CH2AN3-Analytical Chemistry

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Module Convenor: Dr Geoffrey Brown

Email: g.d.brown@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Learn about the exciting state-of-the art analytical instrumentation offered by the Chemical Analysis Facility in the Chemistry Department. First you will discover the fundamental theories that underpin these instruments from lectures given by experts in the field. Then you will practice applying your knowledge to solving real-life problems in analytical chemistry through a series of workshops. Analytical chemistry is the most popular career for Reading graduates who progress to chemistry-related jobs, so this could be the most important course you will take!

Aims:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to a wide range of analytical techniques.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students should be able to: • Describe and discuss the subject matter of the module, and explain the concepts raised within it. • Critically examine questions raised in workshops, and analyse numerical and other problems.

Additional outcomes:

The students should improve their team-working skills through workshops, numeracy through problem solving, and oral and presentation skills through tutorials. In addition students should begin to develop the skills necessary for future employment.

Outline content:

(1 lecture) Introduction to Analytical Methods. Choice of analytical methods, methods of sampling; qualitative and quantitative analysis; precision and accuracy, standard deviation.

(8 lectures + 2 x 2 hr workshops) UV, AA and IR Spectroscopy and Thermal Methods. Design of the UV-visible spectrometer; quantitative analysis using UV-visible spectroscopy - the Beer-Lambert law. Atomic absorption spectroscopy for the determination of elemental composition. Fourier transform a nd dispersive infrared spectrometers. Use of infrared spectroscopy for functional group analysis in organic and inorganic chemistry. Introduction to concepts of symmetry using CO2 and SO2 as examples. Introduction to use of isotopic substitution in infrared spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) and applications of the methods.

(4 lectures + 1 x 1 hr workshop). Chromatographic Techniques. Principles and applications of gas-liquid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography.

(4 lectures) Mass Spectrometry. Introduction to mass spectrometry. EI techniques, precise molecular weights, metastable peaks, fragmentation and rearrangements.

(5 lectures + 1 x 1 hr workshop) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Theory and practice of NMR. Spectrometer design for a CW-NMR instrument. Origins and interpretation of chemical shift a nd peak splitting in 1H NMR spectra (including second order effects and the magnitude of coupling constants). Chemical shift in 13C NMR. Interpretation of 1H NMR spectra from molecules of known and unknown structure. Introduction to 2-dimensional methods.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Approximately two one-hour lectures per week with roughly one workshop on related material every two weeks. This module closely relates to practical analytical chemistry in module CH2PRAC and students are expected to utilise private study time in module CH2AN3 to support their work in module CH2PRAC.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	22		4
Seminars	6
Guided independent study:	68
Total hours by term		0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Set exercise	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Christmas vacation: On-Line problem-solving assessment - 20%.

Formative assessment methods:

Students attend workshops on the material covered in this module, covering problems of the type encountered in examinations. Attendance is compulsory. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment of the written examination is held during the University administered re-examination period in August. Failed coursework may be re-assessed by an alternative assignment before or during the August re-examination period

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020