Basic Analytical Chemistry from edX

Analytical chemistry takes a prominent position among all fields of experimental sciences, ranging from fundamental studies of Nature to industrial or clinical applications.Analytical chemistry covers the fundamentals of experimental and analytical methods and the role of chemistry around us.

This course introduces the principles of analytical chemistry and provides how these principles are applied in chemistry and related disciplines - especially in life sciences, environmental sciences and geochemistry.

This course, regardless of your background, will teach you fundamental analytical concepts and their practical applications.

By the end of the course, you will deeply understand analytical methodologies in a systematic manner. Finally, this course will help you develop critical, independent reasoning that you can apply to new problems in chemistry and its related fields.

This course is for anyone interested in analytical sciences.

What you'll learn

A basic background in the chemical principles, particularly important to analytical chemistry
The ability to judge the accuracy and precision of experimental data and to show how these judgments can be sharpened by the application of statistical methods
A wide range of techniques that are useful in modern analytical chemistry
The skills needed to solve analytical problems in a quantitative manner
Laboratory skills to obtain high-quality analytical data

What's inside

Learning objectives

A basic background in the chemical principles, particularly important to analytical chemistry
The ability to judge the accuracy and precision of experimental data and to show how these judgments can be sharpened by the application of statistical methods
A wide range of techniques that are useful in modern analytical chemistry

The skills needed to solve analytical problems in a quantitative manner
Laboratory skills to obtain high-quality analytical data

A basic background in the chemical principles, particularly important to analytical chemistry
The ability to judge the accuracy and precision of experimental data and to show how these judgments can be sharpened by the application of statistical methods
A wide range of techniques that are useful in modern analytical chemistry
The skills needed to solve analytical problems in a quantitative manner
Laboratory skills to obtain high-quality analytical data

Syllabus

Module 1: Basic Tools of Analytical Methods 1. Chemical Measurements and Analytical tools 2. Experimental Error 3. Statistics and Quality Assurance 4. Chemical Equilibrium 5. Sample Preparation

Module 2: Chemical Equilibria for Quantitative Analysis 6. Gravimetric Analysis 7. Effects of Electrolytes 8. Systematic Treatment 9. Monoprotic Acid-Base Equilibria 10. Polyprotic Acid-Base Equilibria 11. Acid-Base Titrations 12. EDTA Titrations

Module 3: Electrochemical Analysis and Spectrophotometry 13. Fundamentals of Electrochemistry 14. Potentiometry 15. Redox Titrations 16. Fundamentals of Spectrophotometry 17. Applications of Spectrophotometry 18. Spectrophotometers

Module 4: Spectrochemical Analysis and Analytical Separations 19. Atomic Spectroscopy 20. Mass Spectrometry 21. Introduction to Analytical Separations 22. Gas Chromatography 23. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography 24. Electrophoresis Analyses

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers chemical principles applicable to analytical chemistry

Trains learners to judge experimental data precision and accuracy, as well as statistical methods to sharpen such judgment

Provides training in a wide array of modern analytical techniques

Develops skills crucial to quantitative analytical problem-solving

Offers laboratory training and teaches skills to gather high-quality analytical data

Requires prerequisite knowledge in chemistry principles

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basic Analytical Chemistry with these activities:

Review secondary school chemistry

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Refresh basic chemistry concepts to better prepare for this advanced course.

Browse courses on Chemical Bonding

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Review notes from previous chemistry courses
Complete practice problems on stoichiometry, chemical equilibrium, and acid-base chemistry
Watch online videos or tutorials on fundamental chemistry concepts

Create a comprehensive study guide

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Organize and consolidate your learning materials for efficient revision.

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Gather all your course materials, including notes, slides, handouts, and assignments
Review and identify key concepts, definitions, and formulas
Summarize and condense the information into a well-structured study guide

Review Basic Chemistry

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Solidifies comprehension of key concepts and terminology needed throughout the course.

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Review notes and textbooks from previous chemistry courses.
Complete practice problems and exercises.

Eight other activities

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Connect with experienced analytical chemists

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Expand your network and gain valuable insights from experts in the field.

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Identify potential mentors at universities, research institutions, or industries
Reach out to your identified mentors and express your interest in connecting
Arrange meetings or virtual calls to discuss your career goals and seek guidance

Attend a conference or workshop on analytical chemistry

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Gain exposure to cutting-edge research and industry trends by attending professional events.

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Research and identify relevant conferences or workshops
Register for the event and make travel arrangements
Attend sessions, listen to presentations, and network with professionals
Take notes and document your key takeaways
Follow up with connections made at the event

Solve practice problems on equilibrium and titrations

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Sharpen your analytical problem-solving skills by working through practice problems.

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Attempt practice problems assigned in the course textbook
Seek out additional practice problems from online resources or textbooks
Review solutions to problems and identify areas for improvement

Create a concept map of analytical methods

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Enhance your understanding by visually organizing the various analytical methods.

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Identify the main analytical methods covered in the course
Research and gather information on each method
Create a concept map that connects the methods and their key concepts

Participate in peer-led discussion groups

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Engage with peers to clarify concepts and share insights.

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Join or form a peer-led discussion group
Attend discussion sessions regularly
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions

Follow online tutorials on analytical techniques

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Supplement your understanding of analytical techniques by exploring online tutorials.

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Search for online tutorials on specific analytical techniques
Follow the tutorials and take notes on key concepts
Apply what you have learned by attempting practice problems or simulations

Conduct a small-scale analytical experiment

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Apply your knowledge and skills by designing and conducting your own experiment.

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Identify a research question or problem
Design an experiment to test your hypothesis
Conduct the experiment and collect data
Analyze the data and draw conclusions
Write a report summarizing your findings

Develop a presentation on a specific analytical technique

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Enhance your communication and presentation skills while deepening your understanding of a technique.

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Select an analytical technique to focus on
Research and gather information on the technique
Create a presentation that explains the principles and applications of the technique
Practice your presentation and receive feedback from peers or instructors
Deliver your presentation to the class

Career center

Learners who complete Basic Analytical Chemistry will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Analytical Chemist

Analytical Chemists examine the chemical composition of various substances to extract valuable information. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze substances, as well as how to interpret the results. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to solve analytical problems and make informed decisions.

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Chemistry Teacher

Chemistry Teachers educate students about the principles of chemistry. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of analytical chemistry, which are essential for teaching this subject effectively. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze substances, as well as how to interpret the results. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to explain complex chemical concepts to students in a clear and engaging way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chemistry Teacher

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists analyze evidence to help solve crimes. This course provides a strong foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, and trace elements. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to solve crimes and bring criminals to justice.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with humans. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze environmental samples, such as air, water, and soil. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to assess the environmental impact of human activities and develop solutions to environmental problems.

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Food Scientist

Food Scientists develop and improve food products. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze food products, such as their composition, safety, and quality. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to develop new food products and improve the quality of existing products.

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Geochemist

Geochemists study the chemical composition of the Earth. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze geological samples, such as rocks, minerals, and fossils. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to understand the Earth's history and evolution.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists develop and improve materials. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze materials, such as their composition, structure, and properties. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to develop new materials and improve the performance of existing materials.

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Medical Laboratory Scientist

Medical Laboratory Scientists analyze patient samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze patient samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to perform accurate and reliable tests and provide valuable information to healthcare providers.

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Pharmaceutical Scientist

Pharmaceutical Scientists develop and improve drugs. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze drugs, such as their composition, safety, and efficacy. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to develop new drugs and improve the quality of existing drugs.

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Quality Control Analyst

Quality Control Analysts ensure that products meet quality standards. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze products, such as their composition, safety, and performance. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to ensure that products meet quality standards and are safe for consumers.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which is essential for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze samples, such as their composition, structure, and properties. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to conduct independent research and make new discoveries.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. This course provides a solid foundation in the principles of analytical chemistry, which can be helpful for success in this role. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze substances, as well as how to interpret the results. This knowledge will help you to develop the skills needed to write clear and accurate articles about scientific topics.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create technical documentation. This course may be useful for success in this role if you are interested in writing about scientific topics. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze substances, as well as how to interpret the results. This knowledge can help you to develop the skills needed to write clear and accurate technical documentation.

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Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students about science. This course may be useful for success in this role if you are interested in teaching chemistry. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze substances, as well as how to interpret the results. This knowledge can help you to develop the skills needed to explain complex scientific concepts to students in a clear and engaging way.

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Laboratory Manager

Laboratory Managers oversee the operation of laboratories. This course may be useful for success in this role if you are interested in managing a laboratory that performs analytical chemistry. You will learn about the different techniques used to analyze substances, as well as how to interpret the results. This knowledge can help you to develop the skills needed to manage a laboratory efficiently and effectively.

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