Ateneo - UPO

In this module the theoretical and practical aspects of some of the most widely used separation techniques in analytical chemistry will be considered: separation by fractional precipitation, systematic qualitative analysis, chromatographic techniques.

- E.J. Slowinski e W.L. Masterton, "Qualitative analysis and the properties of ions in aqueous solution", II edizione, Saunders College Publishing (1990)
- G. Saini e E. Mentasti, "Fondamenti di chimica analitica – Analisi chimica strumentale", UTET (1995)

The course aims to provide the knowledge and skills to deal with a qualitative analytical chemistry problem: sample attack, separation of interferents and true analysis. Communication skills: knowing how to draw up a laboratory notebook and report the results of an experiment in a concise and clear way, using an appropriate vocabulary. Autonomy of judgment and ability to learn: know how to solve a practical case showing critical sense and skill in the choice of the appropriate analytical strategy and ability to use the educational material independently for the solution of the proposed case study.

General and Inorganic Chemistry.

Introduction of the theoretical concepts through 1 CFU of lectures and application of the principles in the remaining 5 CFU through laboratory exercises in which the analysis of an unknown sample will be completed. The laboratory is organized in such a way as to have continuous feedback on the knowledge, skills and vocabulary acquired by the students. Students will also be asked to draw up a laboratory notebook.

Learning can be effectively controlled because the concepts of the lectures are applied directly in the laboratory also through collective discussions and case study solutions; in this case, the concepts can be re-explained during the laboratory itself.

The attendance of the laboratory is mandatory and the student must keep a laboratory notebook to develop the ability to describe an experience and collect the data correctly. The final judgment will be based on the evaluation of the laboratory notebook and on a written test of 5 questions as illustrated below: two theoretical questions to evaluate the acquired knowledge, a problem to be solved to evaluate the acquired skills and an open question in which asks to set the resolution of a real problem to assess the critical sense, the autonomy of judgment and the candidate's ability to learn. This modality of examination allows to evaluate the theoretical knowledge acquired, the ability to apply them to real cases, the ability to collect and critically analyze the results obtained, the communication skills in exposing the work done. The ability to learn will be assessed through the use by the student of the material provided to solve real cases. To pass the test, the student must at least demonstrate knowledge of and understand the basics and their applications in the laboratory and be able to use an appropriate vocabulary. Excellence can be achieved by demonstrating a solid theoretical-practical basis and knowing how to use the material to solve real cases with a critical sense, as well as knowing how to use an appropriate vocabulary. The difficulty level corresponds to the program carried out and to the reference texts indicated.

In this basic experimental course the theoretical and practical aspects of some of the most widespread separation techniques used in analytical chemistry will be taken into consideration. The program includes: separation by fractional precipitation. Yield and separation factor. Attack and dissolution of the sample. Systematic qualitative analysis. Analytical groups for the separation of cations. Search for the most common anions. Qualitative analysis in the presence of interferents. Chromatographic separation techniques. Adsorption and partition chromatography. Column chromatography, on paper, on a thin layer. Solution of real cases. It will also show how to keep a laboratory notebook and how to use the educational material for a study in autonomy for the resolution of real problems. Particular attention will be given to the transfer to students of an appropriate vocabulary.

Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the equilibrium in solution and of the basic principles of work in the analytical laboratory.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: ability to collect data correctly and keep a laboratory notebook; ability to apply methods in the performance of laboratory experiments; ability to provide the final result of the analysis correctly.
Autonomy of judgment: ability to critically analyze the results obtained in practical experiences, identifying possible errors and proposing solutions; ability to apply theoretical knowledge to the execution and understanding of laboratory experiments and to the interpretation of the results obtained.
Communication skills: ability to relate on the work performed (and more generally on chemical-scientific topics) in a precise, concise and clear manner in writing; acquisition of an appropriate scientific language; know how to keep a laboratory notebook.
Learning skills: ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study and to solve real cases, also with a view to continuous updating.