610-260 Analysis in Chemical and Life Sciences

One of chemistry 610-141, 610-161 or 610-051 AND one of 610-142, 610-162 or 610-052.

The subject covers the separation and analysis of biologically important molecules. An emphasis will be placed on the principles of drug analysis and the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds. Course topics include the principles and application of various methods of compound purification, discussion of various forms of chromatography and their applications, spectroscopy, including atomic absorption, infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet/visible and mass spectrometry. Web-deliverable material will be used to both reiterate and augment aspects of the course presented in lectures and tutorials.

Through the practical component of this course students will develop quantitative and qualitative laboratory manipulative skills aimed at the accurate and reproducible analysis of chemical materials, both as single entities and mixtures. This will be achieved through hands-on experience with a variety of spectroscopic and analytical instruments (NMR, HPLC, GC, AA).

Upon completion of 610-260, students will acquire critical skills applicable across the chemical and life sciences. In particular, emphasis will be placed upon the choice and application of techniques for the separation and analysis of chemical and biological materials and the development of problem-solving skills in the spectroscopic determination of molecular structure.

A 2-hour written examination at the end of semester. Practical work will be continuously assessed in the form of short reports. Assignments and tests may constitute up to 10% of the final assessment. Satisfactory performance in both theory and practical work is required before credit can be granted for this subject.