Analytical Science
- Module code: CH5006
- Year: 2018/9
- Level: 5
- Credits: 30
- Pre-requisites: None
- Co-requisites: None
Summary
This module is a core requirement in the Pharmaceutical Science, Forensic science and Biochemistry fields. The module introduces students to the applications of analytical science within analytical biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and the pharmaceutical sciences. It allows you to build your knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning.
Aims
- Develop the principles of the stages within the analytical process model, including understanding sampling methods, sample preparation, errors and statistics and data recording in analytical science.
- Provide theoretical understanding and practical experience of the underlying principles of a range of analytical techniques instrumentation.
- To enable students to select and optimise appropriate analytical methods to solve problems in biomedical, forensic and pharmaceutical cases.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- The application of the analytical process model, including method development to solve analytical problems.
- Describe and explain the various chromatographic separation techniques (GC, LC, TLC and electrophoresis), as applied to Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences and forensic applications.
- Describe and explain the various spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques (IR, UV-VIS, and NMR).
- Understand the principle of absorption and emission of light as applied to AES and AAS to carry out elemental analysis of samples.
- Understand the importance of hybrid techniques within analytical science
- Produce clear and comprehensive (unambiguous) raw data by working safely in a laboratory, carry out calculations from those results and draw valid conclusions to present a report carrying out the necessary statistical analysis.
Curriculum content
- Introduction to analytical methodology, the analytical process model and sample preparation in analytical science.
- Theory of chromatography: Partition coefficients, retention time, capacity factor, selectivity factor, column efficiency and resolution.
- Optimisation of column performance, quantitative analysis.
- Gas Chromatography (GLC): sample injection, ovens, detectors, GC Columns and stationary phases.
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): pumps, columns, detectors.
- Partition Chromatography, normal and reverse phase. Ion-Pair chromatography and chiral stationary phases.
- Adsorption Chromatography (LSC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC).
- Introduction to hyphenated Techniques (GCMS, LCMS).
- Introduction to electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, including absorption, emission and fluorescence.
- Principles and practice of atomic and molecular spectrometry including UV Visible and IR.
- Principles and practice of electrophoresis, including gel electrophoresis, iso-electric focusing, immuno-electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis.
- Mass Spectrometry
- Interpretation of spectra
- Applications of all techniques above to analytical biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic science and the pharmaceutical sciences.
- The relevance of statistics, quality control and quality assurance systems in analytical science
- Develop practical analytical skills, and problem solving skills to relate the laboratory work to theoretical aspects of the module.
Teaching and learning strategy
This module is delivered through a variety of lectures, workshops and practical laboratory sessions. The lectures are designed to introduce the students to the key features of each topic and to lay the preparatory ground for the application of the knowledge. The workshops will be used to expose students to the role of analytical science in a range of case scenarios relevant to the different degree courses. Using these cases studies students will be encouraged to draw from knowledge across the modules on their course in order to adopt a logical approach to solving analytical problems. The practical laboratory sessions provide students with the environment to develop and refine core practical skills, as well as develop an understanding of the application of knowledge in the practical environment.
Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours
| Definitive UNISTATS Category |
Indicative Description |
Hours |
| Scheduled learning and teaching |
Two hour lectures
One hour workshops
Two hour practical sessions
(8 in total AAS, TLC,GC-MS, UV-VIS, IR, GE,HPLC, NMR) |
40
20
16 |
| Guided independent study |
Case studies |
224 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) |
300 |
Assessment strategy
- Summative assessment is through an in class MCQ test worth 35% that assesses students' interpretation and underpinning knowledge associated with the data obtained from all practical classes.
- The second summative assessment will be an electronic practical submission worth 15%.
- A three-hour summative exam, worth 50%, will test the students engagement with the underpinning knowledge associated with the module.
A range of formative assessments will be undertaken during class and independent study through the form of problem based case studies. These will be during workshops and will provide regular feedback to students so that they can develop an awareness of their rate and level of progress, also become aware of their strengths and weaknesses, in preparation for summative assessment. In addition a formative test will take place in towards the end of TB1 so that students can assess their understanding of TB1 material.
Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)
| Learning Outcome |
Assessment Strategy |
| 1) Critically apply the analytical process model, including method development to solve analytical problems. |
Exam/practical test |
| 2) Explain and apply the various chromatographic separation techniques (GC, LC, TLC and electrophoresis), as applied to Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences and forensic applications. |
Exam/practical test/practical report |
| 3) Explain and apply the various spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques (IR, UV-VIS, and NMR). |
Exam/practical test |
| 4) Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principle of absorption and emission of light as applied to AES and AAS to carry out elemental analysis of samples. |
Exam/practical test |
| 5) Critically assess the importance of hybrid techniques within analytical science. |
Exam/practical test |
| 6) Produce clear and comprehensive (unambiguous) raw data by working safely in a laboratory, carry out calculations from those results and draw valid conclusions to present a report carrying out the necessary statistical analysis. |
Practical test/practical report |
Elements of Assessment
| Description of Assessment |
Definitive UNISTATS Categories |
Percentage |
| Written exam with 4 sections (3 hours) |
Written exam |
50% |
| MCQ in-class test |
Written exam |
35% |
| Electronic practical report |
Coursework |
15% |
| Total (to equal 100%) |
100% |
Achieving a pass
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Bibliography core texts
- Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemical Analysis, Steen Honore Hansen, Stig Pedersen-Bjergaard, Knut Einar Rasmussen, John Wiley, 2012
- Introduction to Spectroscopy, Pavia Lampman and Kriz Harcourt, 2001
- Principles and Applications: Understanding Bioanalytical Chemistry, Victor Gault and Neville McClenaghan, John Wiley and Sons, 2009.
Bibliography recommended reading
- The Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds, Sliverstein, Webster & Kielme,7th edition Wiley 2005.
- Organic Spectroscopic analysis, Rosaleen J Anderson, RSC publications, 2004
- The Molecular World: Separation, Purification and Identification, Lesley E Smart, RSC publishing, 2002.
- Statistics and Chemometrics for Analytical Chemistry, Miller and Miller, 6th edition Pearson, 2010.