Module: Analytical Spectroscopy

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Analytical Spectroscopy
Module Code	CHM1025 (ITS: CS303)
Faculty	Chemical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To develop an understanding of the principles and applications of atomic and molecular spectroscopy. This module provides the theoretical background for analtyical experiments involving UV-Visible spectroscopy, spectrofluorimetry and atomic absorption and other emission spectroscopies. This module also introduces the student to the application of atomic and molecular spectroscopy to a wide range of environments e.g. industrial, pharmaceutical, environmental.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the mechanisms of and fundamental distinctions between molecular and atomic spectroscopy
2. Recognise the issues regarding sensitivity and selectivitiy of molecular and atomic spectroscopy and interpret the limitations and analytical issues associated with each method
3. Demonstrate analytical application of these atomic and molecular absorption and emission spectroscopies
4. Discriminate the analtyical problems that can be appropriately solved by these spectroscopies

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lecture course
Independent Study	98	No Description
Tutorial	2	Tutorial material delivered online or in person
Total Workload: 124

Section Breakdown
CRN	10257	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Tia Keyes	Module Teacher	Ciprian Briciu Burghina, Fiona Regan, Mary Pryce

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Principles of molecular and atomic spectroscopy as applied to analytical science

Analytical validation procedures as applied to analytical spectroscopy.

Precision and sensitivity of spectroscopic measurements.

Quantitative analysis by UV-Visible spectroscopy.

Determination of dissociation and formation constants from spectral data.

Theory and application of fluorescence spectroscopy.

Instrumentation used in UV-Visible and Fluorescence spectroscopy.

Spectroscopic behaviour in flames.

Atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Atomic emission spectroscopy.

Atomic fluorescence techniques.

Direct current and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy.

Coupled techniques- ICP-MS. Atomic spectroscopic methods for trace analysis of metal ions."

Introduction to other forms of luminescence

Indicative Reading List

Books:

D.C. Harris,: 1999, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 5th Edition,,
Rouessac & Rouessac: 2000, Modern Instrumentation Methods and Techniques,, Wiley 2000.,
L. Ebdon: 1998, An Introduction to Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, Wiley,
H.H. Willard, L.L. Merritt, J.A. Dean, F.A. Settle,: 1988, Instrumental Methods of Analysis., 7th Edition,, Wadsworth 1988.,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None