MSc Chemistry

The unit aims to:

• Explore aspects of the theory of molecular spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography, as applied in analytical chemistry labs to small molecules.
• Practice the interpretation of spectra and chromatograms, and to integrate data from multiple methods to identify unknown molecules.
• Practice multispectral interpretation in a supportive, workshop setting in order to develop analytical chemistry skills for practical labs and projects.
• Undertake laboratory work across a range of applications involving safety assessments, synthetic preparations, separation and analysis by relevant spectroscopic methods.

A full list of the Intended Learning Outcomes is present on the course's Blackboard page.

At the end of this module, students should be able to;

1. Explain the principles of operation of NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography, and describe the chemical information that can be provided by each method.
2. Describe and explain the ways in which NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and chromatography are used by practical chemists for quantitative and qualitative analysis;
3. Apply knowledge of each of the methods to unseen examples, both isolated techniques and in conjunction, to determine elements of chemical composition;
4. Apply knowledge of each of the methods to devise a suitable analytical strategy for unseen examples, by selecting appropriate methods of quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis.