208-310 Analytical Techniques

The objective of this subject is to develop students' ability to:

• describe the physical, chemical and microbiological principles which underlie rapid and instrumental techniques for testing and analysing raw materials and finished products;

• evaluate innovative instrumental methods for specific purposes and materials against criteria of reliability and validity of results, and of cost and efficiency of monetary and labour resources; and

• select rapid or instrumental methods for analyses appropriate to the type of evaluation or assessment required.

Each of the following types of analytical techniques will be studied in line with the objectives outlined: physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters to be assessed; principles of instrumentation and/or methodology and applications of these principles to the technologies employed in analytical techniques; comparison of instrumental and/or rapid methods to conventional techniques of analysis; operation, calibration and standardisation procedures as applicable to particular techniques; assessment and evaluation of data derived from instrumental and/or rapid methods. Methods to be examined are chromatographic, TLC, HPLC, GLC; ion exchange separations; spectrophotometry, UV, visible, AA; mass spectrometry; serological techniques, FA, ELISA, monoclonal antibody; DNA and RNA technology, probes, PCR; electrophoretic separations; impedance; and industrial and research applications.

Laboratory reports (20%); two examinations of 1.5 hours each (40% each).