Instrumental Chemistry with Laboratory

Catalog description

The course will provide practical, hands-on experience in the theory, design, operation, and application of instrumental techniques. Electrochemical, spectroscopic, and chromatographic methods will be used to qualitatively and quantitatively assess chemically and biologically significant molecules. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will: 1) accurately and precisely describe and apply the theory and operational principles of analytical instruments, including their electrical components, in the determination of the chemical composition of samples, 2) identify the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of different analytical instruments, 3) select the appropriate methods for elemental and molecular analyses, including qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, 4) identify and assess sources of error in chemical and instrumental analysis, 5) recognize interferences in chemical analysis, 6) apply appropriate sampling methods in instrumental chemical analysis, 7) apply data validation techniques, and 8) effectively and clearly communicate scientific information in written and oral form, including interpreting instrument manuals and writing standard operation procedures.