Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit serves as an introduction to analytical chemistry, which is essential for further study in the Chemistry for Industry comajor . The foundations of modern analytical chemistry lie in the classical qualitative and quantitative gravimetric and wet analysis. These two areas form the focus of this unit to ensure sound theoretical and practical development of future industrial chemists. The basics of spectrophotometric and electrometric methods are considered, because these two instrumental areas have their origins in early instrumental techniques, and continue to be applied in various advanced forms of analytical spectroscopy and voltammetry in the modern analytical laboratory. In addition, in order to maintain the focus on the importance of this unit to industry, the chemistry of selected chemical elements, processes and products eg. nitrogen/ammonia/ soils, phosphorus/phosphates/ detergents, sulfur/ sulfuric acid/acid rain etc, will be discussed. The spotlight will be on the substances that illustrate the application of analytical methods discussed in this unit.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop fundamental knowledge and skills in the theory and practice of the four areas of classical qualitative and quantitative analysis, namely, gravimetry, titrimetry, spectrophotometry, and electrometric methods, as well as to appreciate the close connection of analytical chemistry to industry and environmental monitoring.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of some basic qualitative inorganic chemical reactions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the theory and practice of classical gravimetry, titrimetry, spectrophotometry and introductory electrometric analysis.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the close link of analytical chemistry to chemical reactions, stoichiometry and the representations of the chemistry by chemical equations.
4. Develop problem solving and computational skills involving the above areas.
5. Develop practical laboratory knowledge and skills in the above areas and be able to work as a member of a team.

Content

Lectures and practical programs will operate in a parallel and complementary fashion.

The major topics are:

1. Qualitative wet chemical analysis.
2. Chemistry of selected of elements, processes and products illustrating the application of analytical methods discussed in this unit.
3. Quantitative gravimetric and combustion analysis.
4. Quantitative titrimetric chemical analysis such as acid/base including back titrations, Kjeldahl titrations, and indicators; precipitation titrations and the three methods to detect end points; EDTA tirations and the metal ion indicators; wet redox titrations.
5. Basic spectrophotometric analysis.
6. Introductory electrometric methods.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Class contact in this unit will involve a combination of 26 hours of lectures and 30 hours of practicals/workshops. You will develop generic problem solving skills through critical thinking in the interpretation of quantitative data and extensive analytical chemistry problem solving. Practical work formulated around the analysis of real samples will provide you with practical experience of sample handling and preparation and the personal responsibility and accountability required by an analyst or scientist in practice. Team work and communication skills will be developed in the interactive laboratory sessions. Time management and good writing skills will be emphasised and developed by the submission of timely written laboratory reports.

Assessment

In this unit, you will be assessed by a combination of written reports on the laboratory exercises, progress examinations and a final examination.Exercises with answers will be provided on a regular basis to cover the lecture program. The practical reports will be critically reviewed and returned to you to provide feedback. The interactive practical and workshop sessions are designed to facilitate discussions between you and the staff on duty. Extra classes may be offered after the progress examinations to improve your understanding of the theory.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Laboratory and workshop exercises are assessed week by week on a cumulative basis with feedback from assessors.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Continuous/Weekly

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Progress examination involving short answers and calculations.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 2nd half of semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Final theory examination.
Relates to objectives: 1 to 5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Recommended Text:

1. Harris DC (2010) Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 8th edition, New York: Freeman

top

Risk assessment statement

The professional practice of Chemistry requires the safe handling of Hazardous Substances. A practical laboratory program is an important part of this unit, so you will be required to handle such substances. The chemicals and procedures used in this unit are deemed to be appropriate for students at this level of the course. You will be provided with a School Health and Safety Manual in this unit (or a pre-requisite unit). Health and Safety information and precautions relevant to the particular experiment are clearly explained in the Practical Manual. Having been provided with this information, it is your responsibility to read and comply with these instructions for the safety of yourself, your fellow students and staff.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012