Optical spectroscopy in analytical chemistry
The course covers atomic and molecular spectroscopy methods. The course also covers the underlying principles of these methods, as well as instrumental components and setups. This is contextualised with application examples and case studies. Students plan and carry out laboratory based projects to obtain hands-on experience with the instruments.
The course features lectures, workshops, laboratory project work, oral and written presentation of scientific work within the following subjects:
Atomic spectroscopy methods
Building on previous basic knowledge of these techniques, the course will cover atomic absorption and atomic emission spectroscopy as well as inductively coupled plasma (ICP) based methods. We will revise the underpinning concepts and consider the instrumental setup of these methods. The course will focus on building a deeper understanding of the wide range of applications of these techniques in the analysis of water, food, environmental and clinical samples.
Molecular spectroscopy methods
Building on previous basic knowledge of molecular spectroscopy techniques, we will cover UV/Vis spectroscopy, infrared (IR), fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy. We will revise the underpinning concepts and consider the instrumental setup of these methods. The course will focus on building a deeper understanding of the wide range of applications of these techniques in the analysis of clinical and environmental samples.
Modules
Theory (3 ECTS)
Lab (2 ECTS)
Teaching Format
The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, exercises and laboratories.
After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to:
Theory
- Demonstrate an understanding of the underpinning theory of atomic and molecular spectroscopy methods,
- Describe instruments and instrument components used for the studied spectroscopy techniques,
- Recall principles of suitable sample preparation methods,
- Critically evaluate the merit of different spectroscopy techniques and their application for a given analysis task,
- Select and justify appropriate techniques for chemical analyses, molecular measurements or data analyses
Lab
- safely operate analytical instruments by applying academic knowledge in a laboratory and solve and trouble shoot practical challenges with spectroscopy instruments
- retrieve information online to plan laboratory projects
- propose and optimise a workflow with spectroscopy analysis relevant to real-world analytical chemistry challenges
- interpret analytical data
- communicate experimental findings at a professional standard to peers
- write accurate and coherent reports of experiments
- effectively conduct work in teams
Assessment
Theory: Written exam
Lab: Written lab reports
Examination in English
Examiner
Nicole Pamme
nicole.pamme@su.se
Course Coordinator
Nicole Pamme, email: nicole.pamme@su.se
Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se
