OVERVIEW

Advanced Analytical Techniques aims to deepen the theoretical knowledge acquired in previous Analytical Chemistry courses, with particular emphasis on the analysis of organic compounds using  chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques across different types of real-world matrices.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the most recent techniques employed in the different steps of the analytical process and their applicability on real samples.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of the most recent techniques employed in the different steps of the analytical process and their applicability on real samples. In particular, innovative sampling techniques for the analyses of organic micropollutants in complex matrices will be addressed, also as regards to the following instrumental analysis. Overall aim of the course is to lead students to have a critical competence/capability in the choice of the possible analytical solutions, also taking into account the knowledge of the previous analytical courses.

At the end of the course students must be able to:

• describe in detail the different analytical techniques addressed, their operation and possible applications with a technical language;
• highlight the peculiarities of innovative techniques compared to traditional ones;
• choose among the techniques studied the most suitable for the analysis of a specific category of compounds and justify the choice made, considering important factors such as the concentration of the analytes, the type of matrix and its complexity, the possible presence of interferents
• 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
• identify one's abilities, showing ability to concentrate and critically reflect on a task; manage complexity, showing autonomy in decision-making and task performance, seeking support if necessary; manage stress, developing resilience skills
• manage one's 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
• be aware of one's preferred learning strategies, organize and evaluate personal learning according to what is understood and learned; understand one's own needs and ways of developing skills; be able to identify and pursue learning goals.

PREREQUISITES

It is strongly recommended that students have already passed the Instrumental Analytical Chemistry exam before taking the examination for this course.

TEACHING METHODS

Class attendance is not mandatory, although strongly recommended. The course will alternate between frontal lectures in Italian and group work. Group activities designed to encourage an active approach to solving an analytical problem will also be organized, favoring case studies, project-based and problem based teaching.

The 6 CFUs will be delivered for approximately 32 hours with lectures and approximately 16 hours with participatory activities.

Lecture slides and additional teaching materials available on Aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The bibliographical research for the solution of an analytical problem.

Innovative methods for sample preparation: Solid Phase Micro Extraction, micro and nano magnetic particles, Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction, passive sampling.

Optimization of sample preparation procedures (process efficiency) and instrumental methods.

White and green analytical chemistry: sustainable materials and methods; metrics for method evaluation.

Advanced instrumental techniques: GCxGC and UPLC. New phases for LC.

High resolution mass spectrometry and the role of analytical chemistry in the omics sciences (metabolomics, lipidomics, ...)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Holler / Skoog / Crouch, CHIMICA ANALITICA STRUMENTALE, EDISES 2009

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

The oral examination, conducted by two tenured faculty members, is aimed at assessing knowledge of the topics covered in the course, given in the detailed syllabus deposited on Aulaweb, while also taking into consideration the activities carried out during the course itself.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the oral examination, questions will be asked designed to test not only the degree of learning of the subject, but also the ability to apply it to real cases and solve problems. Thus, in this way, the committee is able to accurately verify the achievement of the educational objectives of the teaching. When these are not achieved, the student is encouraged to study further and to avail himself of further explanations by the lecturers.

Constituting criteria of the evaluation are:

- the quality of exposition,

- the correct use of specialized vocabulary,

- the ability to analyze and critically reflect, including on possible cases already discussed or hypothetical.

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