66684 - Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory

Academic Year 2025/2026

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Ravenna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Chemistry and Technologies for the Environment and Materials (cod. 8515)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will acquire the principles defining analytical chemistry from the point of view of the "problem solving" approach, in particular applied to volumetric and gravimetric analysis. Furthermore, the student will have knowledge about: chemical equilibria in solution with particular attention to the simultaneous ones with the aim of carrying out simple qualitative tests and of defining the optimal conditions for an analytical determination. The student’s skills will be particularly focused on materials of industrial interest and will allow to carry out quantitative volumetric determinations in a classical way or potentiometrically. The student will be able to identify the most suitable methodologies for solving simple analytical issues, to present and to evaluate experimental data by applying basic statistical procedures. The student will also be able to fill an analysis report correctly.

Course contents

PREREQUISITES

1) Elementary functions: fractions, powers, roots, exponentials, and logarithms. Solution of algebraic equations

2) Knowledge of the main physical quantities and the relationships that bind them, main units of measurement

3) Chemical reactions and their balancing. Concept of a mole. Solutions and units of concentration. Concept of equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle. Stoichiometric calculations for complete and/or equilibrium reactions. Knowledge of the chemistry of the most common elements and compounds. Knowledge of basic nomenclature and chemical formulas.

4) Knowledge of Thermodynamics applicable to systems of chemical interest under equilibrium conditions. Phase equilibria in single-component systems. The equation of perfect gases. Mole fraction and partial pressure. Basic electrochemistry.

THEORY PART

Fundamentals of statistics in analytical chemistry: Quality of analytical data. Significant figures. Sources of uncertainty. Errors in chemical analysis; propagation of error. Gross errors, systematic errors, random errors. Accuracy and precision. Confidence interval. Significance test: Student's t. Accuracy test. Precision test. Comparison of two samples.

Fundamentals of analytical chemistry: Application of the concepts of mole, concentration, and dilution to the resolution of practical problems in analytical chemistry, particularly in the stoichiometry of solutions. Introduction to volumetric and gravimetric analysis methods. Exercises on the analytical process.

Acids and bases in aqueous solvents: Systematic treatment of chemical equilibria.  Strength of acids and bases. Polyfunctional acids and bases. Buffer solutions and ampholyte solutions. pH calculations. Acid-base titrations. Methods for evaluating the equivalence point of a titration. Titration error.

Complex formation: Complexation as a function of pH. Conditional and thermodynamic constants. Complexometric titrations. EDTA and analytical applications. Interferences and masking.

Redox equilibria: Electrochemical cells. Influence of pH, solubility and complex formation on the redox potential. Stability of redox systems in water. Redox titrations.

Potentiometry: Direct and indirect measurements. Glass electrode for pH measurements. Potentiometric titrations.

Solubility equilibria: Solubility as a function of pH. Precipitation titrations.Gravimetric analysis methods.

Development of analytical methods: Introduction to the main regulatory and technical-scientific references (ISO, UNI, national standards, scientific literature) for the design of analytical procedures. Definition of analytical objectives, selection of the most suitable technique based on the matrix and the analytes of interest, drafting of detailed operating procedures. Discussion of practical examples on real samples and attention to validation aspects and compliance with current regulations.

LABORATORYPART

Lectures

The recording of work in the laboratory. Volumetric glassware: characteristics, modes of use, calibration. Practical aspects of volumetric titrations: identification of the endpoint using indicators and with graphical and numerical methods. Primary standards. Error handling. Introduction to potentiometric methods.

Laboratory experiences

Laboratory activities include an initial phase of individual experiences aimed at refining each student's practical skills, followed by one or more group experiences designed to develop collaboration and teamwork abilities.

Calibration of glassware. Acid-base titrations: normalization of HCl and NaOH solutions; Acid-base titrations of real samples. Complexometric titrations: determination of the hardness of a real sample. Potentiometric acid-base titrations. Unknown titration.

Attendance at laboratory activities is mandatory in order to take the final exam.

Exercises

In addition to the laboratory experiments, students will need to perform the statistical treatment of the data obtained from experimental measurements, compiling a report based on a template, which will be subject to evaluation. Furthermore, students are required to fill out their individual laboratory notebooks during the experiments. The execution of laboratory activities requires the use of spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel) to perform data processing and simulate the experimental responses obtained.

Laboratory and theoretical activities dedicated to the development, design, and evaluation of analytical methods in the field of chemical analysis allow students to acquire skills in experimental planning, problem-solving applied to the analysis of real samples, data quality control, and the preparation of accurate technical documentation, which are fundamental elements for both professional practice in analytical chemistry and project management.

Readings/Bibliography

D.A. Skoog, D.M. West, F.J. Holler, S.R. Crouch, Fondamenti di Chimica Analitica. EdiSES, Napoli, 2005.

D.C. Harris, Chimica Analitica Quantitativa, Zanichelli, Bologna, 2005

Teaching methods

Classroom lessons, supplemented by practical exercises on the topics covered. It is essential to supplement and deepen the material presented in class with individual study of the textbooks.Theoretical teaching and laboratory work are closely integrated and interdependent. The study of the principles of analytical chemistry and the experimental work, where these are put into action, must necessarily coexist because the experimental activity facilitates the correct cognitive placement of the various topics addressed and encourages the gradual assumption of autonomy in laboratory practice.

Safety in the workplace

Attendance at the laboratory requires the completion of Modules 1 and 2 remotely and participation in Module 3, which focuses on specific training on safety and health in study environments. Indications on the dates and attendance methods for Module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the course website.

Assessment methods

The verification of the acquired knowledge will be carried out through a final written exam. The score is combined with that obtained from the Laboratory of the Analytical Chemistry course (a single final grade). The written exam aims to assess the understanding of the topics covered in both courses.

The exam consists of a written test lasting 3 hours and includes exercises and open-ended questions. During the written exam, the use of textbooks and class notes (or slides) is not permitted. It is necessary to present yourself equipped with a calculator (the one available on devices like tablets or cell phones is not allowed) and the tools for drawing diagrams (pencils, ruler, set square, eraser). The material on which to write the tests (protocol sheets, graph paper, etc.) will be provided by the teacher.

Attendance at the laboratory is mandatory for admission to the final exam. A maximum of 2 absences in the laboratory part is allowed. Furthermore, it is mandatory to have submitted all the experience reports by the assigned deadlines.

To take the scheduled exams, registration through "AlmaEsami" is required, in strict adherence to the indicated deadlines.

Students who do not comply with the aforementioned obligations will not be able to register for the exam on AlmaEsami.

The final evaluation includes the integration of the theoretical part (60% of the final grade) with the Laboratory part. The evaluation of the Laboratory part is based on the reports of the conducted experiments (20% of the final grade) and the results obtained in an unknown Laboratory test (20% of the final grade). The laboratory test is based on a volumetric determination of an unknown solution. During the execution of the test, only the use of the laboratory notebook is allowed, and no other supporting materials (slides, handouts, etc.) are permitted. The lab grade is the average of the report grades and the final exam grade.

The exam will be passed if the score obtained in the written test is greater than or equal to 18/30; in such a case, the final score will be determined by the weighted average, based on the credits assigned, of the scores obtained in the written test and in the laboratory activity.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, 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, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Educational activities make use of supports such as video projection, chemistry laboratories, data processing software, and the manual of experiments.

The presented educational material is available for the students.

Office hours

See the website of Isacco Gualandi

SDGs

Good health and well-being Clean water and sanitation

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.