Module: Analysis of Environmental Samples

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Analysis of Environmental Samples
Module Code	CHM1057
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Chemical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

To provide students with experience in the safe operation of analytical instrumentation. To promote 'hands-on' development of analytical methods applicable to real-world problems encountered both in industry and academic research. To encourage an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving in a modern analytical laboratory. To apply theoretical knowledge in a practical laboratory setting. To develop record-keeping and presentation skills. To develop inter-personal, team-work and communication skills. To introduced students to modern instrumental techniques. To introduce students to the concepts of sampling and sample handling. To introduce students to preparation, storage and handling of standards and reagents. to introduce students to concepts of instrument calibration and method validation. To analyse the air and water samples taken during the field trip.

Learning Outcomes

1. operate state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and develop analytical methods for specific problems using this instrumentation. The students will gain hands-on experience with specific instrumentation for spectroscopy, chromatography, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, IR/NMR.
2. appreciate the importance of health and safety in a laboratory setting.
3. understand the protocols necessary for the care of analytical instrumentation.
4. competently write detailed scientific reports based on the analytical methods they use in the laboratory.
5. apply laboratory quality control techniques to the analytical methods that they develop.
6. test LO

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Laboratory	36	6 x 6 hour lab sessions
Laboratory	3	1 x 3 hour introductory session
Independent Study	4	preparing for lab session
Assignment Completion	70	7 x lab write ups
Assignment Completion	10	quality control write up
Assignment Completion	2	pre moodle quiz
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21298	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Margaret McCaul	Module Teacher	Blanaid White, Mary Pryce, Ruairí Brannigan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Exam	Pre-laboratory quiz	5%	Every Week
Report(s)	scientific report about laboratory session	85%	Every Week
Performance evaluation	marks awarded for good laboratory practice, compliance with health and safety rules	10%	Every Week

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

Laboratory Practicals
See Laboratory Manual (to be distributed at commencement of module)

Introductory Laboratory session
introduction to lab format, fundamental wet chemistry techniques, injection techniques

Using IR and NMR and Karl Fischer titration to identify 2 unknown substances
one solid and one liquid

spectroscopy
determination of iron-phenanthroline mole ratio by UV-visible spectroscopy, determination of quinine in tonic water by fluorescence

Atomic Absorption spectroscopy
analysis of cations in tap water, ions in water samples taken during field trip, standard addition calibration

High performance liquid chromatography
optimisation of separation conditions, comparison of isocratic and gradient systems

Ion Chromatography
determination of inorganic ions in fertiliser and tapwater and water samples taken during field trip

Gas chromatography
identification of BTEX in air samples taken during field trip by gas chromatography

Indicative Reading List

Books:

DCU: 0, Chemistry Laboratory Manual,
Daniel C. Harris: 0, Quantitative Chemical Analysis,
Gary D. Christian: 0, Analytical Chemistry,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None