Analytical Chemistry

This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct independent scientific research, from critical literature evaluation to experimental design and data analysis.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Conduct an independent literature review to enhance critical analysis and understanding of research topics.
• Design a structured research proposal with clear aims, ethical considerations, and safety protocols.
• Develop practical lab skills through structured experiments, including data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Understand and apply statistical methods for data analysis.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in research.
• Help identify and articulate your employability skills

Engaging with these core areas will prepare you for the demands of independent research and professional scientific practice.

This module aims to equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of laboratory-based research and examine the important issues that make good laboratory practice. Within the programme, this module will prepare you for the semester two laboratory module and the semester three independent research project.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Fundamental practical laboratory training (including reagent preparation, accuracy and precision in performing experiments, health and safety) which will be underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
• A range of course focussed laboratory methodologies and, where appropriate, other practical procedures.
• Effective communication and presentation skills development via the preparation of visual and written work in an appropriate context.
• Introduction to ethical issues and foundations of scientific integrity forming the implications of good laboratory practice.
• Understand and apply fundamental statistical methods for data analysis.
• Employability skills and career preparation (including CV development, application process).

This module is designed to equip students with an introduction to the workings of a forensic science laboratory and an understanding of the analytical techniques used for a range of sample types, particularly with reference to drugs. Students will be introduced to both qualitative and quantitative methods. Students will also gain insights into the legal aspects of forensic analysis, including the chain of custody and the role of forensic experts in the courtroom. Additionally, students will explore the effects of common drugs of abuse and gain an understanding of relevant UK legislation governing these substances. 

You’ll study topics such as: 

• An overview of ‘crime scene to court’ 
• The workings of a forensic science laboratory 
• Outlines of UK legislation regarding substances of abuse, including the Misuse of Drugs Act, drink and drug driving laws. Common drugs of abuse: their sources, forms and effects. Trends of drug abuse and changes in legislation to counter these
• Analytical tools to screen and analyse different types of samples, including drugs (spot tests, immunoassays, on site testing and more advanced hyphenated analytical applications), gunshot residue and others
• Sample handling methods appropriate for the matrices being analysed: such as liquid or solid phase extraction, microextraction and headspace analysis. Sample preservation and storage for different matrices
• Hyphenated and mass spectrometry techniques and instrumentation applied to analysis of drugs, including scientific principles underlying the instrumentation when not explained elsewhere  
• Toxicology applications such as therapeutic drug monitoring, drugs in sport, forensic and criminal toxicology casework

This module aims to provide the introduction to the parameters that describe analytical methods and to apply them to the presentation of the theory and practice of routine chromatographic and mass spectrometric measurements.  

Indicative Module content:

Identify and discuss the key elements in the definition of the analytical problem. 

Factors affecting the choice of an analytical method such as limits of detection, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity will be discussed in the context of method validation. 

Laboratory Accreditation Schemes, UKAS, GLP, ISO 9000, laboratory quality management, quality systems, the quality manual including standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality audit and review, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), measurement traceability and calibration, record keeping. 

Introduction to the theory and application of separation Sciences. General principles (Distribution Law, basic chemistry of separations). 

Introduction to the theory and application of mass Spectrometry. Including, basic principles of mass spectrometry (ionisation and mass analysers and important criteria - mass accuracy, resolution, resolving power, sensitivity) and applications.  

Hyphenated techniques: Principles of Liquid chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.  

Sample preparation methodologies in analytical science (LLE, SPE, dilutions etc) 

To provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project over a period of eight weeks. The vast majority of projects will be lab-based, all within the bioscience and chemistry research areas. Projects will be appropriate to the specific degree programme on which the student is enrolled. This will be followed by a writing-up period during which the student will prepare an article-style written report.

You’ll study topics such as:
• Literature review, relevant to the area of study, using information databases
• Planning of an agreed research project
• Acquisition and demonstration of practical skills
• Critical analysis of research results
• Preparation of written report
• Oral scientific communication
• Contributing to a research community