Course syllabus for Analytical chemistry

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-18 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameAnalytisk kemi
  • CodeKBT375
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerTKTKE
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyEngineering Chemistry
  • DepartmentCHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 43122
  • Maximum participants175
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0126 Laboratory 3 c
Grading: UG		 3 c
0226 Project 2.5 c
Grading: UG		 2.5 c
0326 Examination 2 c
Grading: TH		 2 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

Knowledge equivalent to the content in the courses Mathematical statistics and Physical chemistry.

Aim

The purpose of the course is to provide a foundation in analytical chemistry, with a focus on how chemical analyses are planned, carried out, and evaluated. Furthermore, the purpose of the course is to develop an understanding of the relationship between analytical methods, instrumental techniques, and data processing, and how choices of method, instrumentation, and data treatment affect the quality, reliability, and interpretation of analytical data.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

Knowledge and understanding
• Explain and compare central concepts: accuracy, precision, sensitivity, LOD/LOQ, linearity and dynamic range.
• Describe principles, strengths, and limitations of atomic spectroscopy (e.g., flame emission, ICP‑OES/ICP‑MS/MP‑AES), molecular spectroscopy (UV–Vis, NIR, fluorescence/laser‑based), chromatography (GC/HPLC/UPLC), and mass spectrometry (ionization, analyzers, MS/MS).

Skills and abilities
• Plan, perform, and document a complete analytical process from sample preparation to reporting.
• Develop and optimize an analytical method (choice of column/mobile phase/detector/parameters) for a specified problem.
• Validate a method with respect to selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, measurement uncertainty, and report according to established guidelines.
• Apply calibration strategies (external, internal, standard addition, matrix‑matched) and calculate measurement uncertainty.
• Perform basic data analysis (regression, residual analysis) and PCA for exploratory interpretation of multivariate datasets; identify anomalies/outliers and apply appropriate data scaling.

Judgement and approach
• Critically evaluate scientific and technical literature (method choice, sample handling, statistical validity, reproducibility).
• Identify risks, quality issues, and ethical aspects (GLP, data traceability) and propose actions.

Content

Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
• History, analytical nomenclature; accuracy vs precision; LOD/LOQ; measurement uncertainty and traceability.
• Quality assurance and QC protocols; instrument conditioning and system suitability.

Sampling and Sample Preparation Strategies
• Filtration/centrifugation, acid/enzymatic digestion, derivatization (GC), SPE, SPME, QuEChERS.
• Common sources of error and contamination control.

Separation Techniques
• GC/GC‑FID/GC‑MS: volatility, derivatization, temperature programming.
• HPLC/UPLC: column chemistry (RP, HILIC, ion‑exchange), gradients, band broadening, detectors (UV/fluorescence/MS).

Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry
• UV–Vis, NIR, fluorescence (incl. laser‑based).
• Atomic spectroscopy: flame, ICP‑OES/ICP‑MS/MP‑AES – emission lines, interferences.
• Mass spectrometry: ionization (ESI, EI, MALDI – overview), analyzers (quadrupole, TOF, Orbitrap/FT‑ICR overview), interpretation of mass spectra and basic isotope patterns.

Data Analysis and Validation
• Regression/calibration, residual diagnostics, uncertainty propagation.
• PCA (preprocessing, scaling, scores/loadings).
• Method validation according to established practice (selectivity, precision, accuracy, robustness, stability).

Scientific Literature & Source Criticism
• Reading, reviewing, and oral discussion of a current article/technical report within analytical chemistry.

Organisation

• Lectures (theory and concepts).
• Flipped classroom (pre‑recorded micro‑lectures, quizzes, problem‑solving sessions). (compulsory)
• Laboratory exercises (GC/HPLC, atomic spectroscopy, UV–Vis/fluorescence, mass spectrometry). (compulsory)
• Seminars (literature review, method validation). (compulsory)
• Small‑group project: method development & validation with final report and oral presentation. (compulsory)

Literature

Primary recommendation: e‑book Analytical Chemistry 2.1 by David Harvey.
https://dpuadweb.depauw.edu/harvey_web/eTextProject/AC2.1Files/AnalChem2.1.pdf

For deeper study or physical textbook: Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 10th ed., D. Harris.

Examination including compulsory elements

Approved laboratory work and lab reports (Pass/Fail).
Approved written assignment and oral presentation (Pass/Fail).
Quizzes/Exam (U/3/4/5).

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.