66064 Analytical Spectroscopy
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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 analytical concepts, and develop the laboratory skills that underpin analytical chemistry. The subject covers method validation and accreditation, as well as theoretical and practical experience in standard analytical spectroscopic and spectrometric instrumentation. Students gain an understanding of these techniques and become proficient in their use in a range of applications that may include analyses focused on environmental and human health.
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 detection techniques, and contrast their use for differing analytical challenges. |
|---|---|
| 2. | Analyse, interpret, and evaluate experimental data, and plan method validation experiments to meet standards for laboratory accreditation. |
| 3. | Perform experimental work using spectroscopy and spectrometry instrumentation to acquire repeatable and accurate data |
| 4. | Clearly communicate experimental results and scientific findings through individually written reports |
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)
- Find, create, and evaluate solutions to contemporary analytical chemistry problems through innovation, creativity, curiosity and application of technologies. (.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 Spectroscopy contribute to the development of the following GAs and CILO’s:
1. Disciplinary Knowledge
The asynchronous online material and the practicals will develop and assure the skills necessary to; identify and apply appropriate method validation experiments; use and analyse the outputs of analytical instrumentation such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. This will be assessed in Assessment tasks 1,2 and 3.
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. This will be assessed in Assessment Task 1 and 2.
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 practicals, applying knowledge and consolidating your understanding of the interpretation process which is a key professional competency. This will be assessed in Assessment Tasks 1 and 2.
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 for Assessment 1.
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 Spectroscopy will be further elaborated on in later sessions of the course including Chemical Pathology, Environments and Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, and the Research Project.
Teaching and learning strategies
The theoretical content of this subject will be delivered though asynchronous online self-paced reading and interactives. You are expected to familiarise yourself with the material presented in Canvas in your own time, and to partake in all the online activities including discussions and quizzes. 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. 6 x 1 hr workshops held during the semester will re-enforce key learnings, and demonstrate concepts in theoretical situations.
The 9 x 3 hr practical sessions will be conducted to apply 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, which will assist you in determining the appropriate instrumentation for a particular analysis.. 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. These practical sessions will include 2 laboratory assessments designed to test the skills you obtained during the semester.
Content (topics)
The following is a brief outline of the subject content:
- Method Validation (theory and practical)
- UV/Vis and alternate spectroscopy techniques (theory and practical)
- Molecular and elemental spectrometry (theory and practical)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Laboratory Reports
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 Disciplinary Knowledge 2.0 Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3.0 Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5.0 Communication |
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| 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. |
| Criteria: | Written communication of problem solving process Understanding of the theoretical and practical application of analytical techniques Appropriate data analysis steps to acquire the correct answer |
Assessment task 2: Laboratory Assessments
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 Disciplinary Knowledge 2.0 Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3.0 Professional, Ethical and Social Responsibility 4.0 Reflection, Innovation, Creativity 5.0 Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 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: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | One laboratory session. |
| Criteria: | Written and verbal communication of the problem-solving process. Correct interpretation of experimental results. Understanding of the theoretical basis of analytical techniques and method validation protocols. |
Assessment task 3: Online Quizzes
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1.0 Disciplinary Knowledge 2.0 Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
|---|---|
| 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: Data analysis Communication of problem solving process Understanding of the theoretical basis of analytical techniques Correct answers |
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