CH4AN1-Advanced Analytical Techniques for the Molecular Sciences

Module Provider: Chemistry
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Rainer Cramer
Email: r.k.cramer@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
Study of modern analytical chemistry techniques relevant to the molecular sciences.

Aims:
To give students familiarity in theory and applications of advanced analytical techniques.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Students should develop an understanding for the analytical techniques covered in the module. They should appreciate how such techniques can be used independently and in conjunction with other techniques to elucidate molecular structure and identity. Students should be able to solve problems in analytical chemistry based upon application of the techniques.

Additional outcomes:
Students will gain experience in problems solving, numeracy and report writing.

Outline content:

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (8 lectures (4x2hours) + 1 workshop)

Revision of basic principles, vector model and rotating frame analysis, pulsed-Fourier transform NMR, carbon NMR (coupling constants, broadband decoupling), 2D-NMR, including J-resolved spectra and homo- and heteronuclear correlation.



Electrophoretic Methods of Analysis (4 lectures (2x2hours))

Electrophoresis and related topics. Survey of the range of electrophoretic t echniques available for the separation, purification and analysis of polymers, macromolecules and biomolecules such as proteins and DNA with an introduction to biomacromolecules.



Advanced Mass Spectrometry (6 lectures (3x2hours) + 1 workshop/practical (2 hours))

Revision of basic principles and instrumentation, fragmentation in mass spectrometry and spectral interpretation, quantitative analysis, hyphenation of other analytical and preparative techniques with mass spectrometry (incl. interfacing chromatographic instrumentation with a mass spectrometer), introduction to modern biological/biochemical mass spectrometry.



Advanced Electrochemical Methods of Analysis (6 lectures (3x2hours) + 1 workshop)

Application of ultramicroelectrodes; chronoamperometry, rotating disk and ring-disk electrodes, stripping and differential pulse voltammetry; spectroelectrochemistry in thin-layer cells.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
24 hours lectures plus associated workshops and instrument visits.