Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Analysis of Environmental Samples
Module Code	CS351A
School	School of Chemical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Gillian McMahon
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To provide students with experience in the safe operation of analytical instrumentation. To promote 'hands-on' development of analytical methods applicable to real-world problems encountered both in industry and academic research. To encourage an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving in a modern analytical laboratory. To apply theoretical knowledge in a practical laboratory setting. To develop record-keeping and presentation skills. To develop inter-personal, team-work and communication skills. To introduced students to modern instrumental techniques. To introduce students to the concepts of sampling and sample handling. To introduce students to preparation, storage and handling of standards and reagents. to introduce students to concepts of instrument calibration and method validation.To analyse the air and water samples taken during the field trip.

Learning Outcomes

1. Operate state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and develop analytical methods for specific problems using this instrumentation. The students will gain hands-on experience with specific instrumentation for spectroscopy, chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, IR/NMR.
2. Appreciate the importance of health and safety in a laboratory setting.
3. Understand the protocols necessary for the care of analytical instrumentation.
4. Competently write detailed scientific reports based on the analytical methods they use in the laboratory.
5. Apply laboratory quality control techniques to the analytical methods that they develop.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lab	36	6 x 6 hour lab sessions
Lab	3	1 x 3 hour introductory session
Independent learning time	4	preparing for lab session
Assignment	70	7 x lab write ups
Assignment	10	quality control write up
Assignment	2	pre moodle quiz
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Laboratory Practicals.
See Laboratory Manual (to be distributed at commencement of module).

Introductory Laboratory session.
introduction to lab format, fundamental wet chemistry techniques, injection techniques.

Using IR and NMR and Karl Fischer titration to identify 2 unknown substances.
one solid and one liquid.

spectroscopy.
determination of iron-phenanthroline mole ratio by UV-visible spectroscopy, determination of quinine in tonic water by fluorescence.

Atomic Absorption spectroscopy.
analysis of cations in tap water, ions in water samples taken during field trip, standard addition calibration.

High performance liquid chromatography.
optimisation of separation conditions, comparison of isocratic and gradient systems.

Ion Chromatography.
determination of inorganic ions in fertiliser and tapwater and water samples taken during field trip.

Gas chromatography.
identification of BTEX in air samples taken during field trip by gas chromatography.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Computerised test/exam	Pre-laboratory quiz	5%	Every Week
Report (s) (written / oral)	scientific report about laboratory session	85%	Every Week
Performance evaluation	marks awarded for good laboratory practice, compliance with health and safety rules	10%	Every Week

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 2

Indicative Reading List