98854 - LABORATORIO DI CHIMICA ANALITICA E STRUMENTALE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the students are expected to acquire knowledge and practical skills on the use of the main sampling techniques and methods of handling solid, liquid and gaseous samples. Students will be able to carry out the common instrumental analyzes: volumetric analysis, potentiometry, spectroscopy, separative techniques, mass spectrometry. Students will be able to perform instrumentation calibration and quality control of analytical data and will be able to write and manage spreadsheets suitable for processing experimental data. They will be able to present and evaluate experimental data by applying basic statistical procedures for univariate and multivariate analysis. In addition, they will be able to understand a standard operating procedure (SOP) and to draw up a certificate of analysis.

Course contents

The activities carried out include the practical use of the main laboratory techniques for sample preparation and instrumental analysis. The entire analytical process will be examined, up to the preparation of the analysis report and the laboratory report in which particular attention will be required to the significance of the data obtained and to statistical validation. When possible, the same analytical parameter will be obtained with different analytical techniques to compare the methods and highlight their advantages and disadvantages. Issues relating to the quality control of analytical data and the use and management of instrumentation will also be addressed according to the principles of quality management (setting and use of instrumental software, calibration and / or calibration, verification of instrumental parameters, maintenance and maintenance ordinary instrumentation).

The course is extensive and divided into three teaching modules, in which the topics listed below will be addressed.

Module 1 (30 hours)

Spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric analysis techniques in various formats (eg cuvette, microplate) will be used to develop analytical methods in their various phases, from calibration to evaluation and validation of the analytical data.

Module 2 (26 hours)

Chromatographic analytical methods (gas chromatography, GC, and liquid chromatography, HPLC) will be developed in the various phases, from calibration and sample preparation to validation (e.g., determination of accuracy and precision).

Module 3 (28 hours)

The quantitative analyses carried out by acid-base and complexometric titrations will be examined, and, subsequently, the potentiometric methods of analysis (ion-selective electrodes and reference electrodes, potentiometric methods based on the use of ion-selective electrodes, potentiometric titrations). The methods will then be compared by analysing a real sample.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching material (e.g., laboratory experiences booklet, classroom practice materials) will be available on "Virtuale" (https://virtuale.unibo.it, access with credentials reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna).

Recommended 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).

Teaching methods

Each of the course’s teaching modules includes practical laboratory experiments (carried out in small work groups or if possible individually) and exercises related to solving analytical problems related to laboratory activities, setting up experiments and analyzing the obtained results. A practical design activity will also be carried out, organized for small work groups and led by teachers, based on the resolution of simple case studies that will address the topics of the course also through the development of simple analytical methods.

Attendance at laboratory exercises is mandatory. To obtain eligibility it is necessary to participate in at least 80% of the laboratory activities.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students (including all the international incoming exchange students, i.e. ERASMUS) must attend Modules 1 and 2 online (https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio), while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme ("studiare"--"formazione obbligatoria su sicurezza e salute").

Assessment methods

Successful completion of the course requires the issuance of a qualification, which will take place upon presentation of the reports on the activities carried out. The quality of the work and the ability to use the concepts and tools learned during the course and to report the work carried out and the data collected in a correct and synthetic way will be particularly evaluated.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities must contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Video projector for lectures and analytical laboratory equipped with the necessary instrumentation. The teaching material will be available in electronic format on “Virtuale” (https://virtuale.unibo.it, access with credentials reserved for students enrolled at the University of Bologna). The practical experiences booklet must be printed and brought to the laboratory.

Office hours

See the website of Massimo Guardigli

See the website of Jessica Fiori

See the website of Federica Mariani