CHEM13027 Analytical Instrumentation

Offered Autumn term every odd year.

The course concerns the study of the fundamental principles of analytical science and instrumentation. It gives an introduction to the analytical process and the unique tools of analytical chemistry, statistical treatment of analytical data and the use of spreadsheets. The theory and practice of the following quantitative analytical techniques are studied: spectrophotometric techniques - including atomic absorption and emission and molecular absorption; electroanalytical techniques - potentiometry using ion-selective electrodes and stripping voltammetry; separation techniques - ion chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromato graphy; flow analyses, including examples of automated classical chemical reactions. The use of computers in signal enhancement and methods optimisation will also be studied, as well as the importance of quality assurance in experiments and general laboratory practice. Distance education students will be required to attend a residential school for this course.