CHEM 420 - Instrumental Analysis

Units: 3
Principles of operation and application of various analytical instruments including visible/ultraviolet, infrared, inductive coupled plasma optical emission, fluorescence, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy, gas-liquid and high-performance liquid chromatography, and the basic electronics of a simple spectrometer. Lecture Units: 2; Lab Units: 1

Prerequisites: CHEM 220, CHEM 332; and PHYS 126 or PHYS 136, all with grade C- or better.
Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Fall ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Explain the basic nature of light and its interaction with matter;
Explain the concept of Beer’s law and its application for UV/Vis spectroscopy;
Determine the identity of organic molecules using FT-IR spectroscopy;
Explain fundamental principles of NMR and analyze the first order spectra for organic compounds;
Explain the roles of components in a spectrometer and be able to build a simple spectrometer;
Explain the fundamental principles of chromatography and its application for analysis of mixtures of organic compounds;
Explain quenching and anisotropy effects of fluorescence;
Identify the best method for sample analysis;
Work effectively in a group and communicate clearly with project partners;
Articulate observations on data in meaningful discussions in lab reports.