Study Guide

Objective

The objective of a course on elemental analysis is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, techniques, and applications of elemental analysis. The student understands the purposes of use of different technologies and knows how isotope fingerprinting is used for food fraud detection.
The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the importance of the proper sample pretreatment techniques in inorganic chemistry. Student will learn sample collection and preparation methods required for accurate elemental analysis.
The student knows the basics of radiochemistry. The course is designed to introduce basic concepts of the fundamental behavior of radionuclides, radioanalytical techniques and applications.

Content

• Sample preparation techniques in inorganic chemistry
• Atomic spectroscopy (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, MP-AES, XRF)
• Radiochemistry
• Isotope fingerprinting

Prerequisites

Analytical Separation Methods
Spectrometry

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student:
- can identify and describe the basic concepts and principles of radiochemistry, such as radioactivity, radioactive decay , half-life and radiochemical analysis techniques
- can recognize and explain the importance and purpose of sample preparation techniques in analytical chemistry, such as digestion, filtration, and separation
- can define and illustrate the basic principles and components of atomic spectroscopy techniques, such as atomic emission, atomic fluorescence, plasma generation, mass spectrometry, and X-ray fluorescence

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student:
- can apply the concepts and principles of radiochemistry to solve problems and perform calculations involving radioactive decay and measurement techniques
- can select and perform appropriate sample preparation techniques for different types of samples and analytes, following standard protocols and literature
- can operate and calibrate the instruments for atomic spectroscopy techniques, following standard operating procedures and quality control measures

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student:
- can optimize and choose the sample preparation techniques for specific analytical methods and objectives, taking into account factors such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, and recovery
- can interpret and report the results of atomic spectroscopy techniques for quantitative and qualitative analysis of elements in various samples, taking into account factors such as interferences, detection limits, matrix effects, and uncertainty
- can analyze and evaluate the applications and implications of radiochemistry in various fields for example environmental research

Further information

Tuition is in English