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.

TEACHING METHODS

The unit is divided into lectures held by the teachers in which the theory will be presented (56 hours) and, for the students of Chemical Sciences, 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 (only for Chemical Sciences)

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

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

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

From October 14th, 2024

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

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.