Detecting the undetectable: Analytical Techniques in the Natural Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• critical interpretation, understanding and evaluation of mass spectrometry data from a range of scientific contexts (e.g. drug synthesis to oceanography)
• strategies for acquiring, collating, interpreting, evaluating and presenting complex technical information from cutting-edge research publications
• an awareness of the principles of contemporary advanced mass spectrometry techniques (isotope ratios and organic moleucles).
• a critical awareness of mass spectrometry applications in areas such as drug testing, explosives detection, biomarkers.
• a sound understanding of the physical and chemical principles that underlie modern analytical techniques.
• a critical appreciation of the ethical issues and likely societal impacts that are associated with advances in analytical methods
• the use of qualitative experiments to identify deductively the presence of inorganic cations and anions
• a broad and critical understanding of the scientific and societal contexts in which analytical techniques are used.
• the use of uv-vis and IR data to analysis and detection of chemical species
• an understanding of different separation techniques combined with MS
• an understanding of X-ray fluorescence and its applications

The philosophy underlying this module is to empower students to take charge of their own learning in the area of analytical methodology. As a consequence the module will make extensive use of directed and peerassisted self-learning methods, and will be based on case studies drawn from the primary research literature.

The module will be delivered in the context of three areas of analytical science: Interaction of electromagnetic radiation and matter This includes: uv-vis spectroscopy; IR spectroscopy; fluorescence; use of fluorescence in security and biology; THz spectroscopy/imaging; X-ray fluorescence. Mass spectrometry This includes: mass spectrometry principles; isotope ration MS, ionization techniques; low and high mass resolution; principles of MS/MS, hyphenated techniques; use of MS in structural elucidation, proteomics

DNA analytics This includes: SNPs and DNA fingerprinting, Y-STR and mitochondrial sequencing, LCN DNA analysis, DNA phenotyping.

Teaching and learning methods

The module will consist of a small number of ‘traditional' lectures, which will be used to deliver some of the key background knowledge in areas such as chemical and physical processes that underpin the relevant analytical techniques, typical instrumentation available, data interpretation etc.. These lectures will provide the framework for a series of interactive sessions that involve directed self-learning activities centred around the use of primary literature sources about the application of analytical science (e.g. in biomedical sciences, archaeology and forensic science). There will be several group-work activities, presentation and discussion sessions as well as workshops.

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Comprehensive resources (comprising pdf copies of research papers, book chapters etc) are provided on Blackboard at the beginning of the module.

Assessment strategy

The performance of the students will be assessed through:

• individual and group presentations
• written assignments

Students will be assessed for:

• overall understanding of the application of key scientific and technical concepts
• accessing a wide range of information sources
• understanding and critical evaluation of research publications and reports
• ability to identify risks and ethical issues

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External