OVERVIEW

The aim of the course is to deepen the knowledge acquired in the previous analytical chemistry courses, expanding the main classes of organic contaminants, both traditional and those of recent scientific interest, and the relevant methodologies for their determination, including both sample preparation and instrumental analysis.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the main classes of organic contaminants and their analytical determination in different matrices (environmental, food, biological, etc.).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course intends to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the most important classes of organic contaminants and their analytical determination in different matrices (environmental, food, biological, etc.). In particular, different classes of organic contaminants will be considered, the ones traditionally studied (Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs) and those of more recent scientific interest, the so-called emerging contaminants, including, among others, drugs and substances used in products for personal care, flame retardants, endocrine disruptors, perfluorinated substances. The different sample preparation methods and instrumental methods (LC-MS, GC-MS) most suitable for the determination of the substances under examination will be illustrated, considering, in addition to their chemical-physical characteristics, also important factors such as their concentration, type of matrix and its complexity, the possible presence of interferents.

At the end of the course students will be able to

- know and describe the main classes of organic contaminants, their chemical-physical characteristics, the main matrices in which their analysis is carried out, the most common problems related to their determination

- know the main matrices in which their analysis is carried out and the most common problems related to their determination

- identify, among the different sample preparation methods and the different instrumental analytical techniques, those most suitable for their determination in different matrices, also considering the notions learned during the analytical chemistry courses already attended

 - describe in technical language the stages of sample preparation and the subsequent instrumental analysis

- communicate effectively in written and oral form, adapting one's communication to the context, using various sources and aids, exercising critical thinking; using, processing and evaluating information, exercising argumentative skills

- identifying one's skills, showing ability to concentrate and critically reflect on a task

- manage their own social interactions, developing a cooperative attitude and constructive communication skills in different environments, respect others and their needs,be willing to overcome prejudices, express and understand different points of view, learning to manage possible conflicts, build trust, empathy

- being aware of one's preferred learning strategies, organizing and evaluating personal learning according to what is understood and learned.

Students who have participated to the activities can be awarded up to 4 Open Badges on soft skills, i.e:

- functional literacy skills: reading, writing, appropriate use of language and use of sources;      
- personal competence: autonomy, concentration, resistance to stress;      
- social competence: interpersonal skills, collaborative attitude, sensitivity and empathy;      
- learning to learn skills: self-assessment and self-learning.

PREREQUISITES

It is advisable for the student to be familiar with the knowledge acquired during the previous courses in Analytical Chemistry, particularly with regard to chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques and sample preparation.

TEACHING METHODS

Attending lessons is not compulsory, although strongly recommended. The course will alternate lectures in Italian with group work, favoring case studies and project teaching. Activities will also be organized to encourage an active approach for the solution of an analytical problem.

The 4 CFU of teaching will be delivered for approximately 18 hours with participative teaching mode and 14 hours with lectures.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The bibliographic research for the solution of an analytical problem.

The "classic" organic contaminants (pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, organotin compounds ...) and their characteristics. Analytical techniques for their extraction, purification, preconcentration and analysis in different matrices (environmental, food, biological).

The problem of "emerging contaminants" (drugs, personal care products, brominated flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds, ...); their characteristics and peculiarities. Endocrine disruptors, characteristics and their possible effect on organisms. Analytical techniques for their extraction, purification, preconcentration and analysis in different matrices (environmental, food, biological).

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Slides of the lectures and further teaching material (scientific articles, regulations, different material for a detailed study) available on the Aulaweb platform.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

 According to the timetable reported here 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students wishing to take the exam must book within 2 days in advance on: https://servizionline.unige.it/studenti/esami/prenotazione.

Examination description:

- individual oral interview

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral interview will allow to evaluate:

- knowledge,

- the ability to use the skills developed in different contexts

Evaluation criteria are:

- the quality of the oral presentation,

- the correct use of the specialist vocabulary,

- the capacity for analysis and critical reflection, even on already discussed or hypothetical cases .

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