Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
Overview
The aim of this unit is to introduce spectroscopic techniques as invaluable tools in science for the detection, identification and analysis of a wide range of chemical compounds relevant to both research and industry. The unit will demonstrate how measuring fundamental physical properties, followed by analysis of the cumulative data, can lead to the identification of chemical unknowns. Through the use of relevant examples, the combination of all spectroscopic techniques covered in the unit will be also highlighted as evidence of how the development of workable strategies toward accurate and expedient determination of complex molecules can be achieved.
Requisites
01-June-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the interactions of electromagnetic radiations with matter
- Explain the fundamentals of instrumental analysis
- Discuss the basic components common to most spectroscopic instruments
- Discuss how spectroscopic methods are used for qualitative and quantitative analyses
- Develop advanced hands-on experience in the operation of spectroscopic instruments
- Analyse instrumental responses to generate valid hypotheses and results
- Hypothesise on theoretical concepts and predict instrumental responses
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Lecture | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Tutorial Labs | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 8.33 | 12 weeks | 100 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 0.17 | 12 weeks | 2 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,6,7 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Mid-Semester Test | Individual | 15 - 25% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Online Assignment | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,4,6 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 5 - 15% | 1,2,3,4,6,7 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam, and(iii) completion of a specific fraction of non-reportable laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Fundamental principles: atoms, electrons, atomic orbitals, molecular orbitals, energy equation
- An introduction to quantum chemistry
- The electromagnetic spectrum, nature and properties of light
- Energy states, energy levels, transitions
- Basics of instrumentation and data acquisition
- Components of spectrometers and how they work
- Origin of diversity in spectra: line and continuum
- Atomic and molecular absorption: flame & ICO-OES
- Fundamentals of infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy
- Fundamentals of UV-Vis spectroscopy
- Introduction to proton NMR
- Applications of spectroscopy
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.