During the course the student will learn the methods and analytical techniques most relevant to the purposes of this course. The most important instrumental methods will be considered, in particular those for modern and advanced food and food safety applications. Technical details and applications will be also considered. Particular emphasis will be given to chromatography and mass spectometry. Laborary experieces will complete the program with basic and advanced information.

1. Validation of analytical methods: The error of measurement: Significant figures. Errors and their detection and minimization. Precision and accuracy. Calibration. Pearson coefficient. Method of least squares. Standardization procedures.
Measurements of weight and volume. Use of scales. Volume measurements using precision and glass pipettes.
2. Solutions. The concentration of the solutions. Concentrated solutions and dilution procedures. Use of pH indicators and measurement of pH. Instrumental measurement of pH.
3. Neutralization titrations: titration strong acid-strong base and weak acid-strong base.
Complexometric titrations.
Buffers and pH indicators. Preparation of buffer solutions. Titration curve of a weak acid with a strong base.
4. Chromatographic methods: distribution coefficient. Column chromatography. The chromatogram and the chromatographic parameters. Sample preparation. Recovery efficiency. Fortification of solid and liquid samples and problems related to it. Extraction methods. Chromatographic resolution and efficiency. Band broadening. Van Deemter equation. Gas chromatography. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) : stationary and mobile phases. Types of columns. Separation mechanisms: absorption, distribution, ion exchange, size exclusion. Ion chromatography. HPLC injector. HPLC detectors: RI, UV-Vis, fluorescence, electrochemical detectors.

5.Mass Spectrometry: ionization techniques: electronic ionization, chemical ionization, electrospray ionization (ESI), multicharged ions. MALDI. General features of a mass spectrum. Mass spectrometric resolution. Fragmentation characteristics. Isotopic cluster. Mass analyzer: quadrupole (Q), ion trap (IT), Time-of-flight (TOF). Chromatography-mass spectrometry coupling, GC-MS and HPLC-MS. instrument configurations and operating modes. LC-MS interfaces. Using the mass spectrometer in the analytic field: SIM, Scan.

Knowledge and understanding of the specific language.

Knowledge and understanding of the methods and techniques proposed.

Ability to choose the most appropriate techniques for specific applications.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Classroom and laboratory lessons.

Attendance

Attendance at all classes (front and laboratory) is mandatory. The frequency will be verified through the collection of signatures. It is mandatory to attend at least 3/4 of the planned laboratory classes. A basic knowledge of the English language is essential.

Course books

Slides. Suggested booksi: Cozzi, Protti, Ruaro - Elementi di analisi chimica strumentale -Seconda edizione - Zanichelli-Holler, Skoog, Crouch - Chimica analitica strumentale - Seconda edizione - EdiSES

Assessment

Written exam on the syllabus and on the laboratory activities. Students attending less than 3/4 of the front classes, in addition to the written exam, will be interviewed also on two scientific articles written in English. The articles will be posted through Blended Learning.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.