Universidad de Jaén

LESSON 1. Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry: concept, object and purpose. Types of analysis and classification of methods of chemical analysis. The language of analytical chemistry: fundamental concepts. The analytical problem.  Steps in the analytical process.

LESSON 2. Sampling

Introduction and sample types. Representativeness of the sample. Sampling plan design. General strategies for sampling. Methods and equipment for sampling fluids, gases and solids. Storage and preservation of samples.

LESSON 3. Sample Preparation

Preliminary operations or sample pretreatment.  Sample preparation: general considerations. Sample treatment for determination of inorganic analytes. Sample disolution. Mineralization of organic matrices.  Sample treatment for determination of organic analytes. Solid-liquid extraction. Liquid-liquid extraction. Solid-phase extraction.

LESSON 4. Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects of Analytical Measurements

The analytical signal. Qualitative aspects.  Identification based on chemical reactions. Identification based on instrumental techniques. Standards in qualitative analysis. Errors: false positives and negatives.The binary response and its quantitative implications. 

Quantitative aspects. Types of quantification methodologies. Methods with and without analytical standards. Analytical standards and reference materials. Analytical calibration versus instrumental calibration.

LESSON 5. Evaluation of analytical results

Errors in quantitative analytical results: concept and types.  Statistic treatment and confidence intervals. Hyphotesis tests for outliers rejection. Uncertainty, precision and trueness. 

LESSON 6. Gravimetric Methods of Analysis

Gravimetric Analysis: An Overview. Classification of gravimetric methods. Stoichiometric calculations in gravimetric analysis. Errors. General operations in gravimetric analysis. Precipitation based gravimetry. Other gravimetric methods.

LESSON 7. Principles of Volumetric Analysis

Volumetric Analysis: an overview. Requirements of a reaction for use in volumetric analysis. Classification of volumetric methods. Titration Curves. End point and equivalence point. Endpoint indicators. Indicator error. Volumetric material: use and calibration. Primary standards and standardized solutions. 

LESSON 8. Neutralization titrations

Neutralization curves: a) strong acid with strong base and vice versa, b) weak base with strong acid c) weak acid with strong base, d) polyprotic acids e) mixtures of acids and bases. Acid-base indicators. Transition interval and selection of appropriate indicator. Preparing standardized solutions of acids and bases: secondary standards. Errors in neutralization titrations. Examples of application.

LESSON 9. Oxidation-reduction titrations

Titration curves: characteristics. Redox indicators: types and selection. Previous treatments of oxidation or reduction. Titrations with permanganate: preparation of standard solutions, standard substances, applications. Titrations with dichromate: preparation of standard solutions, indicators, applications. Iodometry and iodimetry: standard preparation, standard substances, indicators, sources of error, applications.

LESSON 10. Complex Formation titrations

Titration Curves. Endpoint indicators: choice of indicator. Titration error. Titration with monodentate ligands. Titration with polydentate ligands: complexometry with EDTA. Applications and examples.

LESSON 11. Precipitation titrations

Titration Curves: Factors influencing the endpoint. Detection of endpoints in titrations with silver: chemical indicators. Mohr method, Fajans method and Volhard method. Applications.

LESSON 12.  Quality Assurance in analytical chemistry

 Concept of traceability in analytical measurements.  Validation of analytical processes: quality parameters. Quality assesement in the laboratory. Internal control activities. Inter-laboratory exercises. 

Sessions in small groups (2 hour duration) comprise 5 practical sessions in the laboratory and 5 sessions of discussion and presentation of case studies and exercises.

Students with special educational needs should contact the Student Attention Service (Servicio de Atención y Ayudas al Estudiante) in order to receive the appropriate academic support

The attendance to laboratory sessions and seminars (small group sessions) is compulsory. The proposed homework only will be evaluated in case of attendance.

A minimum calification  of 4 points must be reached in the exam to consider the rest of the aspects for evaluation

Competences evaluated with each instrument:

Written Exam: B1, C3, Q1, Q2, Q3

Exercises and oral presentations: B1, B4, C3, Q2, Q3

Laboratory report: P2, Q3

Lecturer´s notes and observations: B1, B4, Q1