AP0402 - Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry

What will I learn on this module?

This module will cover the following:
• An introduction to the fundamental principles of analytical chemistry.
• Consolidation of the knowledge of empirical formulae and balancing of chemical equations.
• An introduction to the theory and practice of titrimetry, gravimetry, flame photometry and spectrophotometry for analysis.
• Theory and hands on experience of chromatographic techniques for separation and analysis of mixtures.

How will I learn on this module?

The module will be delivered using a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions. Formal sessions by the module team will introduce each theme and the associated assignment (formative laboratory or summative coursework/test), which will include directing you to primary sources of material. The module will be enhanced by laboratory work that will be carried out to give you direct experience in practical aspects of these areas of analytical chemistry, which can be used to inform how you address the subsequent summative assignments.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

By attendance at the lecture programme you will be provided with the basic concepts of the fundamentals of analytical chemistry. These concepts will be outlined and discussed, in the tutorial sessions, using specific examples. Finally, both the lecture and tutorial activities are applied in hands-on laboratory practical sessions. Opportunities exist during the lecture for Q&A type activity while the tutorials are implicit in the support provided. Laboratory sessions, while formal in their activity, provide an opportunity for informal discussions. Outside of the formal scheduled teaching sessions, our open-door policy provides opportunities to discuss and enquire about your own learnings wants and needs. The on-line reading list for this module provides opportunities to supplement the formal teaching with self-study opportunities.

Finally, annotated scripts from the laboratory proformae exercises will be returned to you via the eLP (Blackboard Ultra) within 20 working days of the submission date. In addition, the tutorial programme provides a great opportunity to gain feedback on your progress with the module via facilitated short-answer problem sheets, as well as opportunity to ask further questions about the related lecture / laboratory session. The feedback you will receive will help you identify areas that could improve your performance in the final online assessment. Feedback will be provided to you within 20 working days via Blackboard Ultra.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Recognise, describe, utilise and understand essential principles and theories relating specifically to analytical chemistry and some of its applications.

2. Recognise and perform a range of analytical techniques used in biochemistry, chemistry and forensic science.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

3. Apply theoretical knowledge of analytical chemistry to the solution of qualitative/quantitative biochemical, chemical and forensic science problems.

How will I be assessed?

The assessment will split between an online assessment (60%) (MLO1) and a practical portfolio assessment (40%) (MLO2&3)

The practical assessment component will be designed to assess understanding of the theory covered in lectures and tutorial sessions.

Formative feedback will be provided on taught laboratory classes and tutorial sessions. Summative feedback will be annotated on the returned assessments.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module has been designed to introduce the fundamental principles and practices of analytical chemistry. By a combination of lecture, tutorial and laboratory classes, specific concepts and ideas in analytical chemistry are introduced (lecture), discussed and evaluated (tutorial) and then practiced (via hands-on laboratory exercises). The specific analytical techniques covered are: titrimetry, gravimetry, elemental analysis, spectrophotometry and chromatography. Finally, a mini-project is used to provide linkage between a range of analytical techniques and contextualize in a case study based on a Trading Standards investigation.

Course info

UCAS Code F101

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 4 years Full Time or 5 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Applied Sciences

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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