Mass spectrometry

The course covers theory and key concepts in mass spectrometry (MS), as well as its applications to analytical problems. The course aims to provide a broad and in-depth knowledge of modern mass spectrometry.

• Course structure

  The course covers the following subjects in mass spectrometry (MS):

  • Principles and functions of common MS instruments and their components, such as ion source, analyzer, pump system and detector.
  • Principles of different ionization methods, electron ionization (EI), chemical ionization (CI), MALDI, atmospheric pressure ionization (API), and mainly electrospray ionization (ESI).
  • Principles of scanning and data acquisition methods and tandem MS.
  • Basic fragmentation mechanisms for EI and tandem MS.
  • Basic interpretation of MS spectra.
  • Use of isotopes for structure investigation and generation of molecular formulas with MS.
  • Explanation of central concepts such as "average mass", monoisotopic mass, mass resolution and mass accuracy.
  • Fragmentation and sequencing of peptides.
  • Coupling of chromatographic methods with MS.
  • Quantification by MS.
  • New MS methods such as ion mobility MS and non-target screening with MS (ambient MS).

  Modules

  After the course, students should be able to:

  Part 1: Theory (8 ECTS)

  • Describe and explain the principles of common types of mass spectrometers, their components, ionization methods, and different analyzers' separation of ions with respect to mass and charge.
  • Describe and explain the principles of scanning and data acquisition methods, tandem MS and chromatographic coupling with MS.
  • Describe and explain basic fragmentation mechanisms.
  • Interpret typical mass spectra of small organic compounds.
  • Suggest MS methods for gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) separations.

  Part 2: Laboratories (2 ECTS)

  • Develop and optimize GC/MS and LC/MS methods for common, simple analytical problems.
  • Evaluate and critically review results from both qualitative and quantitative MS.

  Teaching format

  The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, exercises and laboratories.

  Assessment

  Theory: Written exam
  Lab: Written reports

  Examiner

  Ulrika Nilsson
  ulrika.nilsson@mmk.su.se

• Schedule
  The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

  • Schedule KZ7103 AU 2024

• Course reports
  • AUTUMN 2023

  Course_report_KZ7103_AU23.pdf

• Contact
  Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry

  Course coordinator and examiner

  Ulrika Nilsson

  Professor

  ulrika.nilsson@mmk.su.se

  

  Chemistry Section

  Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office

  chemistry@su.se

  08-16 37 09

  

  • Visiting address

  • Arrhenius laboratory, room M345

  • Svante Arrhenius väg 16 A-D

  • Here you will find:

  • Student administrator

    International coordinator

    Study advisor

    Director of studies

  • Office hours

  • Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 09.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00

  • Phone hours

  • Wednesday 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-15.00