OVERVIEW

Analytical chemistry is an information science in the chemical field that deals with characterising the nature of chemical systems and identifying/quantifying their components of interest. “Analytical” derives, in fact, from the Greek verb ἀναλύω, which means to dissolve/break down. This discipline is aimed at solving complex problems by dividing them into their simplest constituents. From an application perspective, chemical analysis becomes a tool for controlling and guaranteeing reliability of processes and products. The course describes the main techniques of instrumental chemical analysis currently used in laboratories.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides an overview of the sampling procedures and instrumental analytical techniques used in biotechnology. Several aspects of the quality control will be treated also.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Organize and describe the phases of the analytical chemical process.
• Define the quality figures of merits for assessing a method and an analytical result, applying them in the context of an analytical laboratory.
• Plan appropriate sample pretreatment strategies.
• Describe the fundamentals of separative instrumental analytical techniques (HPLC, GC) and spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis, fluorescence).
• Interpret and clearly explain the results of instrumental chemical analysis.

PREREQUISITES

For an efficient understanding of the course, it is advisable that the student has previously acquired fundamental knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures with the aid of computer-based supports (PowerPoint presentations) and audio-video. Depending on the current situation and the university's guidelines, both in-person teaching and exams may be held remotely via online platforms.

Any Student with documented Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or with any special needs, shall reach out to the Lecturer(s) and to the dedicated SLD Representative in the Department before class begins, in order to liase and arrange the specific teaching methods and ensure proper achievement of the learning aims and outcomes.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

1. Sample pre-treatment: physical and chimical methods.
2. Criteria for the choice of an analytical method; figures of merit.
3. Chromatographic techniques: TLC, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Evaluation parameters in chromatography. Optimisation of a chromatographic method. Block schemes of instrumental equipment.
4. Introduction to spectroscopic methods. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometry; qualitative and quantitative applications. Principles of fluorescence spectroscopy. Cytofluorimetry. Principles of infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
5. Mass spectrometry (MS): principles and applications. Components of a mass spectrometer. Ionisation modes. Analysers. Basic principles for interpretation of mass spectra.
6. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Principles of the technique. Information provided by a 1H-NMR spectrum.
7. Quality control. Good laboratory practices (GLP). Validation of an analytical method. Errors. Certified reference materials. Significant figures. Control charts.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Material provided by professor, in the form of multimedia presentations, contains all the information necessary for the study of the subject as well as for passing the exam. The material, updated annually, can be downloaded in .pdf format from the course website for the academic year of reference, on the AulaWeb platform.

Moreover, the following text will be useful to deepen what will be explained by the professor:

Chimica Analitica

L. Sabbatini, C. Malitesta, P. Pastore

• Format: softcover
• Publisher: EdiSES (I/2025)
• N. of Pages: 820
• ISBN: 9788836231942

Further bibliography:

• R. Cozzi, P. Protti, T. Ruaro, Tecniche di analisi per Biotecnologie ambientali e sanitarie, EdiSES.
• D.A. Skoog, J.F. Holler, S.R. Crouch, Chimica Analitica Strumentale, EdiSES.
• G.D. Christian, P.K. Dasgupta, K.A. Schug, Chimica Analitica, 7a edizione, Piccin Nuova Libraria, 2024.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will start in accordance with the academic calendar. Any changes to the timetable will be communicated on the course wall on the AulaWeb platform.

Class schedule

ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL OF QUALITY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The course does not include intermediate assessments. The credits will be awarded upon passing an oral exam. The oral exam is always conducted by two tenured professors and lasts approximately 30 minutes. With this format, the Committee is able to accurately assess the achievement of the course educational objectives by asking a variety of questions related to the material covered during the course. When the educational objectives are not met, the student is encouraged to deepen their knowledge and may seek further explanations from the course instructor.