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Advanced Analysis: Analytical approaches for complex mixtures in the natural world - CHE00056M

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  • Department: Chemistry
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Jackie Mosely
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

Measurement science underpins the broadest range of scientific disciplines in the natural world, and very often those measurements are required of complex mixtures. To understand the nature of such mixtures or matrices we need the means to investigate at the component level. This module will provide students with the comprehensive knowledge-base in methodology and advanced analytical techniques required for fit-for-purpose quantitative and qualitative analyses of complex mixtures, or compounds within complex environmental, atmospheric, chemical or biological matrices. Within this, approaches to sample preparation, the fundamental principles of advanced separation science, mass spectrometry detection and optical measurement techniques, will be covered at a level of technical detail that ensures knowledge in metrology gained can be applied across strategic application areas that are important in the natural world.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This course will introduce you to the analytical challenges faced when studying complex mixtures, whether through direct analysis or combining a number of complementary techniques, and whether for qualitative or quantitative purposes.

Through case studies, and examples taken from peer-reviewed literature, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of application areas that stem from a set of common principles, and learn how to critically think through analytical approaches so as to tailor them to meet different challenges.

Module learning outcomes

Subject content

To develop a knowledge-base of:

  • The diversity of complex mixtures in the natural world
  • The dynamic range of compounds within matrices, and the consequences to analytical science
  • Advanced separation science for simplifying mixtures of liquids or gases prior to detection
  • Ion mobility separation mass spectrometry for filtering ions based on shape, and obtaining a measure of collisional cross section to indicate size.
  • Advanced mass spectrometry for structure determination, including high resolution and accurate mass measurement, and technologies for tandem mass spectrometry
  • Optical techniques for highly selective measurements in complex mixtures
  • The application of metrology (qualitative and quantitative measurement science) to complex mixtures in the natural world including atmospheric, biological, chemical, environmental matrices.
  • Analytical strategies and method validation to ensure data is fit for intended purpose

Academic and graduate skills

  • Will be able to determine appropriate analytical methods for different applications within environmental, atmospheric, chemical or biological matrices.
  • Will be able to design and validate experimental procedures to ensure fit-for-purpose methods are used and outcomes result.
  • Will develop critical and applied thinking through critical assessments of some research papers or case studies

Module content

Introduction to the course, highlighting hot topics in York

1 lecture JAM

Measurement science across the phases of state

7 lectures KEHP

  • Sample strategies and approaches for sample preparation
  • Qualitative and quantitative analysis
  • Method validation
  • Analytical strategies for method development and problem solving
  • Case studies

Spectroscopic techniques and sensors

7 lectures PME

  • Cavity and open path absorption spectroscopy (incl. DOAS)
  • Cavity ringdown spectroscopy
  • Laser induced fluorescence
  • Chemiluminescence, optical absorption, fluorescence
  • Methods for measuring radical reactivities
  • Measurement of fluxes
  • Aerosol measurements
  • Low-cost sensors
  • Case studies

Analytical techniques for complex mixtures

  • Multidimensional chromatography with mass selective detection 7 lectures JFH/Rosie Chance/Marvin Shaw.
    • 2D GC
    • 2D LC
    • GC-LC
    • Chemical ionisation mass spectrometry
    • Proton transfer reactor mass spectrometry
    • Principles of linear and reflecttron Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry
    • Case studies
  • High resolution mass spectrometry and accurate mass measurement 6 lectures JAM
    • Fourier transform mass spectrometry
    • Tandem mass spectrometry
    • Ion mobility separation with mass spectrometry
    • Elemental analysis and isotope ratio mass spectrometry
    • Direct analysis mass spectrometry
    • Case studies

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Advanced Analysis online exam		 2 hours 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Online open book 2 hour exam consisting of 2 x 20 mark questions. To be submitted via the VLE within the 24h assessment window.

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Advanced Analysis online exam		 2 hours 100

Module feedback

  • Exam results with per-question breakdown are returned to the students via supervisors within 5 weeks (as per special approval by the University Teaching Committee). Outline answers are made available via the Chemistry web pages or vle when the students receive their marks, so that they can assess their own detailed progress/achievement.
  • Lecturers encouraged to put short quizzes on VLE, with opportunity to provide experience and feedback at data manipulation and interpretation where relevant

Indicative reading

To be provided by individual lecturers and will include 2 papers from literature exemplifying taught material


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.