Chemistry 311: Instrumental Analytical Chemistry

Instructor: Dr. Russ Algar 
E-mail:     
Office Hours: TBD

CHEM 311 is an introduction to modern chemical analysis. It provides an overview of instrumental methods that are commonly used to measure the elemental and molecular compositions of samples. It also teaches the core concepts for each technology. This knowledge is a highly employable attribute for positions in industry, service and research labs, and regulatory agencies.

Students will learn to:

• Explain the physicochemical processes that are the basis for instrumental methods;
• Summarize and diagram the functional components and designs of analytical instruments; 
• Appraise and compare the strengths and weaknesses of instrumental methods;
• Rationally select and optimize instrumental methods for a particular chemical analysis.

Main course topics:

1. Light and photonic technologies
2. UV-visible absorption spectrophotometry
3. Fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging
4. Atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy
5. Infrared absorption spectroscopy       
6. Raman spectroscopy
7. Electroanalysis (voltammetry)
8. Chromatography and electrophoresis
9. Mass spectrometry