This is an introductory module to Analytical Chemistry. The module covers the theory behind a number of classical wet analytical techniques along with the basics behind analytical statistics.
The aim of this module is to give students a solid grounding in classical analytical techniques, the calculations that accompany these techniques and the knowledge of the statistical calculations required to interpret results in the analytical laboratory. The module will draw on contextualised chemical and pharmaceutical calculations.
Classical Techniques
Le Chatelier's Principle. Titrimetric methods. Volumetric Techniques. Primary Standards. Standardising acids and bases. Back titrations. Oxidation reduction reactions. Complexometric titrations. Karl Fischer titrations. Calculations associated with the above. Titration curves. Choosing Indicators and endpoint determination. Dissociation constants, Conjugate pairs and pH theory. pH calculation for weak and strong acids & bases. Buffer solutions and the Henderson Hasselbach Equation.
Statistics
Concentration units and unit conversion. Dilutions. Significant figures. Random and systematic error. Population statistics. Statistical Analysis – accuracy and precision, mean, standard deviation, %RSD. Regression analysis t-tests, F-tests, Q-test, Degrees of Freedom, Confidence Intervals, Control Charts. Uncertainty of Measurement. Probability. Calibration Plots and using Excel or similar software to plot graphs.
Laboratory Work
Laboratory work concentrating on key analytical skills, which complements the lecture material, is sourced from the School of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory Manual.
Delivery by means of lectures (20 hours), tutorials (4 hours), laboratory practicals (15 hours) and self-study (61 hours) to include computational problems and report writing.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |