Chemistry 424

CHEM 424
Instrumental Methods of Analysis

1. Catalog Entry

CHEM 424
Instrumental Methods of Analysis

Credit hours (4)
Prerequisites: CHEM 324

This course will introduce the wide range of commonly used analytical instrumentation.  The theory and operation of various categories of instrumentation will be discussed.  The instruments will be directly used by the student to solve real-world problems utilizing the analytical chemistry process.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.

 
2. Detailed Description of Course

The major topics covered in this course are those considered to represent modern techniques of chemical analysis and those with which a student entering the work place as a chemist or graduate program will be expected to be familiar.  The student will become familiar with specific components of instruments, performance characteristics of instruments, and methods of calibration for each technique.  Specific instrument categories that will be studied include electrochemical (potentiometry, voltammetry), spectrophotometric (atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma, ultraviolet-visible absorption, infrared, Raman, and fluorescence), and separation (gas chromatography, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography).  Students will gain hands-on experience with the instrumentation as they follow the analytical process to investigate scientific societal issues.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The lecture periods are used to introduce the theory of the analytical method and the general design and construction of the instrument used. The laboratory portion is designed to familiarize students with the operation of a specific model of an instrument and to collect and interpret data from the analysis. This will be accomplished through investigating real-world situations.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
    1) Demonstrate the understanding of the operation and construction of primary instrument components.
    2) Demonstrate the understanding of the theory of particular instrumental methods
    3) Demonstrate the hands-on operation of modern instruments that the student will likely use in either an industrial or academic setting
    4) Choose a suitable method when confronted with an analytical problem
    5) Collect, interpret, and present the results of an analysis in a clear, concise written fashion.

5. Assessment Measures

Assessment of the student's success in this course will be based on the grades earned for written examinations, laboratory notebooks, laboratory reports, and other assignments which may include homework, in-class assignments, and/or quizzes.

6. Other Course Information

None.

Review and Approval

September 2001

March 01, 2021