INTRODUCTION TO ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY.

Catalog description

This course provides a broad overview of instrumental techniques, quantitative analysis, and chemical equilibria. It is designed to give a conceptual understanding of the theory, design, use, as well as limits and advantages of modern analytical instrumentation such as spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Additionally, students will learn the statistics necessary for characterization of instrumental methods and analysis of sample populations and how to perform these analyses using spreadsheet based calculators such as Microsoft Excel. Students will be required to demonstrate proficiency in analytical skills by completing homework assignments (approximately 1 every 2 weeks) and through an open computer portion of their exams. Exams also feature a closed computer, short answer section that tests their grasp of the analytical concepts. Students are also required to submit a term paper and deliver a power point presentation on an analytical topic of their choice outside those covered during the course.