Module overview
Mass spectrometry is the key enabling technology for the 21st century. It delivers practical and sustainable innovations to enable significant advancements in areas such as healthcare delivery, life sciences, environmental management, energy, food safety, and water quality. This module will explore the tenets of modern mass spectrometry and introduce advanced techniques and applications.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Determine appropriate ionisation technique and instrument type for analysis
- Have raised awareness of mass spectrometry applications areas
- Interpret, understand and critically evaluate mass spectrometry data
- Have an awareness of the principles of advanced mass spectrometry techniques
Syllabus
1. Tenets of Mass Spectrometry
- Ionisation techniques
- Sample Introduction
- Analyser types
- Low and high mass resolution
2. Advanced Mass Spectrometry
- MS/MS
- Hyphenated techniques
- Large molecule MS
3. Applications of Mass Spectrometry
- Structural elucidation
- Qualitative MS
- Quantitative MS
- Speciation
- Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS)
- ‘Omics’
4. Practical techniques
- Sample preparation and data acquisition
- Strengths and limitations of automation
- Data Interpretation
- Reporting data in literature/reports
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching Methods
- Lectures (two per week: a mixture of plenary lectures and small-group problem solving workshops)
- Practical workshops (spaced evenly through the semester, involving interaction with the instrumentation and data interpretation in small groups)
- Directed reading
- Bb online support
Learning Methods
Independent study, student motivated peer-group study, student driven tutor support.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 118 |
Teaching | 32 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Gary Siuzdak. Mass Spectrometry in Biotechnology.
De Hoffmann and Stroobart. Mass Spectrometry – Principals and Applications.
McLafferty and Turecek. Interpretation of Mass Spectra.
Assessment
Summative
Summative assessment description
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Coursework | 25% |
Written exam | 75% |