Studying at York
Miniproject with Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world - CHE00066M
- Department: Chemistry
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: M
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
Miniproject
This module builds on MChem-only module Advanced Topics & Practical, developing advanced specialism content of the Chemistry degree programme, and encompassing group work and research-level investigation, to complete students’ preparation for the final year of the MChem programme.
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
Measurement science underpins the broadest range of scientific disciplines in the natural world, and very often those measurements are required of complex mixtures. To understand the nature of such mixtures or matrices we need the means to investigate at the component level. This module will provide students with the comprehensive knowledge-base in methodology and advanced analytical techniques required for fit-for-purpose quantitative and qualitative analyses of complex mixtures, or compounds within complex environmental, atmospheric, chemical or biological matrices. Within this, approaches to sample preparation, the fundamental principles of advanced separation science, mass spectrometry detection and optical measurement techniques, will be covered at a level of technical detail that ensures knowledge in metrology gained can be applied across strategic application areas that are important in the natural world.
Related modules
Pre-requisite modules
- None
Co-requisite modules
- None
Prohibited combinations
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
Miniproject
Building on prior Year 1-2 Skills & Practical modules, and Year 3 MChem Advanced Topics & Practical, this module develops more advanced skills and knowledge that are relevant to the MChem programme. Specific aims are:
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To develop students’ group working and problem solving skills, as they engage with a research-like experience, conducting unscripted experimental work in the Group Miniprojects
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To develop students’ data organisation and scientific writing skills, as they write a significant report on their Group Miniproject.
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
This course will introduce you to the analytical challenges faced when studying complex mixtures, whether through direct analysis or combining a number of complementary techniques, and whether for qualitative or quantitative purposes.
Through case studies, and examples taken from peer-reviewed literature, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of application areas that stem from a set of common principles, and learn how to critically think through analytical approaches so as to tailor them to meet different challenges.
Module learning outcomes
Miniproject
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Plan and execute experiments as part of a research project
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Write a project report, encompassing experimental results and analysis in comparison with relevant scientific literature
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
To develop a knowledge-base of:
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The diversity of complex mixtures in the natural world
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The dynamic range of compounds within matrices, and the consequences to analytical science
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Advanced separation science for simplifying mixtures of liquids or gases prior to detection
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Ion mobility separation mass spectrometry for filtering ions based on shape, and obtaining a measure of collisional cross section to indicate size.
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Advanced mass spectrometry for structure determination, including high resolution and accurate mass measurement, and technologies for tandem mass spectrometry
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Optical techniques for highly selective measurements in complex mixtures
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The application of metrology (qualitative and quantitative measurement science) to complex mixtures in the natural world including atmospheric, biological, chemical, environmental matrices.
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Analytical strategies and method validation to ensure data is fit for intended purpose
Academic and graduate skills
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Will be able to determine appropriate analytical methods for different applications within environmental, atmospheric, chemical or biological matrices.
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Will be able to design and validate experimental procedures to ensure fit-for-purpose methods are used and outcomes result.
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Will develop critical and applied thinking through critical assessments of some research papers or case studies
Module content
Miniproject
This element develops students’ group working and problem solving skills, as they engage with a research-like experience. Students work together in small groups to plan and carry out experiments, over the course of ~8 days, to conduct an investigation. The Group Miniproject concludes with writing and submitting an individual report, based on the group’s findings. Each group’s Miniproject is overseen by an academic, who provides some guidance on the work, and laboratory work is overseen by demonstrators.
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
Measurement science across the phases of state (5 lectures, 1 workshop) KEHP
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Sample strategies and approaches for sample preparation
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Qualitative and quantitative analysis
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Method validation
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Analytical strategies for method development and problem solving
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Case studies
Spec techniques and sensors (5 lectures, 1 workshop) PME
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Cavity and open path absorption spectroscopy (incl. DOAS)
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Cavity ringdown spectroscopy
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Laser induced fluorescence
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Chemiluminescence, optical absorption, fluorescence
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Methods for measuring radical reactivities
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Measurement of fluxes
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Aerosol measurements
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Low-cost sensors
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Case studies
High resolution mass spectrometry and accurate mass measurement (5 lectures, 1 workshop) JAM
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Fourier transform mass spectrometry
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Tandem mass spectrometry
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Ion mobility separation with mass spectrometry
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Elemental analysis and isotope ratio mass spectrometry
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Direct analysis mass spectrometry
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Case studies
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Miniproject execution is non reassessable.
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
The 10 credits of option material will be assessed in a closed exam, with candidates permitted to bring four A4 sides of notes.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
Module feedback
Miniproject
As the Miniproject progresses, students will receive formative verbal feedback from their Miniproject supervisor, to help them make progress with the miniproject work. The requirements of different miniprojects will vary; the supervisor will set out a planned schedule of subsequent meetings in the first Miniproject meeting. Students will receive emailed feedback on the submitted project report
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
Exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks (as per special approval by the University Teaching Committee). Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages or vle when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement.
Indicative reading
Miniproject
Dean, Jones, Holmes, Reed, Weyers and Jones, “Practical Skills in Chemistry”
Atkins “Physical Chemistry”
Weller, Overton, Rourke and Armstrong, “Inorganic Chemistry”
Clayden “Organic Chemistry”
Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world
This is a research-led course so up-to-date scientific publications will form the majority of the reading.