CHEM 424
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
1. Catalog Entry
CHEM 424
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Credit hours (4)
Prerequisites: CHEM 324
This course will introduce the wide range of commonly used analytical instrumentation.
The theory and operation of various categories of instrumentation will be discussed.
The instruments will be directly used by the student to solve real-world problems
utilizing the analytical chemistry process.
Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.
2. Detailed Description of Course
The major topics covered in this course are those considered to represent modern techniques
of chemical analysis and those with which a student entering the work place as a chemist
or graduate program will be expected to be familiar. The student will become familiar
with specific components of instruments, performance characteristics of instruments,
and methods of calibration for each technique. Specific instrument categories that
will be studied include electrochemical (potentiometry, voltammetry), spectrophotometric
(atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma, ultraviolet-visible absorption, infrared,
Raman, and fluorescence), and separation (gas chromatography, gas chromatography mass
spectrometry, high performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography). Students
will gain hands-on experience with the instrumentation as they follow the analytical
process to investigate scientific societal issues.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The lecture periods are used to introduce the theory of the analytical method and
the general design and construction of the instrument used. The laboratory portion
is designed to familiarize students with the operation of a specific model of an instrument
and to collect and interpret data from the analysis. This will be accomplished through
investigating real-world situations.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
After successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1) Demonstrate the understanding of the operation and construction of primary
instrument components.
2) Demonstrate the understanding of the theory of particular instrumental methods
3) Demonstrate the hands-on operation of modern instruments that the student will
likely use in either an industrial or academic setting
4) Choose a suitable method when confronted with an analytical problem
5) Collect, interpret, and present the results of an analysis in a clear, concise
written fashion.
5. Assessment Measures
Assessment of the student's success in this course will be based on the grades earned
for written examinations, laboratory notebooks, laboratory reports, and other assignments
which may include homework, in-class assignments, and/or quizzes.
6. Other Course Information
None.
Review and Approval
September 2001
March 01, 2021