Advanced Separation Methods

The course will cover theoretical, practical, and investigative aspects of analytical chemistry, with a focus on the analytical chain, separation methods, method development, and validation.

We will cover the analytical approach, i.e. the full analytical workflow from defining the task, developing an analytical method, taking a sample, preparing the sample, carrying out an instrumental analysis, and finally reporting a result. A particular focus will be on analytical separation methods such as gas and liquid chromatography as well as electrophoresis, from a deep understanding of the underpinning principles behind the separation to applying these in practical laboratory projects.

This course at the start of the Master Program in Analytical Chemistry will give the foundation for further specialization to become an analytical chemist, combining experimental method development with deeper theoretical understanding of important analytical processes.

This course can only be taken by students doing the masters program in analytical chemistry, or by exchange students after approval by course coordinator.

The course features lectures, workshops, laboratory project work, oral and written presentation of scientific work within the following subjects:
Sampling Methods to obtain and store representative samples from solid, liquid and gaseous matrixes. 

Sample Preparation Methods
Such as  pre-concentration or purification methods to allow sample introduction into a chosen analysis instrument. 

Chromatography Separation Methods
Including Gas Chromatography (GC), Liquid Chromatography (LC), Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), Ion Chromatography (IC), Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) as well as Multidimensional Techniques. This will also include Method Development.

Electrophoresis Separation Methods
Including Capillary Electrophoresis, Capillary Gel Electrophoresis, Isoelectric focussing, and Micellar Electrokinetic  Chromatography (MEKC) and Method Development.

Recent Trends in Separation Techniques
Including miniaturised separation methods.

Modules

Theory: 5 ECTS
Lab: 5 ECTS

Teaching Format

The course includes lectures, workshops, laboratories as well as oral and written presentation.

The laboratory part of the course is carried out in small groups.

Expected learning outcome

Theoretical knowledge

  • demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the analytical approach and analytical chain for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis,
  • demonstrate a knowledge in the fundamental principles underpinning the separation of chemicals,  
  • describe instruments and instrument components used for chemical separations,
  • explain the principles of method optimisation for analytical separations,
  • critically evaluate the merit of different separation techniques and their application, discuss the benefits of several separation techniques,

Lab skills

  • propose and optimise sample preparation and separation techniques relevant to real-world analytical chemistry challenges,
  • solve and troubleshoot practical challenges with operating separation instrumentation,
  • show competence in the operation of analytical separation instruments by effectively applying academic knowledge in a laboratory,
  • utilise key research tools, such as online information retrieval, to plan laboratory projects 
  • manipulate and interpret analytical data,
  • communicate experimental findings at a professional standard to peers, 
  • write coherent reports of experimental work carried out in the laboratory, 
  • conducted work in teams.

Assessment

Theory: Written exam
Lab: Written lab reports

Examination in English

Examiner

Nicole Pamme
nicole.pamme@su.se

Ioannis Sadiktsis (course coordinator)
ioannis.sadiktsis@su.se

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.


Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Course Coordinator
Ioannis Sadiktsis, email: ioannis.sadiktsis@su.se

Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se