Instrumental Analytical Methods, 15 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding:
After completing the course the student should be able to

• describe theories for mass spectrometric detection of elements and organic compounds,
• describe the underlying theories regarding the design of mass spectrometric and coupled techniques,
• describe the different types of ionization techniques, mass analyzers as well as coupled techniques, and
• interpret mass spectra and describe common fragmentation mechanisms.

Skills and abilities:
After completing the course the student should be able to

• independently plan and perform qualitative and quantitative measurements using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS), gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Inductively coupled plasma coupled with mass spectrometry (ICP-MS),
• interpret quantitative and qualitative data from chromatograms and mass spectra,
• independently evaluate experimental data from the practical modules,
• describe the produced results both orally and in written form, and
• identify own needs for additional knowledge and take responsible for own knowledge development.

Evaluation ability and approach:
After completion of the course the student will have

• the ability to evaluate and choose mass spectrometric method by the properties of the target compounds and sample character,
• developed the skill to evaluate and critically appraise measurement data as well as theoretical interpretations, and
• the ability to search and evaluate relevant scientific information within the subject area.

Main content of the course

Analytical chemistry has developed into a sophisticated applied area in chemistry and is dependent on modern equipment and data processing. The field of mass spectrometry has grown during the last decades and plays a major part in quantitative and qualitative analytical determination. Knowledge of mass spectrometric techniques and methods are of great importance in various fields, for example in assessment of environmental impact, in forensic science and in the pharmaceutical sector. The course covers the theory of various mass analyzers and hyphenated techniques such as GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS as well as interpretation of mass spectra data. Laboratory exercises where hyphenated techniques are used are included in the course as well as speciation and quality assurance. After completing the course, you will be familiar with mass spectrometric techniques and methods and know how to interpret MS data.

Module 1: Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques, 9,5 Credits

This module covers theory and practical applications of different mass analyzers and coupled mass spectrometric techniques for the analysis of elements and organic compounds.

Moduel 2: Mass Spectrometry, 5,5 Credits

This module covers interpretation and assessment of mass spectrometric data and fragmentation mechanisms, with focus on electron ionization mode.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of lectures and seminars.
If the course has few students will the teaching be in form of tutoring.

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

Module 1: Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques

Mass Spectrometry and Related Techniques - Theory, 6.5 credits (Code: A001)
Written examination

Mass Spectrometry and Related Techniques - Practicals, 3 credits (Code: A002)
Seminars and laboratory work presented in writing and in some cases orally.

Moduel 2: Mass Spectrometry

Interpretation of Mass Spectrometric Data, 5.5 credits (Code: B001)
Written examination

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

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).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. 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 grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Mass Spectrometry and Related Techniques - Theory
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Mass Spectrometry and Related Techniques - Practicals
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Interpretation of Mass Spectrometric Data
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

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

Comments on grades

To obtain a passing grade for the whole course, a minimum of grade E is required for all theoretical modules as well as Pass (G) on the practical module. To arrive at a course grade, the grades awarded for each theoretical examination assignment, grades A-E, are first converted to the numerical values 5-1. An average value is then calculated, also taking into account the number of credits for each module in relation to the total number of credits for the course. The course grade is thus awarded by means of a weighted average of the theoretical modules included on the course.

Specific entry requirements

45 Credits in Chemistry, including Analytical Chemistry. Additionally another 15 Credits in Chemistry or Biology.

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

The language of instruction on the course will be English if there are exchange students registered.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Module 1: Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques, 9,5 Credits

Required Reading

de Hoffmann, Edmond & Stroobant, Vincent (Latest edition)
Mass Spectrometry. Principles and Applications.
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., 502 pages

Moduel 2: Mass Spectrometry, 5,5 Credits

Required Reading

McLafferty, Fred W. & Turecek, Frantisek (Latest edition)
Interpretation of Mass Spectra
University Science Books, 371 pages