66063 Analytical Separation Science
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
In this subject students are introduced to key data analysis and instrumental concepts, and develop the laboratory skills that underpin analytical chemistry. The subject covers quantification and statistical methods for data analysis, as well as theoretical and practical experience in standard analytical chromatographic instrumentation. Students gain an understanding of these techniques and become proficient in preparing calibration curves to quantify unknowns by chromatographic analysis.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Explain in detail the theoretical concepts for each of the separation techniques |
|---|---|
| 2. | Analyse and interpret experimental data |
| 3. | Develop in-depth practical skills in acquiring quantified data on chromatographic instrumentation |
| 4. | Work as a team to achieve experimental goals |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically evaluate information in the investigation of complex real-world problems relevant to analytical chemical technologies. Assess, argue for, and conduct appropriate approaches to independent research adopting techniques from a variety of sources such as scientific literature in order to develop solutions to complex problems. (.1)
- Demonstrate critical engagement with advanced knowledge and application of in-depth and up to date Analytical Chemical Technologies within a range of professional contexts. (.1)
- Engage in work practices that demonstrate an understanding of health and safety requirements, ethical conduct and risk management principles associated with analytical chemical sciences. Design, construct, collaborate and execute appropriately judged professional solutions to chemical problems that can impact society. (.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas effectively and professionally. Judge and adapt interpersonal communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with chemists, scientists, industry, and the general public across all mediums. (.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has developed a set of key graduate attributes (GA’s) and course intended learning outcomes (CILO’s). Analytical Separation Sciences contribute to the development of the following GAs and CILO’s:
1. Disciplinary Knowledge
The workshops and practicals will build and implement the skills necessary to; prepare calibration curves to quantify samples; identify and apply appropriate statistical analyses; use and analyse the outputs of analytical instrumentation such as chromatography and mass spectrometry.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
The practicals and the associated laboratory reports will develop your ability to frame a problem for investigation, perform appropriate experiments, interpret the associated data, and determine what it means in the context of the literature.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
Throughout this subject, you will develop familiarity with a range of advanced instrumentation in hands-on laboratory sessions. You will develop the skills needed to apply your knowledge through data acquisition and interpretation both in research and industrial context. There will also be opportunities to work collaboratively and autonomously during the workshops, applying knowledge and consolidating your understanding of the interpretation process which is a key professional competency.
5. Communication
Communication of your results is crucial in both research and industrial settings. Here you will further develop and improve your written communication skills by preparing concise and logical laboratory reports.
Overall, this subject aims to prepare the students to become competent chemists, by providing them with a firm theoretical and practical grounding in analytical techniques. The theoretical, professional and practical knowledge obtained in Analytical Separation Sciences will be further elaborated on in later sessions of the course.
Teaching and learning strategies
The theoretical content of this subject will be delivered though asynchronous online self-paced learning. You are expected to be familiar with the material presented in Canvas, and to partake in all the online activities. Online quizzes will be an essential component of the subject to provide feedback on the student’s acquired knowledge as the session progresses, with each topic assessed upon completion.
10 x 3 hr practical sessions will be conducted to re-enforce the theory learnt online. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory-based learning activities as part of a collaborative group, and will demonstrate their understanding of the subject material through individual laboratory reports. Immediate verbal feedback will be given during the practicals, and written feedback will be provided with the reports. This feedback will guide the students in their authentic assessments.
2 authentic laboratory assessments will be performed during practical sessions. The first will test your proficiency preparing calibration standards and samples, with accuracy and precision assessed. In the second your capacity to extract and analyse a sample will be assessed.
Content (topics)
The following is a brief outline of the subject content:
- Data analysis (theory and practical)
- Chromatography (theory and practical)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory Reports
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Templates will be provided for the short laboratory reports. A marking rubric will be provided for the full laboratory report. |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 2: Laboratory Assessments
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 1 practical session. |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 3: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Criteria: | Topic quizzes:
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Minimum requirements
Minimum requirements: Students must obtain at least 50% of the available marks to pass this subject.
Practical classes in subjects offered by the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences are an essential and integral part of each subject in which they run. In addition to assisting students’ understanding of concepts, practical classes develop laboratory skills and experience, including safety skills, that are essential graduate attributes desired by employers. Thus, students are strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled practical classes.
Required texts
Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 10th Edition, D.C. Harris W.H. Freeman and Company, 2020, ISBN 978-1-319-32450-6
Recommended texts
Statistics and Chemometrics for Analytical Chemistry (6th Edition)– May 25, 2010 by James Miller, Jane C Miller.