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 course, 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 the elemental analysis and mass spectrometry techniques.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

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

2) analyze, compare and discuss the limits and potentials of the various instrumental techniques.

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

4) understand and explain the content of scientific articles concerning the applications of the instrumental techniques in various fields.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and bibliographic/laboratory work (for Chemical Sciences only). Slides and further educational material (articles, video,…) 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

B. ADVANCED 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. Hyphenated techniques: separation techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (HRGC, HPLC, capillary electrophoresis).

4. Examples and case studies.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

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

C.B. Boss, K.J. Fredeen - Concepts, Instrumentation, and Techniques in ICP-OES.

D.A. Skoog, J.J Leary, Chimica Analitica Strumentale.

De Hoffmann, Charette, Stroobant, Mass spectrometry – Principle and application

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARCO GROTTI (President)

FRANCISCO ARDINI

MARINA DI CARRO

EMANUELE MAGI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://chimica.unige.it/didattica/orari_SC

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 course, including class and laboratory experiences. Students are required to demonstrate their achievement of the learning outcomes, through oral presentation and graphical schemes.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination is performed by two professors and it is about 40-min long. During the examination, the student answers to questions related to the content of the course. 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.

Exam schedule