Chemical Analysis Course

Lesson 1 • Units, Measurement, and Significant Figures

Covers SI units, concentration expressions, and rules for significant figures. Provides the numerical language used throughout all analytical calculations.

Lesson 2 • Laboratory Safety and Chemical Hazards

Introduces hazard classification, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures. Ensures safe practice before any hands-on laboratory work begins.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Analytical Balances

Explains balance types, calibration, and proper weighing technique. Accurate mass measurement underpins every gravimetric and solution-preparation step.

Lesson 4 • Laboratory Glassware and Equipment

Identifies volumetric and non-volumetric glassware and their correct use. Builds manual dexterity and equipment literacy essential for accurate measurements.

Lesson 1 • Descriptive Statistics for Analytical Data

Applies mean, median, standard deviation, and variance to replicate measurements. Gives students the tools to summarise and compare analytical datasets.

Lesson 2 • Uncertainty and Method Validation Basics

Introduces propagation of uncertainty and key validation parameters. Prepares students to assess whether a method meets fitness-for-purpose criteria.

Lesson 3 • Calibration and Linear Regression

Constructs external calibration curves using least-squares linear regression. Connects instrument response to analyte concentration in a statistically rigorous way.

Lesson 4 • Outlier Detection and Data Rejection

Teaches the Q-test and Grubbs test for identifying suspect data points. Ensures students apply objective criteria rather than arbitrary data removal.

Lesson 1 • Liquid-Liquid and Solid-Phase Extraction

Uses partitioning and sorbent-based extraction to isolate and concentrate analytes. Reduces matrix complexity and improves detection limits before instrumental measurement.

Lesson 2 • Derivatisation and Matrix Matching

Converts non-detectable analytes via chemical derivatisation and matches matrix composition. Maximises sensitivity and accuracy for challenging sample types.

Lesson 3 • Filtration, Centrifugation, and Dilution

Applies mechanical separation and dilution to clarify and adjust sample concentration. Prepares samples within the linear range of the chosen analytical method.

Lesson 4 • Dissolution and Digestion Techniques

Applies acid digestion, fusion, and microwave-assisted dissolution to solid matrices. Converts solid samples into solutions compatible with instrumental analysis.

Lesson 1 • Precipitation Titrations

Covers argentometric methods for halide determination using Mohr and Volhard techniques. Completes the classical titration toolkit with a focus on endpoint clarity.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Gravimetric Analysis

Explains precipitation, filtration, and ignition steps in gravimetric procedures. Establishes the theoretical basis for converting precipitate mass to analyte content.

Lesson 3 • Complexometric Titrations

Uses EDTA and metal indicators to determine hardness and metal ion content. Extends titration skills to chelation chemistry and multi-metal systems.

Lesson 4 • Acid-Base Titrations

Covers primary standards, indicator selection, and equivalence-point detection. Develops the core titration skill set applied in all subsequent titration types.

Lesson 1 • Fundamentals of Spectroscopy

Introduces the electromagnetic spectrum, energy transitions, and Beer-Lambert law. Provides the theoretical foundation for all spectroscopic measurement chapters.

Lesson 2 • Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Applies flame and graphite furnace AAS to metal determination in complex matrices. Builds skills in atomisation, background correction, and standard addition.

Lesson 3 • UV-Visible Spectrophotometry

Covers instrument components, wavelength selection, and calibration curve construction. Enables quantitative determination of coloured and UV-absorbing analytes.

Lesson 4 • Atomic Emission and ICP Techniques

Introduces ICP-OES and ICP-MS for multi-element trace analysis. Demonstrates how plasma-based methods extend sensitivity and throughput beyond AAS.

Lesson 1 • Quantitative Chromatographic Analysis

Applies external standard, internal standard, and standard addition quantitation to chromatographic data. Connects separation results to accurate concentration reporting.

Lesson 2 • Ion Chromatography

Uses suppressed conductivity detection to quantify anions and cations in aqueous samples. Extends HPLC skills to ionic species not amenable to reversed-phase methods.

Lesson 3 • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Applies reversed-phase and normal-phase HPLC to non-volatile analyte separation. Develops method development skills including mobile phase and gradient optimisation.

Lesson 4 • Gas Chromatography

Covers carrier gas selection, column types, temperature programming, and GC detectors. Enables separation and quantification of volatile and semi-volatile analytes.

Lesson 1 • Electrochemical Fundamentals

Reviews electrode potentials, Nernst equation, and electrochemical cell components. Provides the thermodynamic basis for all electroanalytical measurement techniques.

Lesson 2 • Potentiometric Titrations

Applies potentiometric endpoint detection to acid-base, redox, and precipitation titrations. Improves endpoint precision over visual indicators in coloured or turbid samples.

Lesson 3 • Potentiometry and Ion-Selective Electrodes

Uses pH electrodes and ion-selective electrodes for direct potentiometric measurement. Develops skills in electrode calibration, slope verification, and interference assessment.

Lesson 4 • Voltammetric and Amperometric Methods

Introduces cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse, and stripping voltammetry for trace metals. Extends electroanalytical capability to sub-ppb concentration levels.

Lesson 1 • Mass Spectrometry Principles

Covers ionisation methods, mass analysers, and fragmentation patterns for compound identification. Provides the structural interpretation skills needed for GC-MS and LC-MS work.

Lesson 2 • Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy

Uses IR absorption and Raman scattering to identify functional groups and confirm structure. Extends identification capability to solids, liquids, and surfaces without extensive sample prep.

Lesson 3 • GC-MS and LC-MS Hyphenated Systems

Applies GC-MS and LC-MS/MS to simultaneous separation and structural confirmation. Demonstrates how hyphenation resolves co-eluting compounds and reduces false positives.

Lesson 4 • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Interprets 1H and 13C NMR spectra for structural elucidation of organic analytes. Provides definitive structural confirmation complementary to mass spectrometry data.