Analytical Chemistry, 15 Credits

Contents

The aim of the course is to provide a critical understanding, as well as theoretical and practical knowledge, of classical and instrumental analysis, which is required for professional activities in the chemically oriented sciences, as well as to enhance the possibilities for teaching chemical analysis at the college level.

The course commences with a theoretical section, which treats the basics of instrumental chemical analysis. Emphasis is placed on the measurement principles and the function of the instruments. During this section, some statistical techniques, such as linear regression analysis and error propagation in measurement systems, are also treated.
The subsequent experimental part of the course provides training in the correct handling of instrumentation for chemical analysis and measurements in chemical systems. Among the techniques taught are electrochemistry (polarography, coulometry, amperometry, as well as potentiometry with pH- and ion -selective electrodes), atomic emission and atomic absorption spectroscopy with flames and graphite furnaces, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), spectrophotometry in the UV and visible regions of the spectrum, gas chromatography and liquid chromatography, and titration with EDTA (complexometric titration).

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• describe how the various analytical chemical measurement techniques work and be able to apply them practically
• be familiar with the main types of instrumentation used for chemical analysis
• plan and perform simpler quantitative and qualitative analyses
• estimate measurement uncertainty and give correct measure of spread for obtained experimental results
• critically examine and compile results from analytical chemical measurements
• report chemical analytical results both orally and in writing.

Required Knowledge

Fundamentals of Chemistry (15 hp, 5KE165) or the equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/B. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, and lessons / problem-solving lessons. Participation is mandatory at tutorials, labs and lab seminars.

Examination modes

Examination is conducted through:

• written examination at the end of the course 
• written and oral presentation (laboratory seminar) of laboratory work.

For the written exam, students from the fields of engineering are given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with merit (4) or Pass with distinction (5). All other students are given one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with distinction (VG). Laboratory work is graded Pass (3 or G) or Fail (U). To pass the course, the written exam and the laboratory work must be passed. The final grade is based on the results of the written exam. Grades Pass (3 or G) or higher are awarded only when all of the laboratory practicals are passed. In the case of absence from any of the compulsory modules of the course, the examiner will decide whether the student will be given compensation assignments or will have to redo the missing parts at a later occasion.
Those who pass the exam are not permitted to re-sit the exam for a higher grade.
A student who has failed a course or part of a course twice is entitled to request appointment of another examiner, unless there are special reasons against it (HF Chap. 6 § 22). Requests for new examiner should be made to the Head of the Department of Chemistry.
Transfer of credits from previous courses is judged individually (see "Universitetets regelsamling och tillgodoräknandeordning").

Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.