Role of Main Components
Students will, with the aid of user manuals, be able to effectively operate optical spectrometers, mass spectrometers, and chromatographs based on a fundamental understanding of the components that make up those instruments.
Method Development
Students will be able to develop an effective method for the analysis of a sample, with appropriate consideration of sample type, instrument selection based on well-defined figures of merit, validation with appropriate standards, quality control, and statistical analysis in reporting of uncertainties.
Interpretation of Results
Students will gain textbook experience in the interpretation of optical, chromatographic, and mass spectrometric measurement in anticipation of hands-on experience with the techniques in Chemistry 523.
Electronic Measurement Principles
Students will understand the concepts of input impedance, output impedance, impedance matching, and A/D conversion, and will be able to apply that understanding to the proper connection of a signal source with an electronic measuring device.
Signals and Noise
Students will understand the origins of noise in analytical measurements and will be able to apply that understaning in a variety of signal processing techniques that optimize signal-to-noise ratios and improve analytical performance of instrumental methods.
