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: 2023/4
Module Convenor: Dr Jessica Gusthart
Email: j.s.gusthart@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 a 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 and the theory that underpins them.
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 and numeracy through problem solving. 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.
(5 lectures and a 2-hour workshop) UV, IR and AAS Spectroscopy. Design of the UV-visible spectrometer; quantitative analysis using UV-visible spectroscopy; the Beer-Lambert law. Use of infrared spectroscopy for functional group analysis in organic and inorganic chemistry.
(7 lectures and a 2-hour workshop). Chromatographic Techniques and Mass Spectrometry. Principles and applications of gas and liquid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Introduction to mass spectrometry. Hard and soft ionisation techniques, ICP MS, molecular masses, mass analysers, detectors, fragmentation and basic MS data interpretation.
(4 lectures and a 2-hour workshop) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Theory and practice of NMR. Origins and interpretation of chemical shift and 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 one workshop per topic once lectures have been delivered. This module closely relates to practical analytical chemistry in modules CH2PRAC and CH2PRAX and students are expected to utilise private study time in module CH2AN3 to support their work in modules CH2PRAC and CH2PRAX.
| Autumn | Spring | Summer | |
| Lectures | 17 | 3 | |
| Seminars | 6 | ||
| Guided independent study: | 74 | ||
| Total hours by term | 97 | 0 | 3 |
| Total hours for module | 100 |
| Method | Percentage |
| Written exam | 80 |
| Set exercise | 20 |
Summative assessment- Examinations:
A two-hour examination during the Summer Term based upon lecture, tutorial and workshop material.
The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.
Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Beginning of Spring term: In-class test - 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 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.
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):
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: Scientific Calculator (non-programmable), £10.00
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None
Last updated: 15 May 2023
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MODULE DESCRIPTION DOES NOT FORM ANY PART OF A STUDENT'S CONTRACT.