This module will be taught in two theory classes of one hour duration for 30 weeks and one practical of three hours duration for thirty weeks. Students will visit one industrial site during the year. To consolidate lectures and practicals, students will normally be required to carry out assignments and prepare a weekly practical report analysing their own research and results. Any course-related issue or questions that may arise will be discussed at lectures.
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to impart knowledge of basic analytical principles, in areas of spectroscopic, titrimetric, electrochemical and transition metal chemistry and to provide practical training in this subject area with due regard to best practice and safety.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge and understanding of analytical chemistry as applied to spectroscopic and titrimetric analysis.
LO2
Describe the physical and chemical properties of the representative and transition elements.
LO3
Demonstrate the fundamentals of ionic solutions and electrochemical cells
LO4
Demonstrate a knowledge of basic inorganic chemistry.
LO5
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of laboratory instruments.
LO6
Apply the appropriate safety procedures and regulations in the laboratory
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
Successful completion of year 1 or equivalent
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
Theory
1. Titrimetric methods: Principles of acid-base, complexometric, redox and precipitation titrations; importance of indicator concentration/selection and stoichiometric calculations.
2. Transition metal chemistry: The first series of transition elements. The metals (Sc - Zn): electronic configurations, chemical properties and uses.
3. Spectroscopic methods: The electromagnetic spectrum.
Introduction to atomic absorption spectroscopy, flame photometry, FTIR and UV-Vis methods, including sample treatment, concentration range, industrial applications, optimum conditions, interferences.
4. Inorganic Chemistry: Systematic chemistry of the non-transition elements i.e. physical properties, group chemical reactions.
5. Ionic solutions & Electrochemical cells. Nernst equation
Practical
Two “dry” practicals covering relevant calculations and H&S requirements will be followed by an introduction to the Analytical laboratory. Subsequent practicals will develop skills in the use of analytical equipment and techniques from AAS, FP, FTIR, UV-Vis and various titrimetric analysis.Use of ion-selective electrodes, conductimetric titrations. Preparative Inorganic chemistry and qualitative Inorganic chemistry will also be scheduled. The practicals covered will reinforce and amplify the material covered in the lecture course. A major emphasis will be placed on the interfacing of instruments with updated software, e.g., probe for UV-Vis.
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
10.00%
Practical
40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
50.00%
Special Regulation
Students must achieve a minimum grade (35%) in both the practical/CA and final examination.
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Other
3 continuous assessment exams
1,2,3,4
10.00
n/a
No Project
Practical
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Practical/Skills Evaluation
Practical Log Book
5,6
40.00
Sem 1 End
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
No Description
1,2,3,4
50.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment