CVB320 Instrumental Analysis

Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

Modern instrumental methods are capable of producing large quantities of data and it is becoming common practice to use data driven chemometic and cheminformatics techniques as an adjunct to instrumental analysis. These techniques are introduced through a project-based investigation of bio-analytically related datasets where you develop understanding of applications of instrumental analysis and further develop your analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication and deductive skills using real-world examples. This unit builds upon the theoretical and practical framework for chemical analysis in the unit CVB202 Analytical Chemistry to develop advanced instrumental and analysis techniques for modern laboratory practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate accurate knowledge and application of the theory behind making reliable chemical measurements using instrumentation in spectroscopy and chromatography
2. Write scientific reports that integrate theory with instrumental analysis practice in the laboratory
3. Interpret data generated in the laboratory through application of chemometric and cheminformatic techniques
4. Work independently and in small teams to solve complex scientific problems using instrumental analysis

Content

Learning Approaches

Class contact in this unit will involve a combination of lectorials, problem-based learning modules, informal interactive workshops, as well as series of laboratory experiments using advanced instrumentation.

Lectorials / Problem based learning (2 hours per week)
Interactive lectures using relevant practical examples to demonstrate the principles and applications of analytical chemistry, supplemented with problem-based learning modules performed in small groups with feedback and discussion with the larger class to provide a diverse range of learning experiences.

Practical work (7 sessions)
The practical program is designed to reinforce the principles and applications learnt in lectures as well as develop practical laboratory skills in the treatment and manipulations of samples (specimens), and analysis using a variety of instrumental techniques in spectrometry and chromatography. The development of good laboratory practice (GLP) and the safe handling of chemical substances is emphasised.

Workshops ( 3 sessions)
The interactive workshop sessions will allow practical exploration of the content area of chemomerics and cheminformatics, developed in the lectorial program. The workshops feature the critical evaluation and reflection on class results of the data analysis activities. The uses of appropriate chemometric and graphic techniques are developed, with particular emphasis on problem solving and the interpretation and reporting or experimental results.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

There will be extensive opportunity to assess your progress in the unit. You will obtain feedback on your laboratory reports, which will be annotated and returned to you. The informal atmosphere in the laboratory means that you will have the opportunity for one-to-one feedback from your demonstrator. This will be supplemented by the cooperative learning project, which will by its nature provide feedback from peers and your instructors. The results that you obtain in the practice examinations will provide ongoing feedback, in particular about your preparation for the final theory exam.

Assessment items, except the final examination, will be returned to you; model answers will be provided on Canvas. Many practice examples and worked solutions, including typical final examination questions, will be available to guide your learning and self-test your progress. All staff in the unit will be available for individual or small group consultation.

Assessment

Overview

The assessment in this unit comprises both formative and summative elements. Formative assessment will take the form of provision of model answers for summative tasks, practice problems with worked solutions, return of your marked and annotated practical reports, and interactive discussions with your laboratory demonstrators. Summative assessment is a combination of problem-solving tasks, the written reports and supervised theory examination.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Laboratory/Practical

You will be required to undertake 3  x 2.5-hour sessions of supervised practical and workshop activities and for which you will prepare written reports, comprising both pre-laboratory and post-experiment components. The remaining 6 Laboratory sessions will be delivered virtually, where video of the experimental and a representative dataset will be supplied. From this you will prepare written reports, comprising both pre-laboratory and post-experiment components. One laboratory/workshop report will be used in a peer-based assessment exercise.

Assessment: Problem Solving Task

You will work collaboratively on a real-world problem with group-based assessment.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Assessment: Timed online assessment

The end of semester theory exam will cover content from all theory components of the unit.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Risk Assessment Statement

The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will undertake compulsory formal pre-laboratory assessment in Health and Safety matters relevant to the laboratory and QUT buildings in general. Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiments are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this advice, it is your responsibility to comply with all instructions, for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.