98854 - Laboratory Analytical and Instrumental Chemistry

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required to apply the principal sampling techniques and methods for the treatment of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples. Students will acquire the ability to apply the most common instrumental analytical techniques, including volumetric analysis, potentiometry, analytical spectroscopy, separation techniques, and mass spectrometry. Students will also be able to calibrate analytical instruments, implement analytical quality control procedures, and develop and manage spreadsheets for the processing of experimental data in instrumental analytical chemistry. They will be capable of presenting and evaluating experimental results by applying basic statistical methods for both univariate and multivariate data analysis. Furthermore, students will be able to apply Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and to prepare a certificate of analysis.

Course contents

The course provides hands-on training in the principal laboratory quantitative analytical techniques. Students will experience the entire analytical workflow, from sample analysis to the preparation of analytical and laboratory reports, with particular emphasis on the significance of the analytical results and their statistical validation. Whenever possible, the same analytical parameter will be determined using different analytical techniques in order to compare alternative methodologies and critically evaluate their respective advantages and limitations. The course also addresses analytical quality control and the proper use of laboratory instrumentation in accordance with quality management principles, including instrument software configuration and operation, calibration and standardization procedures, verification of instrument performance, and routine instrument maintenance.
A basic knowledge of mathematics and general chemistry (e.g., concentration and stoichiometric calculations), as well as familiarity with standard laboratory procedures and the use of common laboratory equipment, is required.
The course is organized into three modules covering the following topics.

Module 1 (30 hours)

Spectroscopic analytical techniques. Students will apply spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric techniques using different analytical formats (e.g., cuvettes and microplates) to develop analytical methods through all stages of the analytical process, including calibration, evaluation, and verification of analytical results.

Module 2 (26 hours)

Chromatographic analytical techniques. Students will develop chromatographic analytical methods using gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The module covers all stages of method development, including calibration, sample preparation, and method validation (e.g., assessment of analytical accuracy and precision).

Module 3 (28 hours)

Volumetric and potentiometric analytical techniques. This module focuses on quantitative analytical methods based on acid–base and complexometric titrations, as well as potentiometric methods (e.g., analyses with ion-selective electrodes and potentiometric titrations). The analytical methods studied will subsequently be compared through the analysis of real samples.

Readings/Bibliography

Laboratory handouts and additional teaching materials (e.g., guidelines for the preparation of laboratory reports, technical manuals, and materials for classroom activities) will be made available through the University of Bologna's “Virtuale” platform.

Recommended textbooks
Students wishing to gain a deeper understanding of the analytical techniques used in the laboratory and the procedures for processing and interpreting experimental data are encouraged to consult the following textbooks.
Statistics and processing of experimental data: G. Filatrella, P. Romano, Elaborazione statistica dei dati sperimentali, 2° Ed. (EdiSES, 2022); M. Grotti, F. Ardini, Il laboratorio di chimica analitica, 1° Ed. (EdiSES, 2022).
General analytical chemistry: J.F. Holler, S.R. Crouch, Fondamenti di chimica analitica, 3° Ed. (EdiSES, 2015); D.C. Harris, Chimica analitica quantitativa, 3° Ed. (Zanichelli, 2017); L. Sabbatini, C. Malitesta, P. Pastore, Chimica analitica, 1° Ed. (EdiSES, 2025).

Teaching methods

Each course module consists of both laboratory sessions and classroom instruction. During the laboratory sessions, which are conducted either individually or in small groups whenever possible, students will develop the practical skills required to apply a range of analytical techniques in accordance with quality assurance and laboratory safety principles. The classroom sessions introduce the laboratory activities, include exercises based on analytical problems related to the experiments, and focus on the processing, interpretation, and critical evaluation of the experimental results. In addition, students will participate in a guided group project involving the design of analytical methods to address selected case studies under the supervision of the course instructors.

Attendance at laboratory sessions is compulsory. To obtain the final pass, students must attend at least 80% of the laboratory activities.

Given the nature of the laboratory activities and the teaching methods adopted, attendance at the laboratory sessions requires all students (including incoming international students, e.g. ERASMUS students) to complete modules 1 and 2 of the online safety training and to attend module 3, which provides specific training on health and safety in study environments. Information regarding the schedule and attendance procedures for module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Programme website.

Assessment methods

The course does not include a graded final examination. Instead, students are required to obtain a pass based on the assessment of coursework. The pass will be awarded following the submission and evaluation of laboratory reports and any additional assignments required by the instructor (e.g., reports on analytical techniques or methods). Instructions regarding the preparation and submission of these materials will be provided during the laboratory sessions. Assessment will be based on the quality of the submitted work and on the student's ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to present experimental data and draw appropriate conclusions in a clear, concise, and scientifically sound manner.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's designated support office. The office will assess their needs and, where appropriate, propose reasonable accommodations. Any proposed accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will evaluate their suitability, taking into account the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

The course is delivered in a teaching laboratory equipped with the instrumentation required for the practical sessions and with audiovisual facilities for classroom instruction. Exercises involving the processing and analysis of experimental data will be carried out using students' personal computers with software (e.g., Microsoft Excel®) made available through the University of Bologna. All teaching materials required for the laboratory sessions or used during classroom activities will be made available through the University of Bologna's “Virtuale” platform. Students are required to print the laboratory handouts and bring them to each laboratory session.

Office hours

See the website of Massimo Guardigli

See the website of Jessica Fiori

See the website of Federica Mariani