65409 Analytical Chemistry 2
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1
Description
This subject builds on the foundational concepts introduced in 65306 Analytical Chemistry 1, advancing students' theoretical knowledge and practical skills in analytical techniques relevant to industry and research. It emphasises the methods for the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical compounds and elements.
Key topics include method validation and quality assurance within analytical chemistry laboratories, with a focus on method development, theoretical principles, operational techniques, instrumentation, and practical applications of essential analytical techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry, and elemental spectroscopy.
Practical learning is a core component, offering hands-on experience in sample preparation techniques for each instrumental method. By integrating theory with practical skills, students develop proficiency in analytical chemistry, equipping them for careers in fields such as forensic science, clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical quality control.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Understand and explain in detail the theoretical concepts for each of the instrumental techniques |
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| 2. | Use and apply various sample preparation methods appropriately and efficiently |
| 3. | Proficiently operate and apply each of the instrumental techniques and generate high quality analytical data |
| 4. | Apply knowledge and critical thinking skills for data interpretation |
| 5. | Design and conduct an experiment with appropriate application of instrumentation to analyse samples |
| 6. | Conduct experiments, analyse data, summarise results and report them in an appropriate scientific format |
| 7. | Develop the ability to work both individually and collaboratively |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate theoretical and technical knowledge of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry and be able to explain specialised knowledge in one or more sub-disciplines. (1.1)
- Evaluate scientific evidence and apply effective experimental design, analysis and critical thinking to test current chemistry knowledge. (2.1)
- Work autonomously or in teams to address workplace or community problems utilising best scientific practice, and to act safely and responsibly in chemistry laboratory and practical settings. (3.1)
- Design creative solutions to contemporary chemistry-related issues by incorporating innovative methods, reflective practices and self-directed learning. (4.1)
- Effectively communicate concepts and scientific discovery in chemistry using different formats to present information in professional or public settings. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science lists six graduate attributes that students will develop during their course at UTS. This subject is intended to develop five of those attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
The workshops, online material and practicals are designed to further develop knowledge of analytical instrumentation, spectrometric techniques for both molecular and elemental analysis; and their practical application to solve analytical problems. Assessment of
the acquired knowledge is through the submitted laboratory reports, the group oral presentation and core competency assessment exercise.
2. Research, Inquiry and Critical Thinking
The practical sessions are designed to develop the necessary practical skills for core competency as analytical chemists. This is achieved by three introductory practicals that cover a range of analytical instrumentation and a six-week laboratory research project that requires the development of an analytical method for the analysis of real-world samples. The design, execution and interpretation of the analysis are performed by the students with the guidance of the demonstrators. This ensures the development of critical thinking skills and initiative.
3. Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility
This subject is designed to foster logical thought and problem-solving skills. Specifically, the basic knowledge of each analytical technique is attained from the online material and workshops and strengthened during the laboratory sessions. This knowledge is then applied to the laboratory research project with an inquiry-based approach - the analytical problem at hand is solved by you as there is no “recipe”. This requires a literature review, design and execution of the experiment, collection and interpretation of data, and reporting of the data in a scientific journal format. The skills developed during this process are gathering, evaluating and using information from sources such as databases, research and review articles, textbooks, catalogues and technical reference books; operation of state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation; troubleshooting approaches; experimental design; data interpretation; working within a team; leadership; written and oral skills.
Teamwork is developed as you work in groups through collection, collation and analysis of data for the laboratory research project. Tasks must be delegated among the group each week to enable all students time to complete various practical components. Group discussion of experimental data at the final data collection stage will help to develop group contribution to the interpretation of findings.
4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
The introductory laboratory sessions and laboratory research project will prepare the students for independent research; and build the foundations to apply new information and techniques to solve problems related to analytical chemistry. The laboratories are undertaken in a collaborative framework that facilitates peer discussion and peer review and provides opportunities for reflection and implementation of feedback.
5. Communication
Excellence in written scientific communication is developed through the process of writing scientific reports. These skills are developed through the practical classes and are aimed at effective communication in written work and in the use of analytical instrumentation, report discussion, and conclusion. Clear and logical writing that follows standard practice in scientific communication is assessed. Students will further develop their scientific communication skills through the presentation of experimental findings and data in their group oral presentations.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will be delivered through asynchronous online material, problem-based workshops, and hands-on practical sessions.
The theoretical content of this subject will be delivered through asynchronous online self-paced learning, which is designed to further develop students' knowledge and understanding of Analytical Chemistry. It is crucial for the students to actively engage with the online material to effectively complete the practical component and develop a strong foundation in the subject. By engaging in the online activities, students will gain proficiency in theoretical concepts. The online learning will contribute to their overall competence and success in this subject.
Workshop sessions will actively engage students in exploring concepts within a collaborative learning environment. In these sessions, students will work together to provide and discuss their answers, receiving immediate feedback during class. They will participate in problem-solving exercises and class discussions. To maximise the outcomes of these workshops, students are required to study key content before attending the sessions.
In the laboratory, students will work collaboratively in groups throughout the sessions. The practical sessions are conducted face-to-face, on campus. The practicals will be performed in collaborative groups and are designed to practice the theoretical aspects presented in the online materials and workshops. Instantaneous feedback will be provided by the demonstrators during the practical sessions. The demonstrators will also provide assistance with experimental design and method development procedures.
Students will receive verbal and written feedback on their submitted work. Students are also encouraged to discuss with peers and demonstrators to make the most of the lab time. Written feedback on each report and assessment will be given to the student within two weeks of submission.
The mini-project will require students to design and perform an analysis of a real-world sample using one of the five instrumental techniques covered in the introductory sessions. Students will review relevant literature and, under the guidance of demonstrators, propose various strategies for conducting the analysis. This project aims to develop critical thinking and practical skills essential for analytical chemists in professional settings. At the conclusion of the project, students will present their findings in a scientific format, both in written laboratory reports and through group oral presentations, showcasing their experimental results and data analysis.
Content (topics)
Specific topics to be presented throughout the session will include:
- Module 1: Sample Preparation Techniques
- Module 2: Method Development and Validation
- Module 3: Quality Assurance
- Module 4: Introduction to Spectroscopy
- Module 5: Other Spectroscopic Techniques
- Module 6: Atomic Spectroscopy
- Module 7: Mass Spectrometry
- Module 8: Writing Scientific Reports
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Foundational Practical Report
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 4. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 4.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
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Assessment task 2: Laboratory Research Project
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 4. Professional, ethical and social responsibility. 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Project Plan Presentation: 10 Minute Presentation (+ 5 Minute Question Time) Final Project Presentation: 15 Mintute Presentation (+ 5 Minute Question Time) Final Scientific Report: 7 pages maximum |
| Criteria: | A full rubric will be provided on Canvas with specific guidelines and information for each of the below criteria. Students will be assessed on: 1. For the laboratory research project plan presentation (5%), students will be assessed on:
2. For the final laboratory research project presentation (10%), students will be assessed on:
3. Submission of individual report (25%)
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Assessment task 3: Core competency assessment (Worksheet)
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 1 hour |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
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Minimum requirements
Practical classes and on campus workshops in subjects offered by the Faculty of Science are an important and integral part of your learning in this subject. These classes assist students’ understanding of the application of concepts and develop hands-on laboratory skills and experience, including safety skills and specialised techniques related to the assessment tasks. These also contribute to the development of essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to attend all scheduled practical sessions. Failure to attend a class that is associated with a submitted assessment task will attract a mark of zero for that task unless an acceptable reason for their absence, supported by relevant evidence is provided to the subject coordinator.
If you cannot attend a scheduled practical class, please contact your subject coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation.
Students must obtain an overall mark of 50 or greater to pass the subject.
Required texts
Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 9th Edition, D.C. Harris W.H. Freeman and Company, 2016, ISBN 0-7167-4464-3
Recommended texts
Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 6th Edition, D.C. Harris W.H. Freeman and Company, 2003, ISBN 0-7167-4464-3
Statistics and Chemometrics for Analytical Chemistry (6th Edition)– May 25, 2010 by James Miller, Jane C Miller.