Advanced Analytical Methods in Environmental Forensics, Second Cycle, 15 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

• further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
• develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
• develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

nowledge and comprehension
After completing the course, students

• have gained insight into advanced theoretical knowledge in methodologies in environmental forensics,
• demonstrate extensive knowledge of the area, relevant technologies, methods and theories,
• have a thorough understanding of the properties of chemical substances affecting their analysis with respect to sampling, sample handling, sample preparation and characterization,
• have a comprehensive understanding of why and how the method validation is used for quality assurance and quality control of chemical analysis,
• have in-depth knowledge of instrumental techniques for chromatographic separation, mass spectrometric separation and detection,
• have a thorough knowledge of how stable isotopes can be used in environmental forensics, and
• understand how chemical analysis can be used in ecotoxicology, environmental law and dissemination.

Proficiency and Ability
After completing the course, students should be able to

• explain the choice of method, plan and implement environmental forensic investigations,
• plan and carry out validation and quality assurance of the method,
• interpret analysis results from the complex mixture from both targeted and non-targeted analytical issues,
• use analytical methods and technologies to generate data that link contamination with toxicity, metabolism, and its origin, and
• communicate (written and oral) in environmental forensic investigations.

Values and attitude
After completing the course, students should be able to

• identify and define a scientific problem,
• seek and critically examine scientific information,
• assess the analysis results by validation and quality assurance of analytical methods, and
• plan and implement environmental forensic investigation and present the results both orally and in writing in accordance with the instructions, in a linguistically correct, well-structured and understandable way.

Main content of the course

The course deals with advanced methods for chemical analysis and interpretation of complex mixtures. Analysis of environmental samples is essential in environmental forensic investigations. The course provides methodologies and techniques to obtain data that link to toxicity, sources and metabolism of contaminants. Advanced chemical analysis in connection with advanced statistical methods including pattern recognition, multivariate statistics and experimental design, provides powerful tools in forensic investigations (e.g., chemometrics). The course covers the mass spectrometry (MS) with focus on the high resolution/ultra-high resolution MS that facilitates non-target analysis of organic contaminants in complex environmental samples. It also covers separation science with focus on sample stability, structural differences of the analytes, enantiomeric analysis, and two-dimensional separation. Stable isotope analysis and its uses in environmental forensics is also discussed. The laboratory part of the course covers sampling, handling/storage of samples, sample preparation and determination.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, case studies, practical laboratory work, group work and seminars. The course uses a problem-based learning (PBL) approach.

If a small number of participants register this course, tutorial will replace the above described forms of instruction.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Theoretical Part, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination

Practical Part, 7.5 credits (Code: A002)
Oral and written reporting individually or in groups (decided by the course coordinator) and active participation at case-based group work meetings, practical laboratory work and seminars.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on examination methods

Absence from Mandatory Course Component
If a student is absent from a mandatory course component, the examiner determines if the student will be able to make up for the component during another scheduled class of the same kind. Otherwise, the student is referred to the next time the course is offered. As an exception the examiner may decide on substitute assignments. These shall then be carried out before or shortly after the end of the course.

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Theoretical Part
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Practical Part
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

ECTS Grading
The course grading is translated to the ECTS grading scale.

Specific entry requirements

A first-cycle qualification comprising at least 90 Credits in Natural Science with 60 Credits in Chemistry. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

Teaching is partly or entirely in English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Additional Reading

Lebedev, Albert T. (Latest Edition)
Comprehensive Environmental Mass Spectrometry
Hertfordshire: ILM Publications, 544 pages

O'Sullivan, Gwen & Sandau, Court (Latest Edition)
Environmental Forensics for Persistent Organic Pollutants
Amsterdam: Elsevier, 424 pages

Petrisor, Ioana Gloria (Latest Edition)
Environmental Forensics Fundamentals - A Practical Guide
New York: CRC Press, 445 pages

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Students are required to select additional reading for the course. A list of suggested reading, relevant journals, and databases will be added. Laboratory instructions will also be available.