Instrumental Analysis

Upon successful completion of the course, the student is expected to:

• Understand the fundamental principles, instrumentation, and classification of modern instrumental analytical techniques.
• Explain the theory and operation of spectroscopic methods, including UV–Vis, IR, molecular luminescence, atomic absorption/emission, and mass spectrometry (MS and ICP-MS).
• Describe the principles of chromatographic separation techniques (LC and GC) and their coupling with spectrometric detectors (hyphenated techniques).
• Comprehend the concepts of calibration, analytical signals, and noise, and apply quantitative methods for data interpretation.
• Recognize the applications, advantages, and limitations of different analytical techniques in chemical, environmental, and food analysis.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of the quality characteristics of Instrumental Analytical Techniques
• Knowledge and understanding of various quantification techniques in quantitative chemical analysis
• Knowledge of the theory and operation of the instrumental analytical techniques taught
• Knowledge of the field of application of instrumental analytical techniques
• Knowledge and understanding of the theory and analytical applications of instrumental techniques

Skills

• Perform instrumental analyses safely and efficiently in a laboratory environment
• Apply suitable sample preparation techniques and select the most appropriate instrumental method for a given analytical problem
• Record, process, and interpret analytical data, construct calibration curves, and calculate measurement uncertainties and errors
• Operate fundamental analytical instruments (pH-meter, conductometer, polarimeter, UV–Vis spectrophotometer, flame photometer, HPLC, GC)
• Evaluate the performance characteristics of analytical methods (accuracy, precision, sensitivity, linearity, detection limits)
• Implement basic method optimization and validation procedures

Competences

• Ability to design analytical methodologies for the determination of chemical elements and compounds
• Ability to perform analytical determinations from the sampling stage to the presentation of results
• Teamwork and scientific communication skills through preparation of laboratory reports and presentations.
• A responsible attitude toward laboratory safety and environmental sustainability in analytical practice.