ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: FUNDAMENTALS
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Knowledge of general and organic chemistry; basics of math and physics. Fundamentals of General Chemistry and Complements of General Chemistry are prerequisites for this exam.
The exam may be taken in two different modalities: in itinere tests (for second year students only) and regular exam.
In itinere tests. For second year students only, it is intended to stimulate the students in taking the course and facilitate the passing of the exam by splitting the module topics into two. Two tests will be delivered (mid November and mid January) comprising 20 multiple choice questions each (test time 40 minutes). The first test features questions about the analytical protocol, gravimetric and volumetric methods and potentiometry. The second test concerns instrumental analysis: spectroscopic methods, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, High Performance Liquid Chromatography and quality in analytical chemistry. If the student passes both tests, no oral examination is mandatory.
Regular exam. For any student. The exam features 30 multiple choice questions (40 minute time) and a mandatory oral examination (around 30 minutes). The exam program includes all the topics delivered during the module.
The course will provide the theoretical background and the practical information related to analytical chemistry. The student will acquire knowledge in the following fields:
a) The analytical process, from the formulation of the analytical problem to the expression of the results;
b) Solving complex equilibria in solution;
c) Volumetric and gravimetric methods of analysis and their application;
d) Principles, hardware and application of the instrumental techniques presented during the course;
e) Quality in analytical chemistry and how to measure it;
f) Figures of merit of analytical methods.
The skills the student is expected to acquire include:
a) Applying a simple method for the determination of an analyte (limited to the methodologies presented during the course);
b) Problem solving ability for uncomplicated analytical issues.
Introduction: analytical chemistry and its role in research and society (2 h).
Analytical protocol: definition of the problem, choice of the analytical method, sampling, sample treatment, determination, evaluation of the results (4 h).
Equilibria in solution: electrolytes and their effects onto chemical equilibrium; ionic strength and activity; systematic approach to complex equilibria (6 h).
Gravimetric methods (2 h).
Electrochemical methods: potentiometry, conductimetry and amperometry (4 h).
Volumetric analysis: background, theory of neutralization, complexometric, redox and precipitation titrations; application of volumetric titrations (12 h).
Instrumental analysis: features of instrumental methods, block diagrams, analytical signal and calibration (4 h).
UV-visible and infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy: theoretical aspects, instrumental apparatus and applications (8 h).
Chromatographic methods: theoretical aspects, stationary phases, detectors and applications (6 h).
Quality in analytical chemistry: quality control, quality assurance, validation, traceability, standard materials and standard analytical methods (4 h).
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The following textbook is recommended for the course:
Daniel C. Harris, Chimica Analitica Quantitativa, Zanichelli 2017
The following textbook may be also useful:
James F. Holler, Stanley R. Crouch, Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica, Edises 2015
The module features 56 hours of lecture (7 CFU). Multiple choice tests (individual activity) and real world analytical issues (group activities) will be proposed throughout the module (around 6 h). The latter aims at stimulating the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and developing the expected skills. Numerical problems will also be presented and discussed for each topic to consolidate and learn to apply the acquired knowledge and for self-evaluation purposes.
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