65606 Analytical Chemistry 3
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Subject handbook information prior to 2020 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 65409 Analytical Chemistry 2
Description
This subject expands and consolidates the knowledge and practical skills gained from 65409 Analytical Instrumentation 1 by revision of key concepts; introduction of advanced analytical techniques in lectures; and the undertaking of an analytical method development and analysis project performed over the session.
The advanced instrumental techniques lectures are based on cutting-edge research performed in the analytical laboratories and include bio-imaging by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), mass spectrometry (MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), two-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS), lab-on-a-chip (LOC), microfluidics, hyphenated techniques, and Raman spectroscopy. Guest lectures from industry are presented by leading analytical vendors and employment agencies. The subject provides a solid foundation for placement in the workforce or a research-based career in chemistry and related sciences.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | explain in detail the theoretical concepts for modern instrumental techniques |
|---|---|
| 2. | use and apply various sample preparation methods appropriately and efficiently |
| 3. | proficiently operate instrumental techniques to generate high quality analytical data |
| 4. | apply knowledge and critical thinking skills for data interpretation |
| 5. | evaluate current literature for experimental design and method development |
| 6. | work collaboratively in a research team |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Apply: Develop experimental skills using established and emerging chemistry techniques. (1.1)
- Analyse: Examine and combine knowledge of organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. (1.2)
- Synthesise: Integrate the principles of chemistry into professional practice. (1.3)
- Apply: Identify and investigate problems and make logical deductions from evidence-based learning. (2.1)
- Analyse: Investigate, gather, and critically evaluate data and information from academic sources. (2.2)
- Synthesise: Apply analytical skills and understand the role of enquiry, measurement, and evidence for scientific endeavours. (2.3)
- Apply: Act safely and responsibly in laboratory and practical settings. (3.1)
- Analyse: Organise and manage a project using time management and collaborative skills. (3.2)
- Synthesise: Develop collaborative skills for effective, ethical, and socially responsible contributions to society. (3.3)
- Apply: Demonstrate individual and independent learning strategies enabled by peer review and self-reflection. (4.1)
- Analyse: Examine new information acquired through innovative experimentation to formulate hypotheses. (4.2)
- Synthesise: Develop critical thinking skills to create solutions for contemporary chemistry problems. (4.3)
- Apply: Effectively communicate scientific discovery in professional fora through oral presentation and written reports. (5.1)
- Analyse: Develop communication strategies in public fora for non-scientific audiences. (5.2)
- Synthesise: Develop professional interpersonal communication skills with peers in interdisciplinary working environments. (5.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science lists seven graduate attributes that students will develop during their course at UTS. This
subject is intended to develop five of those attributes:
1. Disciplinary knowledge
The lectures are designed to introduce advanced analytical instrumentation and it’s appropriate application; whilst the practicals will consolidate and expand practical skills in developing complex analytical methods.
2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking
The practical sessions are designed to develop the necessary practical skills for core competency as analytical chemists and give an introduction to analytical chemistry research approaches. This will be achieved by a research method development project for the analysis of real-world samples. Development of critical thinking skills and initiative will be ensured as the design, execution and interpretation of the analysis will be undertaken with the guidance of the demonstrators.
3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility
This subject is designed to foster logical thought and problem-solving skills. The practical requires a literature review; design and execution of the experiment; collection and interpretation of data; and reporting of the data in a scientific journal format. The skills developed during this process are gathering, evaluating and using information from sources such as databases, research and review articles, textbooks, catalogues and technical reference books; operation of state of the art analytical instrumentation; troubleshooting approaches; experimental design; data interpretation; working within a team; leadership; written and oral skills. Self-discipline is also fostered through active participation in lectures, which require you to take notes to reinforce your understanding of the subject concepts. The extent to which you attend lectures and take notes is indirectly assessed through the final exam.
Teamwork is developed as you work in groups through the collection, collation and analysis of data for the project. Tasks
must be delegated among the group each week to enable all students time to complete various practical components.
Group discussion of experimental data at the final data collection stage will help to develop group contribution to
the interpretation of findings.
4. Reflection, innovation, creativity
The laboratory project will prepare you for independent research in Honours programs or build the foundations for you to apply new information and techniques to solve problems in analytical chemistry, forensic science and related industries. The laboratories are undertaken in a collaborative framework that facilitates peer discussion; peer review, and provides opportunities for reflection and implementation of feedback.
5. Communication
Excellence in written scientific communication is developed through the process of writing a comprehensive scientific report aimed at hypothesis-driven experimental procedures and analysis through scientific writing, including paraphrasing and citing literature. Clear and logical writing that follows standard practice in scientific communication is assessed via detailed report marking criteria.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject will be delivered via 12 x 2 hr lectures, and 10 laboratory sessions.
Lectures
Lectures are interactive with worked examples, short discussions of the material and opportunities for you to clarify your understanding through questions. You will learn about separation mechanisms and theory of advanced modern analytical techniques. The lecture series align closely with research activities undertaken in analytical chemistry and professional laboratories.
Practical Sessions
The laboratory sessions will require you to develop and validate an analytical method for the analysis of a sample of environmental, forensic, consumer, or pharmaceutical significance. You will be working in small groups of 3 to 4 and are required to plan an experimental approach to quantify you target analytes, as well as to validate the method according to the International Committee of Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Each group is required to submit a report in a formal scientific format. One report per group.
You will receive verbal feedback and guidance throughout each practical session.
Online
Multiple UTSOnline tutorials are available to support your learning activities. These tutorials consist of examples of appropriate statistical calculations to determine the accuracy and precision of methods, limits of detection and quantification, method validation, and data processing. It is expected that you complete these tutorials prior to the related lecture and practical class to help you design the necessary method validation experiments. The tutorials will be reviewed during lectures and the practical sessions.
Attending lectures, taking notes and participating in class discussions is crucial to a full understanding of the subject content.
Content (topics)
Lectures
The topics covered in the lectures include elemental imaging of biological tissues, molecular analytical techniques such as quadrupole - time of flight (QTOF) and triple quad (QqQ) mass spectrometry, hyphenated techniques including liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and liquid chromatography – inductive coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS), micro-fluidics, Raman spectroscopy, two-dimensional gas chromatography and its applications.
Specialist guest lectures will also be presented from leading analytical vendors and employment agencies.
Practicals
Lab session 1 will consist of tutorials that will detail the experimental approach and design, and how to undertake a literature review with online databases.
Lab session 2 requires students to present a Power Point presentation of the experimental plan and strategies of the analyses that has been designed from your literature review.
Lab sessions 3 to 9 will consist of laboratory experiments where you will develop and validate your analytical method. Your will review your results weekly and plan future experiments for incremental improvements based on typical analytical criteria such as selectivity, accuracy, detection and quantification limits, and speed of analysis. It is expected that you regularly consult with your group members outside of class to efficiently plan your experiments before commencing the laboratory procedures.
Lab Session 10 requires students to deliver Power Point presentations that details your experiences in the lab. This presentation will be delivered in a formal scientific format that mirrors your report, and is intended to give students the necessary skills to successfully undertake an Honours year.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Literature Review
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Literature review |
| Groupwork: | Group, group assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | Students will be assessed on:
|
Assessment task 2: Practical Component
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Laboratory/practical |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Criteria: |
The detailed marking rubric is available on UTSOnline. |
Assessment task 3: Oral Presentation
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 6 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: |
|
Assessment task 4: Online Data Exercises
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.2 |
| Type: | Exercises |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | Disciplinary knowledge (appropriate calculations and correct answers) |
Assessment task 5: Examination
| Intent: | This assessment task contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes: 1. Disciplinary knowledge |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.2 and 1.3 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 45% |
| Criteria: | Disciplinary knowledge (Appropriate short answers and correct calculations) |
Minimum requirements
Any assessment task worth 40% or more requires the student to gain at least 40% of the mark for that task. If 40% is not reached, an X grade fail may be awarded for the subject, irrespective of an overall mark greater than 50.
You must achieve at least 50 % for practical component. You must attend all practicals, unless a doctor’s certificate is supplied. In the case of a missed practical due to illness or misadventure, it may be possible to attend an extra session – you will need to discuss this with your demonstrator or Subject Coordinator.
Recommended texts
Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 9th Edition, D.C. Harris W.H. Freeman and Company, 2010, ISBN 0-7167-4464-3