Ateneo - UPO

Fundamental elements of analytical instrumentation (spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, atomic spectroscopies, chromatography, electrophoretic methods), and their use for analytical purposes. See “Programma esteso” (Extended Program) for more detailed information.

1) Rubinson/Rubinson, "Chimica Analitica Strumentale", Zanichelli; 2) Skoog/Holler/Crouch, "Chimica analitica strumentale", EdiSES; 3) D.A. Skoog e J.J. Leary, “Chimica analitica strumentale”, EdiSES; 4) Sabbatini, malitesta, Pastore, "Chimica analitica", EDISES;5) notes of the course

Knowledge: The course ha the objective of providing the students with robust knowledge on the theoretical bases of the most modern instrumental analytical techniques, on the evaluation of their performances, and on the problems normally faced in the analytical laboratories.
Abilities: to know how to face and solve analytical problems; to know how to compare different techniques for the same purpose also by means of the evaluation of the indexes of analytical performance; to know how to calculate the indexes of analytical performance.
Communication skills: acquire and use an appropriate technical language acquire and know how to use an appropriate chemical vocabulary in relation to the topics covered in the course; know how to expose a case study using multimedia tools.
Ability in making judgements: ability in choosing the best analytical technique to solve a given analytical problem, also by critically comparing the indexes of analytical performance.
Learning skills: ability in performing a bibliographic search by online search choosing the most reliable sources and ability in using autonomously the learning material to solve case studies.
The course is structured in 48 hours: 38 of teaching and 10 of interactive teaching.

None.

Lessons, notes and powerpoint presentations, classroom discussions, case studies by innovative methodologies (e.g. jigsaw), PC simulations, exercices. Check during the course by DIR platform.

The learning during the course will be evaluated by classroom discussions on the topics already faced in the course, by tests about the acquired level of knowledge at the end of each topic by DIR platform and by case studies with innovative methodologies (e.g. jigsaw) and exercices. Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities.
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam is oral/practical. The oral exam consists of three questions:
- a question describing an analytical technique from both an instrumental and theoretical perspective; the question is designed to assess: theoretical knowledge; ability to solve a simple application; communication skills using appropriate vocabulary; and ability to make connections => up to 9 points.
- a question regarding the quality parameters of an analytical method or calibration methods; the question is designed to assess: theoretical knowledge of the performance index or the proposed calibration technique; ability to calculate the performance index or decide on the experimental strategy for the proposed calibration; communication skills using appropriate vocabulary and clearly articulating the answer; and critical thinking in comparing methods with different values ​​of the proposed index or calibrations with calibrations conducted using different methods. The instructor may provide material on real laboratory tests, which the student will be required to comment on. Up to 9 points.
- A question on the choice of the most suitable analytical procedure for determining a certain class of analytes in a real sample. This question is designed to assess: theoretical knowledge; the ability to apply it to a real case; communication skills through the use of appropriate vocabulary; critical thinking and autonomy in comparing different techniques and making the most appropriate decision to solve a given problem; and the ability to make connections. Up to 9 points.
The final grade also includes:
- Evaluation of interactive activities conducted in the classroom (solving a case study using jigsaw puzzles and/or other interactive methods). This test is designed to assess: theoretical knowledge; the ability to apply it to a real context; communication and interaction skills in a real-world simulation situation. Critical thinking and independent use of teaching materials to address the proposed case study => up to 3 points
- Presentation of a case study proposed by the instructor via a PowerPoint presentation lasting approximately 5 minutes: the test is designed to assess: critical thinking in selecting relevant information to present and highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed case; communication skills, including in preparing a PowerPoint presentation => up to 2 points.

Grade formulation with indication of the grading grid:
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The validation of analytical methods, quality parameters of analytical methods (LOD, LOQ, uncertainty of measurement, dynamic and linear range, robustness, precision and trueness, repeatability and reproducibility, recovery). Theory of calibration and the most exploited calibration methods (external standards, standard additions, internal standards). General survey on chromatography: separation mechanisms, chromatogram, performance parameters of a chromatographic separation, theoretical plates theory and velocity theory, optimization of separations, classification. Gaschromatography: instrumentation, sample injection, columns, separation mechanisms, detectors. Liquid chromatography (HPLC): mechanisms, instrumentation, sample injection, columns, detectors. Spectroscopic techniques: electromagnetic spectra and types of spectroscopies. UV-vis molecular spectroscopy: instrumentation, detectors, qualitative and quantitative applications. Elemental analysis (flame and graphite furnace atomic absorbment, ICP-MS, ICP-OES): sample introduction, sample pretreatment, instrumentation, analytical performance, applications. Mass spectrometry: instrumentation, ion sources, coupling to GC, HPLC and ICP, sample introduction, mass analyzers (quadrupole, magnetic sector, ion trap, TOF, hybrid), detector, acquisition methods, types of mass spectra and interpretation, use of libraries. Other techniques of separation and identification. Capillary electrophoresis and hints on gel electrophoresis. Hints on sample pre-treatment and sampling methods. Execution of a bibliographic research by search in online scientific databases, approach to the solution of case studies and to the effective presentation of the results by multimedia. Solution of case studies by innovative methods (jigsaw, simulations, exercises in classroom).

Knowledge and understanding
- solid knowledge of the theoretical and theoretical / practical bases of the most modern instrumental analytical techniques (absortion and fluorescence molecular spectroscopy, elemental techniques, mass spectrometry, chromatographic and electrophoretic methods)
- knowledge of the analytical performance indices and calibration methods
- basic knowledge of sample pre-treatment and sampling methods
- knowledge of the main online databases available in the University and how to solve a case study and present it

Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
- be able to face and solve analytical problems;
- be able to compare different techniques for the same purpose, also by analyzing the analytical performance indexes
- be able to calculate the indexes of analytical performance;
- be able to perform a bibliographic search through the online databases available at the University
- be able to organize the presentation of a case study

Communication skills
- acquire and use an appropriate chemical vocabulary in relation to the topics covered in the course
- be able to expose a case study using multimedia tools.

Autonomy of judgment
- ability to choose the best analytical technique to solve a given analytical problem
- be able to critically compare indices of analytical performance

Learning ability
- ability to perform a bibliographic search through online research choosing the most reliable sources and to use the study material independently to solve case studies
- ability to use the materials provided by the teacher to study autonomously and to solve case studies.

A passing grade can be achieved by: demonstrating general knowledge; presenting arguments simply; being able to apply theoretical concepts even with uncertainty; demonstrating command of sufficiently correct vocabulary.
Excellent grades can be achieved by: demonstrating very broad and in-depth knowledge; demonstrating consolidated application skills and excellent analysis, synthesis, and the ability to make connections; demonstrating full mastery of presentation and excellent communication skills (vocabulary and PowerPoint presentation); participating very actively in the proposed activities, demonstrating excellent critical thinking and excellent interaction and analysis skills.