Examination arrangement

Course content

The course provides an insight into the use of instrumental chemical analysis techniques on real samples and sampling of different types of test materials (including water, sediment, soil/vegetaion and air). Relevant ISO / standard routines (eg Norwegian Standard) for sampling and analysis are reviewed. Sample storage, sample preparation and quality assurance are discussed. The course is based on basic knowledge of analytical chemistry, and goes further in the depth of theory and use of state of the art instruments and other analytical techniques for environmental monitoring. Techniques involved are ion chromatography (IC), spectrophotometry (UV / VIS and IR), High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), Triple Quadrupole Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ), electroanalytic methods and relevant sensor technology. The course is project-based and uses active learning activities through teamwork including writing project applications, planning of fieldwork, sampling, sample processing, chemical analysis, data interpretation and reporting / dissemination.

Learning outcome

The course addresses a range of current state of the art and modern methods of chemical analysis and sensor technology for inorganic and organic components relevant to environmental chemistry and environmental monitoring. The course builds on basic knowledge in analytical chemistry, and continues this knowledge for the use of a variety of techniques for analyzing real samples.

After completing the course, the student

Knowledge

• has advanced knowledge in analytical chemistry and specialized insights into instrumental methods
• have advanced knowledge of the subject's scientific theory and methods within -spectroscopy (especially IR and UV / VIS), -high-resolution ICP-MS, -chromatography (LC-MS, GC-MS and IC), -relevant sensor systems based on electroanalytic and optical systems
• traditional sampling methodology and passive samplers, pretreatment of sample materials and proper storage
• can apply knowledge in new areas through the development of applications and procedures
• can analyze academic issues within analytical chemistry and instrumental methods based on the history and traditions of the discipline

Skills

• apply existing theories, methods and interpretations in analytical chemistry and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving
• can plan and use different sampling techniques and chemical analysis methods for key chemical components in real samples from soil / sediments, air, water and vegetation in independent
• support SDG subgoal 12.4 in reaching environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes throughout their life cycle, and reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment
• limited research or development projects under guidance
• evaluate on a broad basis the uses and sources of errors for relevant analytical methods, and develop quality assurance for sampling and chemical analysis using ISO procedures and statistical methods
• can analyze and interpret analytical results based on existing theories in analytical chemistry
• analyze and relate critically to various sources of information and apply them to structure and formulate professional reasoning within analytical chemistry especially with environmental monitoring applications and in accordance with current research ethical norms
• Educate and evaluate applications for the application of relevant instrumental analytical methods and sensor systems for quantitative and / or qualitative analysis of key organic and inorganic compounds and ions of importance to the natural environment and environmental monitoring
• have basic knowledge of how to write applications with regard to project support for research projects within the research area and related to the UN's sustainability goals

General competence

• can analyze relevant academic, occupational and research ethical issues
• Apply their knowledge and skills in analytical environmental chemistry in new areas to carry out advanced tasks and projects and contribute to innovation in this area
• can work individually and in teams with research projects and disseminate comprehensive independent work as well as master expressions and terminology in analytical chemistry and environmental chemistry
• communicate on academic issues, analyzes and conclusions within analytical environmental chemistry both to specialists and to the general public through traditional dissemination methods as well as through the use of multimedia, video and ICT
• have an overview of possible digital tools in multivariate data analysis (chemometric software) and visualization of data (GIS tools) relevant to the research area analytical environmental chemistry
• have a basic understanding of how to work safely in the field and at the laboratory (through organized mandatory safety lecture)

Learning methods and activities

Lectures (2 hours per week), project work (PBL) including planning and implementation of field and laboratory work (80 hours), teamwork (20 hours). As a part of the laboratory course work, before the lab. activity starts up, there will be given a compulsory HSE-lecture specifically for this course, which is a prerequisite to get access to the lab. course. Normally this take place during the first two weeks of the semester. Information about time for mandatory activity in the semester will be announced at semester start.

Expected work load in the course is 200-225 hours.

Compulsory assignments

• Approved laboratory course
• Team work

Further on evaluation

Final oral examination (100%).

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on basic course in analytical chemistry (like KJ2050 at NTNU or equivalent courses)

Course materials

A) Fifield F.W., Haines P.J., Environmental Analytical Chemistry 2.ed. ISBN 978-0-632-05383-4 B) Additional course material is given at the lectures and in team work group meetings. C) Theory given at the field and laboratory course.