Advanced and Applied Analytical Techniques

• Credit value: 30 credits at Level 7
• Convenor: Dr Marianne Odlyha
• Assessment: six laboratory assignment reports (30%) and a two-hour examination (70%)

In this module we introduce various specialised situations and techniques (e.g. clinical, environmental and materials science) in which you will have to provide analytical solutions and illustrate the solution of complex analytical problems using an integrated approach.

The module encompasses potentiometric methods, voltammetric/amperometric techniques, signal processing, thermal analysis and surface analysis. Materials analysis will focus on nanomaterials and analysis of the environment and will cover both the underlying chemical principles and techniques for monitoring the indoor and outdoor environment.

Indicative syllabus

• Log diagrams and speciation
• Instrumentation, noise and signal processing
• Potentiometric methods of analysis - supported by a laboratory exercise
• Voltammetric analysis - supported by an environmental laboratory exercise
• Electroseparations - supported by a CE laboratory exercise
• Nanomaterial synthesis and characterisation - supported by a laboratory exercise
• Thermal analysis techniques including DSC,TGA, DMTA - supported by a laboratory demonstration
• Thermal analysis applications in materials science
• Atmospheric chemistry
• Analysis of the atmosphere
• Indoor air chemistry
• Monitoring indoor air chemistry
• Natural water chemistry and measurements
• Soil measurements - supported by a laboratory exercise

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• explain, by providing relevant chemical equations where appropriate, the chemistry occurring in the stratosphere and in the troposphere, and the key reaction occurring in natural waters
• propose, with reasoned arguments, suitable methods for monitoring and the analysis of various environmental samples including gases, liquids and soil
• explain the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of the different analytical methods used in outdoor and indoor environmental chemistry
• explain the underlying principles of electroanalytical techniques, identify measurement scenarios where their use is appropriate and justify their advantages
• summarise the methods employed for analysis of nanomaterials, identify their utility and evaluate limitations
• evaluate key thermal analysis methods explaining their utility in measurement scenarios.