The Analytical Chemist in Industry

Course manual 2023/2024

Course content

The demands for successful applications of analytical chemistry in industry extend beyond separation technology, mass spectrometry and spectroscopy. This course will therefore introduce students to several other analytical techniques that are highly relevant to industry and society. The course features introductory lectures that allow students to get acquainted with the various techniques, and tutorials with exercises that deepen the understanding.

Techniques treated include thermal analysis (TGA, DSC), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), atomic emission spectroscopy (IPC-AES), ICP-MS, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), dynamic light scattering (DLS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), neutron activated analysis (NAA), transmission-electron microscopy (TEM), scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), and SEM with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).

The course will also devote attention to implementation of analytical methods in industry and society. The demands for successful applications of analytical chemistry in industry are quite different from those in an academic environment. All measurements must be performed timely, reproducibly, reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Moreover, methods and results must be well documented, retrievable and validated.

The fundamental lectures are complemented by guest lectures from industry and society.

Study materials

Literature

• For some lectures relevant research papers may be provided through Canvas.

Practical training material

• Lecture material and exercises.

Objectives

• Understand and explain the theory and practice of elemental analysis and analytical microscopy.
• Implement analytical concepts, methods or procedures in an industrial environment.
• Read, understand, summarize and present recent papers on elemental analysis and analytical microscopy.
• Understand, explain and rationally apply performance parameters of analytical methods.

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Self-study
• Seminar
• Presentation/symposium

Lectures, visits to and from industry, case studies.

Learning activities

Attendance

This programme does not have requirements concerning attendance (TER part B).

Additional requirements for this course:

Attendance is not mandatory, but encouraged to promote learning and the probability of passing the course. Both summative assessments are mandatory components to pass the course.

Assessment

In the event of a retake, the Final Written Exam (E2) retake replaces the entire combined E1 and E2 score.

Assignments

For the Project & Interview (E1) assignment students must in groups tackle a scientific problem from industry. Each group must prepare 6-8 page proposal in which they present their solution to the problem. In week 7 of the course, each group must defend their proposal against an interview panel. The grade for this project will be based on a rubric that will be shared in advance through Canvas.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. B.W.J. Pirok