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Overview

Fundamentals of quantitative analysis, including spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and uncertainty analysis. Applications of analytical chemistry are highlighted through examples in marine, forensic, environmental, and health-related fields.

Fundamentals of quantitative analysis, including spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and uncertainty analysis. Applications of analytical chemistry are highlighted through examples in marine, forensic, environmental, and health-related fields.

CHEM 206 introduces the fundamentals of analytical chemistry. Students will learn the theory and practice behind common laboratory analyses, with an emphasis on identifying appropriate analytical techniques for a given sample. From sampling to measurement to data analysis, we will focus on the steps to take to ensure you obtain the highest quality results.

CHEM 206 has been designed for Chemistry, Forensic Analytical Science, and other science majors with an interest in quantitative analysis and the instrumental techniques that form the basis of the chemical laboratory.

About this paper

Paper title Analytical Chemistry 1
Subject Chemistry
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,243.65
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
18 100-level CHEM points and at least 72 further points
Schedule C
Science
Contact

Associate Professor Christina McGraw
Tel 64 3 479 7907
Location: Science II, 5C4
Email christina.mcgraw@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Christina McGraw

Lecturers: Professor Lyall Hanton

Professor Keith Gordon

Dr Courtney Ennis

Paper Structure

Topics cover the foundational knowledge needed for quantitative analysis in the laboratory:

  • General steps in a chemical analysis
    • Formulate a question
    • Select an analytical procedure
    • Sampling, transport and storage
    • Laboratory analysis
    • Data analysis
    • Interpret and report
  • Errors, accuracy and precision
  • The role of ionic strength and activity on chemical equilibria
  • Introduction to potentiometry and electrochemical methods
  • Instrumental aspects of spectroscopy
Teaching Arrangements

There are three lectures and one 4-hour laboratory class each week.

Textbooks

Highly recommended: Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 9th edition by Daniel Harris.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Self-motivation, Global perspective, Scholarship, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Research, Information literacy, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this paper will:

  • Understand the distinction between qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses
  • Assess analytical data through statistical analyses, including confidence intervals and regression analysis
  • Be able to collect and apply calibration data
  • Assess the quality of laboratory results with respect to standard figures of merit, e.g. accuracy, precision and limit of detection
  • Understand how the general steps in quantities chemical analysis relate to common analytical instrumentation
  • Understand the impact of chemical equilibria on quantitative analyses
  • Understand the theory of electrochemical analysis and apply theoretical principles in the laboratory
  • Understand the components of spectroscopic instrumentation and how these components affect the analysis
  • Be able to apply analytical methods in the laboratory
  • Communicate scientific information clearly and accurately

Timetable

Semester 1

Location
Dunedin
Teaching method
This paper is taught On Campus
Learning management system
Blackboard

Lecture

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend
A1 Monday 11:00-11:50 9-16, 18-22
Tuesday 09:00-09:50 9-16, 18-22
Wednesday 10:00-10:50 9-16, 18-22

Practical

Stream Days Times Weeks
Attend one stream from
A1 Wednesday 14:00-17:50 9-16, 18-21
A2 Thursday 14:00-17:50 9-16, 18-21
A3 Tuesday 14:00-17:50 9-16, 18-21
A4 Monday 14:00-17:50 9-16, 18-21
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