Searching…

Print Page



Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation Laboratory (CHEM 2420)

Total Credits: 2
Lab Credits: 2

Description: This laboratory course will use an applications-based approach to chemical and biochemical methods of analyses. You will carry out classical analytical techniques, as well as instrumental methods of analysis. You will incorporate mathematical calculations, statistical analysis of data and computational methods. You will apply aqueous ionic equilibria principles, explore compendium of methods, and adopt various instrumentation methods including chromatography and spectrometry. You will explore analytical methods and standards important in quality control in regulatory environments. You will learn to do detailed work with precision and accuracy. You will incorporate documentation procedures and validation principles according to regulatory affairs standards.

Topical Outline:
1. Basic skills for success in analytical experiments (safety aspects, good laboratory practices, types of documentation, solutions and buffers preparations, stoichiometry, calculations in quantitative estimations, mass and volume measurements)
2. Established procedures for aqueous solution speciation (in precipitation, acid-base, redox and complexation scenarios) and gravimetric analysis of unknowns
3. Spectrophotometry techniques and Chromatographic methods of analysis ((VIS, UV, FTIR, fluorescence and Atomic Absorption, TLC, GC and HPLC)
4. Statistical treatment of experimental data and error analysis of measurements (precision, accuracy, interpretation of standard deviations of lab results obtained, carrying out student’s t-, F- and G-tests from multi-trial experiments)
5. Integration of quality into adopted methods and new methods development (compendia, calibrations and standards, validation, sampling and blanks, CoA of raw materials, CoC, IQ, OQ, PQ of instruments, FDA and ISO requirements)
6. Science Writing-Intensive experiences at the level necessary for undergraduate research (writing of lab reports in the format of peer-reviewed journal articles with full data analysis, interpretation of results, discussions and literature references)

Learning Outcomes:
1. Conduct experiments with minimum sources of error but be able to identify sources of experimental errors when it occurs and troubleshoot them or suggest Corrective and Preventive Actions in their reports
2. Adopt Good laboratory practices, quality and method validation principles, and documentation such as lab notebook, log sheets, SOPs, etc.
3. Interpret numerical data and demonstrate the ability to use statistical and computational methods, spreadsheets for treatment of data
4. Understand and apply a variety of chemical reactions and techniques (precipitation, acid-base, complexation, oxidation-reduction, electroanalytical) for the quantitative analysis of certified unknowns
5. Apply basic principles of spectroscopic and chromatographic methods of analysis, and operate at least one instrument independently in each category, identifying its capability and limitations
6. Exhibit critical thinking, problem solving and written communication skills (through designing methods, their validations, interpretation of results, troubleshooting and effectively communicating results in scientific reporting format)

Prerequisites:  CHEM 1152 or CHEM 2320 and Have Successfully Completed CHEM 2410 or Register for It Concurrently
Co-requisites:  CHEM 2410