Macquarie University

Chemical Analysis I - CBMS208

The measurement of chemical composition is a necessary requirement for forensic science, local and international trade, manufacture and production, government regulatory agencies, biotechnology, and nearly every field of science. Thus, an understanding of the principles of chemical analysis is an essential part of any scientist's education. This unit is designed to serve the needs of students majoring in chemical, biomolecular, environmental, earth and medical sciences. The unit introduces the principles of chemical analysis that enable the separation, detection, identification and quantification of the chemical matter found in a variety of samples. Such samples may range from those associated with forensic science such as drugs in biological tissue to contaminants in river systems, soils and the general environment, to heavy metals in ores and alloys, to neurochemicals present in a single neuron. Topics include: statistical analysis of chemical data; sampling methods; all modes of chromatographic separation with applications to environmental and biotechnological issues; methods of flow analysis of environmental and biological samples; ion-selective electrodes; potentiometric titration; titrimetry and buffer solutions. Understanding of these techniques is reinforced with practical, hands-on experience using instrumentation in our well-equipped analytical teaching laboratory.