During the Analytical Chemistry course, the student will learn some of the most advanced analytical techniques. The essential instrumental methods will be covered as well, in particular those for modern and advanced biological applications. Technical details and applications will also be considered. Specific emphasis will be given to chromatography and mass spectrometry.

A brief review of some basic concepts: measurement units of concentration. Preparation of solutions and related dilutions. Validation of analytical methods: Measurement error: Significant figures. Errors and their identification and minimization. Precision and accuracy. Calibration. Pearson coefficient. Least squares method. Standardization procedures. Sample preparation techniques. Extraction and pre-concentration. Recovery efficiency.

Chromatographic methods: Distribution coefficient. Column chromatography. The chromatogram and chromatographic parameters. Chromatographic resolution and efficiency. Band broadening. Van Deemter equation.

High-performance liquid chromatography: Stationary phases and mobile phases. Column types. UHPLC and other high-efficiency techniques. Separation mechanisms: adsorption, distribution, ion exchange, dimensional exclusion. Ion chromatography. HPLC injector. HPLC detectors: RI, UV-Vis, Fluorescence; Electrochemical detectors.

Mass spectrometry: Ionization techniques: electron ionization, chemical ionization, electrospray ionization (ESI), matrix effects, multicharged ions. General characteristics of a mass spectrum. Mass spectrometric resolution. Characteristic fragmentations. Isotope clusters. Mass analyzers: quadrupole (Q), ion trap (QIT), time of flight (TOF). Chromatography-mass spectrometry coupling: HPLC-MS. Instrumental configurations and operating modes. HPLC-MS interfaces. Use of the mass spectrometer in the analytical field: SIM, Scan, MSMS.

Examples and applications.

D1: Knowledge and understanding. The student must learn the principles and use of the main analytical techniques available for the qualitative and quantitative determination of analytes. He/she must also have knowledge of what the most characteristic and important substances present in biological tissues are and how they are determined. The student must understand the techniques available for sampling, conservation, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical components and how to apply them to real samples. The student must be able to establish which instrumentation is most suitable for the needs of the samples to be analyzed. These skills will be tested through written questions.

D2: Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The student must be able to correctly use the terminology related to analytical chemistry. He/she must master the concentration measurement units. He/she must be able to choose between the sampling, sample treatment, and analysis techniques that are most appropriate for the analysis of biological samples. These skills will be tested through written questions.

D3: Autonomy of judgment. The student must be able to make the right decisions on how to deal with a problem related to the analysis and evaluation of the data obtained.

D4: Communication skills. The student must be able to clearly describe the analytical techniques studied with appropriate terms and suitable examples.

D5: Learning ability. The student's scientific growth must be critical and autonomous, using correctly the material provided by the teacher and that which he/she will find independently to deepen the study.

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

None

Attendance

Students who have attended at least 70% of lessons.

Course books

Daniel C. Harris - Chimica Analitica Quantitativa - edizione 2017 - Zanichelli, Cozzi, Protti, Ruaro - Elementi di analisi chimica strumentale - Seconda edizione - Zanichelli, Holler, Skoog, Crouch - Chimica analitica strumentale - Seconda edizione - EdiSES, Dong - Modern HPLC for Practicing Scientists - Wiley, Dass - Fundamentals of Contemporary Mass Spectrometry - Wiley, Cappiello - Advances in LC-MS Instrumetation - Elsevier

Assessment

Written test with six exercises and open questions on several topics taken from the course program. A 45-minute time is allowed to complete the test using a form with the six questions and enough space for the answers. The evaluation considers the sum of all answers and their overall quality, emphasizing the correct use of scientific terminology.

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.

Course books

Daniel C. Harris - Chimica Analitica Quantitativa - edizione 2017 - Zanichelli, Cozzi, Protti, Ruaro - Elementi di analisi chimica strumentale - Seconda edizione - Zanichelli, Holler, Skoog, Crouch - Chimica analitica strumentale - Seconda edizione - EdiSES, Dong - Modern HPLC for Practicing Scientists - Wiley, Dass - Fundamentals of Contemporary Mass Spectrometry - Wiley, Cappiello - Advances in LC-MS Instrumetation - Elsevier

Assessment

Written test with six exercises and open questions on several topics taken from the course program. A 45-minute time is allowed to complete the test using a form with the six questions and enough space for the answers. The evaluation considers the sum of all answers and their overall quality, emphasizing the correct use of scientific terminology.

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.