6 ECTS credits
150 u studietijd
Aanbieding 1 met studiegidsnummer 1023513CNR voor alle studenten in het 1e en 2e semester met een gespecialiseerd bachelor niveau.
Course content: Theory
Performance Characteristics of instruments
An introduction to spectroscopic methods
An introduction to chromatographic separations (Gas, Liquid and Supercritical Fluid chromatography)
An introduction to Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
An introduction to Isotope ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)
An introduction to Atomic X-Ray Spectrometry (XRF)
An introduction to bioanalytical methods
Course content: Practicals
1. Gas Chromatography will be used for mercury speciation in aquatic sediments. The goal is to identify and quantify different mercury components, both organic and inorganic, in sediment samples using Gas Chromatography – Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy (GC-CVAFS) and total Mercury Analyser (AMA)
2. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) will be used to determine the concentration of trace element (Al, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ni, Pb, Zn, …) in sediment samples.
3. Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (EA-IRMS) will be used to determine the nitrogen and carbon content of food (plants, fish) using an Elemental Analyser (EA). Subsequently, the nitrogen (delta 15N) and carbon (delta 13C) isotope ratios will be determined using IRMS.
4. Bionalysis. The students will get an introduction on how to determine dioxins and PCBs in sediment samples using the CALUX method (Chemically Activated Luciferase gene eXpression). Special attention will be given to the extraction and clean-up procedures.
5. Continuous flow analysis (CFA) will be used to determine the nutrient content in surface water samples. By using CFA, the samples will be automatically mixed with the required reagents. The molecular absorption of the formed complex will be determined using spectrometry
Previous knowledge: Basic knowledge in general and analytical chemistry as acquired during a bachelor’s in chemistry
Study Material: Notes consisting of the slides shown during the lectures and specific research papers will be available via CANVAS
Complementary study material: Books available in the library of AMGC research unit: Principles of Instrumental Analysis ISBN-13: 978-0495012016; Chemical Analysis: Modern Instrumentation Methods and Techniques DOI: 10.1021/ed085p373
General Competences
Chemical instrumentation is increasingly important in providing data required for industry, health science, environment protection, food production and basic research. Instrumentation fills only part of the need, as the challenges presented often require highly developed skills and judgement of chemists using these in order for the best results to be obtained. This course develops knowledge, experience and skills related to a variety of mainstream instrumental techniques in areas of spectroscopy, separation science and bioanalytics. With careful and thorough study, the student will discover the kinds of instruments that are currently available in the AMGC research unit as well as their strengths and limitations.
Learning outcomes
To develop an understanding of the range and theories of instrumental methods available in AMCG
To develop knowledge pertaining to the appropriate selection of instruments for the successful analysis of complex mixtures
To develop an understanding of the role of the chemist in measurement and problem solving in chemical analysis
To provide practical experience in selected instrumental methods of analysis
To extend skills in procedures and instrumental methods applied in analytical tasks
To extend understanding of the professional and safety responsibilities residing in working on environmental problems
De beoordeling bestaat uit volgende opdrachtcategorieën:
Examen Mondeling bepaalt 50% van het eindcijfer
Examen Praktijk bepaalt 50% van het eindcijfer
Binnen de categorie Examen Mondeling dient men volgende opdrachten af te werken:
Binnen de categorie Examen Praktijk dient men volgende opdrachten af te werken:
Theory (50%): Oral examination following a written preparation of the answers
Practicals (50%): Written report on the practicals
Deze aanbieding maakt deel uit van de volgende studieplannen:
Bachelor in de chemie: Standaard traject