Instrumental analysis
Undergraduate · Chemistry
Syllabus focus
Standard syllabus · STEM / applied
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Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Instrumentation fundamentals
- Signal and noise in analytical measurements
- Analog-to-digital conversion and data acquisition
- Calibration, drift, and instrument maintenance
- Figures of merit: sensitivity, selectivity, dynamic range
- Sampling systems and sample introduction
- Vacuum systems and mass spectrometry requirements
- Optics: monochromators, gratings, and detectors
- Fourier transform techniques in spectroscopy
- Chromatographic hardware: pumps, injectors, columns
- Method development workflow for instrumental methods
Spectroscopic methods
- UV-Vis and diode-array spectrophotometry
- Atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy
- ICP-OES and ICP-MS (introduction)
- Fluorescence and phosphorescence spectroscopy
- IR and FTIR spectroscopy
- Raman spectroscopy: principles and applications
- NMR spectroscopy for organic structure (analytical focus)
- EPR/ESR spectroscopy (overview)
- X-ray techniques: XRF and XPS (introduction)
- Chemometrics and multivariate calibration
Chromatography and separations
- Theory: van Deemter equation and resolution
- Gas chromatography: capillary columns and detectors (FID, TCD, ECD)
- GC-MS: ionization, fragmentation, library matching
- HPLC: reversed-phase, normal-phase, ion-pair
- UHPLC and method transfer considerations
- LC-MS and LC-MS/MS: electrospray and APCI
- Ion chromatography for anions and cations
- Size-exclusion and affinity chromatography
- Capillary electrophoresis and CE-MS
- Two-dimensional chromatography (overview)
Electroanalytical and thermal methods
- Potentiometry: ion-selective electrodes
- Voltammetry: linear sweep, differential pulse, stripping
- Amperometry and biosensors
- Conductometry and impedance spectroscopy
- Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Thermal methods for polymer characterization
- Electrochemical detection in chromatography
- Sensor arrays and electronic noses (overview)
- Choosing hyphenated techniques for complex samples
STEM / applied
Laboratory operation and troubleshooting
- HPLC and GC method optimization
- Column care, stationary phase selection, and mobile phases
- Mass spectrometer tuning and calibration
- Sample preparation: SPE, derivatization, digestion
- Internal standards and isotope dilution
- Quality control charts and proficiency testing
- Troubleshooting chromatographic peak shape problems
- Contamination control and clean-room practices
- Laboratory automation and robotics
- Regulatory compliance: EPA, FDA, ISO 17025 (overview)
Applied instrumental analysis
- Environmental analysis: VOCs, pesticides, heavy metals
- Pharmaceutical impurity profiling and stability testing
- Forensic toxicology and drug screening
- Food safety: contaminants, allergens, authenticity
- Clinical diagnostics: LC-MS/MS for therapeutic drugs
- Petrochemical and polymer analysis
- Semiconductor and materials characterization
- Proteomics and metabolomics workflows (intro)
- Field-portable instruments for on-site analysis
- Case studies in method validation and litigation support
Notes
Typically follows introductory analytical chemistry. Topics reflect common instrumental analysis syllabi at US colleges and universities. Hands-on instrument time varies widely by department resources.