CH4AN1-Advanced Analytical Techniques for the Molecular Sciences

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Rainer Cramer
Email: r.k.cramer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Study of modern analytical chemistry techniques relevant to the molecular sciences.

Aims:
To give students familiarity in theory and applications of advanced analytical techniques.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should develop an understanding for the analytical techniques covered in the module. They should appreciate how such techniques can be used independently and in conjunction with other techniques to elucidate molecular structure and identity. Students should be able to solve problems in analytical chemistry based upon application of the techniques.

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience in problems solving, numeracy and report writing.

Outline content:

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (8 lectures (4x2hours) + 1 workshop)

Revision of basic principles, vector model and rotating frame analysis, pulsed-Fourier transform NMR, carbon NMR (coupling constants, broadband decoupling), 2D-NMR, including J-resolved spectra and homo- and heteronuclear correlation.



Electrophoretic Methods of Analysis (4 lectures (2x2hours))

Electrophoresis and related topics. Survey of the range of electrophoretic t echniques available for the separation, purification and analysis of polymers, macromolecules and biomolecules such as proteins and DNA with an introduction to biomacromolecules.



Advanced Mass Spectrometry (6 lectures (3x2hours) + 1 workshop/practical (2 hours))

Revision of basic principles and instrumentation, fragmentation in mass spectrometry and spectral interpretation, quantitative analysis, hyphenation of other analytical and preparative techniques with mass spectrometry (incl. interfacing chromatographic instrumentation with a mass spectrometer), introduction to modern biological/biochemical mass spectrometry.



Advanced Electrochemical Methods of Analysis (6 lectures (3x2hours) + 1 workshop)

Application of ultramicroelectrodes; chronoamperometry, rotating disk and ring-disk electrodes, stripping and differential pulse voltammetry; spectroelectrochemistry in thin-layer cells.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
24 hours lectures plus associated workshops and instrument visits.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	24
Supervised time in studio/workshop	4
Guided independent study:	72
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:
1.5 hrs

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:
Students will attend problem solving workshops on the topics covered in lectures.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres 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 (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:
An overall mark of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be held in August and will be by examination only worth 100%.
Final year students are not eligible to resit this module unless they have failed their degree programme overall.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 1 July 2021