OVERVIEW

Atomic Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry are two fundamental classes of analytical methods, which are widely used in many fields, from the study of the environment to the control of food quality, from medical research to the production of innovative materials, from the preservation of cultural heritage to forensic investigations. In this unit, the main atomic and mass spectrometry methods are presented in their theoretical, performance and application aspects.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Theoretical knowledge of spectroscopic methods for elemental analysis and mass spectrometry techniques.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participation in the proposed activities (lectures, classroom and laboratory exercises) and individual study will allow the student to:

1) understand the theoretical, performance and application aspects of the spectroscopic methods for elemental analysis and of the atomic and molecular mass spectrometry techniques.

2) discuss the possible problems related to the application of instrumental techniques to specific cases and suggest possible solutions.

3) understand and present the content of scientific articles related to the applications of instrumental techniques in various fields.

4) analyse, compare and evaluate pros and cons of the different instrumental techniques.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The unit is divided into lectures held by the teachers in which the theory will be presented (56 hours) and classroom and laboratory exercises, carried out in groups with participatory teaching techniques (13 hours). In his personal work, the student will have to acquire the theoretical and applicative knowledge of the instrumental analytical chemistry techniques, also making use of educational material (scientific articles, videos, ...) available on AulaWeb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

A. SPECTROSCOPIC METHODS FOR ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS
Theory, instrumentation, analytical performances and applications of the following techniques:

1. Atomic emission spectroscopy
2. Atomic absorption spectroscopy
3. Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy
4. Atomic mass spectrometry
5. X-ray spectroscopy
6. Electron spectroscopy

Classroom and laboratory exercises on the topics of the unit.

B. ADVANCED MOLECULAR MASS SPECTROMETRY

1. Theory of mass spectrometry. Instrumentation for the analysis MS, MS-MS (tandem mass spectrometry) and MSn (ion-trap).
2. Sample introduction systems and ion sources (ESI, APCI, MALDI).
3. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS)
4. Hyphenated techniques: separation techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (HRGC, HPLC).
5. Examples and case studies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grotti, Metodi spettroscopici per l'analisi elementare.EdiSES.

Skoog, Leary, Chimica Analitica Strumentale. EdiSES.

De Hoffmann, Charette, Stroobant, Mass spectrometry – Principle and application. John Wiley & Sons.

Sabbatini, Malitesta, Pastore, Chimica Analitica. EdiSES.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

According to the schedule reported here

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination, with questions related to the content of the unit, including class and laboratory experiences.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination is performed by two professors, and it is about 40-min long. The questions assess the understanding of the theoretical, performance and application aspects of the analytical techniques explained during the unit, and the ability of the student to analyze, compare and evaluate pros and cons of these techniques. Details on how to prepare for the exam and on the degree of detail of each topic will be given during the lessons. During the oral examination, the commission is able to evaluate if the learning outcomes have been achieved. If not, the student is asked to study more thoroughly and/or take benefit from further explanations by teachers.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Compensatory and dispensatory measures Disability/Invalidity/Specific Learning Disorder

Dispensatory measures and compensatory tools are intended to enable students to achieve the same learning objectives as their fellow students, not to facilitate the examination.

The use of compensatory tools and the application of dispensatory measures must be authorised in advance by the teacher in agreement with the Referee.

To take advantage of the adaptations during the examination, fill in the Adaptation request form; the request will be automatically sent by the system to the teacher in charge of the teaching, to the Contact Person of your School/Area/Department and in copy to the Sector; you will also receive a copy of the request sent by e-mail.

The adjustments available to students are as follows:

• Additional time (+30% DSA)
• Additional time (+50% disability/invalidity)
• Additional time during oral exams to organise the answer
• Calculator (programmable and graphing calculators are not allowed)
• Conceptual Maps
• Tables and/or Forms
• Take the exam in written form
• Take the exam in oral form
• Tutor reader (for written tests only)
• Tutor-writer (for written tests only)

Your request for adaptations must be submitted at least 7 working days before the scheduled exam date.

All information for students with disabilities and DSA is available on the webpage: Services for students with disabilities or DSA | UniGe | University of Genoa

Reference for inclusion: Sergio Di Domizio - sergio.didomizio@unige.it