Principles of Analytical Chemistry

Overview

An introduction to the science of making chemical measurements. The course begins with the fundamentals of gathering information and samples. How to quantify and minimize measurement error is covered with an introduction to the elementary statistics needed to understand chemical measurements. The principles of how chromatographs achieve chemical separations are explained with an eye towards helping users optimize their analyses. The principles of spectroscopy are presented and are the basis for discussions of how FTIR and UV/Vis spectrometers work and are used. In-class exercises and homework will be used to increase retention of knowledge.

When and Where

This course will meet online for three webcast sessions of 2½ hours each.

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Key Topics

• Learn the 3 variables used to optimize analyses.
• See how to quantify and minimize measurement error.
• Learn how a chromatograph works and how to improve your separations.
• Discover how infrared and UV/Vis spectrometers work and how to use them to solve industrial problems.

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How you will benefit from this course

• Advance your career by learning how to become a chemical problem solver.
• See how to make your analyses faster, better, and cheaper.
• Gain confidence in your use of chromatographs and spectrometers.

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Course Instructor

Brian C. Smith, Ph.D. is founder and Principal of Spectros Associates in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. He has been working in the field of spectroscopy for more than 25 years. He has spent the last 15 years as a spectroscopic trainer and consultant as part of Spectros Associates. Dr. Smith is the author of 3 popular books on spectroscopy: Fundamentals of FTIR and Infrared Spectral Interpretation, published by CRC Press, and Quantitative Spectroscopy: Theory and Practice, published by Academic Press. He earned his Ph.D. from Dartmouth College.

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Agenda

What is Analytical Chemistry?

Optimizing Analyses

Becoming a Problem Solver

Sampling

Significant Figures

Quantifying Measurement Error

Random Error & Its Sources

• Signal-to-Noise Ratios
• Getting Rid of Noise

Systematic Error

Precision and Accuracy

Calibrations

• Calibration Checks
• Calibration Applicability

Statistics for Chemical Measurements

• Plotting Lines
• Mode, Median, Mean
• The Standard Deviation
• Confidence Limits

Introduction to Chromatography

• Basic Theory
• Modeling a Separation
• Peak Widths
• Resolution
• Optimizing Separations
• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Principles of Spectroscopy

The Properties of Light

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)

• Instrumentation
• Sample Preparation: ATR

Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy

• Theory
• Instrumentation

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Who Should Attend?

Anyone who works in a lab and makes chemical measurements of any type. The course is well suited to people who are new to making chemical measurements or who don’t have formal training in analytical chemistry. Managers and supervisors who need to better understand the measurements taking place in their labs will find this course a useful refresher.

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System Requirements

You need a high-speed connection to the Internet and an up-to-date version of your web browser (Internet Explorer is preferred). For the audio portion of the live session, we will use a telephone conference call for attendees from the US and Canada. You will need a phone near your computer capable of making long distance phone calls to a 1-800 number. A hands-free or speaker phone is highly recommended. For more information about system requirements, or to attend a free demonstration of our webcast technology, click here.

International attendees may have access to a toll-free global call-in number or use VOIP, depending on their country. An ACS staff member will contact you to complete these arrangements. Please contact us at shortcourses@acs.org, if you have any questions.

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Course Fees

Each participant must register individually for this course.

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