICP-MS
• Applied statistics

The course is divided into two sub-courses:

Sub-course 1: covers the theoretical parts of the course content, focusing on sample preparation as well as chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (7.5 credits)

Sub-course 2: covers the practical, laboratory-based parts of the course content, focusing on sample preparation as well as chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis (7.5 credits)

On completion of the course the student should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe instrumental analytical methods such as liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and capillary electrophoresis as well as the underlying chromatographic theory
• describe electrochemical and atomic spectroscopic analytical methods as well as mass spectrometry
• explain spectrophotometry in the UV-vis spectral range (absorption and fluorescence) as well as X-ray fluorescence
• explain different processes of ionisation in mass spectrometry

Competence and skills

• evaluate and interpret analytical data from chromatography, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry
• apply statistical methods as well as sampling techniques

Judgement and approach

• evaluate the role of analytical chemistry in different applications
• evaluate and select the most appropriate analytical approach for a specified analytical problem

Sub-course 1: Teaching comprises lectures and exercises.

Sub-course 2: Teaching comprises laboratory exercises.

All components of Sub-course 2 are compulsory.

In sub-course 1, knowledge is assessed through written examination.

In sub-course 2, knowledge is assessed through active participation in laboratory exercises and written reports.

A written examination is held at the end of the course. For students who have not passed at the regular examination, additional examination sessions are offered.

The laboratory exercises are given at several occasions during the course, which gives the student possibility to supplement during the course period. Thereafter, re-examination can be given at the earliest at the next course date.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U).

Part 1: For grade Pass (G) passed result in the final examination is required. For grade Pass with distinction (VG) passed with Distinction in the final examination is required.

Part 2: For grade Pass (G) participation in all laboratory sessions and passed result for the written reports are required.

Final grade: For final grade Pass (G), grades Pass (G) in both sub-courses are required. For final grade Pass with Distinction (VG), grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in sub-course 1 and grade Pass (G) in sub-course 2 are required.

Students who participate in or have completed course should be given possibility to anonymously perform experiences of and views in the course in a course evaluation.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Language of instruction: Swedish and English

As principal rule, the course is given in English but it can be given completely or partly in Swedish if the circumstances allow this.