Instrumental Methods

Code:

Q3008

Acronym:

Q3008

Level:

300

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Chemistry

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Chemistry

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L:Q	40	study plan from 2016/17	3	-	6	48	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Module 1 of the course provides a systematic study of the modern techniques of gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Particular emphasis will be given to the theory, principles and application of those separation techniques to the chemical analysis of real samples.


Module 2 addresses the use and interpretation of how different experimental methodologies work for measuring and evaluating physicochemical properties and methods of analysis. The fundamental principles of data acquisition and control systems will be presented, as well as some basic concepts of instrumentation and signal processing. Some sensors for evaluating common signals used in measuring properties will be presented, described and used. Special emphasis will be given to methodological differentiation and the implementation of a methodology to assess a specific problem based on the same instrumental and sensorial basis.


Objectives:

Module 1

- Describe and explain the general principles and theories of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis

- Recognize the concept, as well as the instrumentation of gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis.


Module 2

- Interpretation of a physical signal and forms of sensory evaluation;

- Interpretation of a data acquisition and control diagram and its interconnection with the methodology used to assess a particular property / process;

- Develop interpretive and descriptive skills to evaluate an instrumental system, namely the ability to schematically visualize the way an instrumental system works, sensing, amplification, conditioning, filtering, signal analysis.

- Identify and interpret the differential operating mode;

- Be able to make an elementary assessment of the effect of fundamental variables (pressure and temperature) on the methodology and results obtained;

- Be aware of the importance and effect of multidimensional / multivariation interference on instrumental results.

Learning outcomes and competences

Module 1

-apply chromatographic and electrophoretic theories to improve separation selectivity and efficiency

-employ relevant chromatographic techniques to solve analytical chemistry problems

Module 2

- Have an elementary notion of how acquisition and control systems work;

- Basic concepts of instrumentation and signal processing;

- Be able to describe some sensors and evaluate common signals used in measuring properties;

- Be able to exemplify, describe and be aware of the importance of a differential methodology;

- Give examples and know what are the most common instrumental methods that can be used to determine some properties;

- Learn the theoretical foundations of different physical properties;

- Be able to describe and know some experimental methodologies including characteristics and limitations;

- Be able to rationalize relationships between instrumental results and measured physical properties;

- Possess ability to read/understand relevant articles/book chapters;

- Be able to prepare and carry out oral presentations on the experimental results obtained.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Module 1 - Chromatographic  methods

1.1 General theory of column chromatography

1.2 Optimizing chromatographic separations

1.3 Gas chromatography

1.4 High performance liquid chromatography

1.5 Ion chromatography

1.6 Other chromatographic techniques

1.7 Capillary electrophoresis

 

Module 2 - Instrumentation, data acquisition and methods for measuring chemical-physical properties

2.1 - Introduction about: data acquisition and control; instrumentation and measurement techniques; sensors and transducers; signal processing;

2.2 - Hand on in instrumention: Data acquisition and control systems; signal conversion (ADC/DAC & DIO); sensors, transducers and microprocessors (Arduino).

2.3 - Instrumental methodologies for material characterization, based on chemical-physical properties
(spectroscopy, potentiometry, refractometry, tensiometry, viscosimetry, thermal analysis, calorimetry)

2.4 - Laboratory contact in the field of instrumental methodologies

a) Determination of the molar refraction of water and organic liquids.

b) Determination of surface tension of liquids as a function of molecular parameters and temperature.

c) Determination of the viscosity of water  its dependence with temperature.

d) installation and use of a data acquisition system (Arduino, datalogger, multimeters) for measuring temperature and pressure;

e) contact with sensors of: temperature, pressure, pH, electrical conductivity, light, level, etc.

f) contact with actuation and control systems: mechanical actuators, relays, digital inputs and outputs, counters, etc.

Mandatory literature

Garland Carl W.; Experiments in physical chemistry. ISBN: 9780071263511
Skoog Douglas A.; Principles of instrumental analysis. ISBN: 0-03-002078-6
Daniel C. Harris, 8th Edition, W.H. Freeman and Co; Daniel C. Harris, 2007

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theoretical and laboratory lectures.

 

- In the theoretical the concepts, principles and instrument description will be presented.

- In the lab classes

1. the students will perform the experimental determinations using the various techniques (group work)
2. they will present orally their experimental results, with subsequent discussion with the teacher and colleagues

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	65,00
Trabalho laboratorial	35,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	88,00
Frequência das aulas	48,00
Trabalho laboratorial	26,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

 Students must attend a minimum of 2/3 of the theoretical lectures and  3/4 of the total number of classes and carry out at least 2/3 of the planned laboratory work in order to be admitted to the assessment.

Failure to comply with the minimum number of works requirement leads to the loss of attendance at the UC.

AC1: quantifies the laboratory performance and the final discussion of the reports regarding the
contents described as Module 1

AC2: quantifies the laboratory performance and the final discussion of the reports regarding the
contents described as Module 2


AC = 0.5 x AC1 + 0.5 x AC2


Minimum AC grade: 9.5 values (scale 0 to 20) 

Calculation formula of final grade

Final Assessment


AC: quantifies the laboratory evaluation marck and the final discussion of the reports regarding the
contents described as Module 1 and Modules 2


EX: Final exam 

The final exam consists of a written exercise of multiple answer and open answer that addresses the program and themes that were developed in Modules 1 and Modules 2

Minimum grade: 9.5 values (scale 0 to 20)


Final Mark = 0.65 x EX + 0.35 x AC
(scale 0 to 20)

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The special assessment shall be an oral examination.

Classification improvement

The evaluation mark of the distributed component of the assessment, which includes practical assessment (AC ) cannot be improved.


EX: Final exam mark

The final exam consists of a written exercise of multiple answer and open answer.

Minimum grade: 9.5 values (scale 0 to 20)


Final Mark = 0.65 x EX + 0.35 x AC
(scale 0 to 20)