Spectroscopic Analysis

6 EC

Semester 2, period 5

5254SPAN6Y

Owner Master Chemistry (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. A.M. Rijs
Part of Master Chemistry (joint degree), track Analytical Sciences, Master Chemistry (joint degree), track Chemistry of Life, year 1
Links Visible Learning Trajectories

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

This course covers key spectroscopic techniques for the identification and structural characterization of compounds, with a focus on the optical spectroscopy of (bio)molecules. It begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of molecular spectroscopy, including the interaction of light with matter and the origin of spectral features.

The course then addresses the principles, instrumentation, and applications of electronic spectroscopy (UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence) and vibrational spectroscopy (infrared and Raman), with critical evaluation of their strengths, limitations, and recent developments. Special attention is given to emerging research applications, the integration of spectroscopy with mass spectrometry, and spectroscopic imaging techniques.

Lectures introduce the main concepts, which are further explored in tutorial sessions. As part of the course, students work in teams of two to three to study and present an instructive lecture on a spectroscopic topic of societal, economic, educational, and/or scientific relevance.

Study materials

Literature

  • lecture slides

  • online material (pdf of articles, book chapters)

Objectives

  • Understand interactions between light and molecules as studied and employed by optical spectroscopy.
  • describe the main components and relative properties (source, detector, ...) of routinely employed spectrometers for each technique.
  • explain the operating principles, strengths and limitations of key spectroscopic techniques and their application towards (bio)molecular analysis.
  • discuss applications of novel spectroscopic methods and choose the appropriate spectroscopic approach for a given analytical problem.

Teaching methods

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

Lectures introduce the main concepts, which are further explored in tutorial sessions. As part of the course, students work in teams of two to three to study and present an instructive lecture on a spectroscopic topic of societal, economic, educational, and/or scientific relevance.

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Hoorcollege

32

Tentamen

7.75

Werkcollege

42

Self study

86.25

Total

168

(6 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

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

Assessment

Item and weight Details

Final grade

1 (100%)

Tentamen

As part of the course, students work in teams of two to three to study and present an instructive lecture on a spectroscopic topic of societal, economic, educational, and/or scientific relevance. This is part of your final grade.

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

see uploaded schedule

Contact information

Coordinator

  • prof. dr. A.M. Rijs