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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2009 - 2010

Module Title	Separation Techniques
Module Code	CS302
School	School of Chemical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Prof Fiona Regan	Office Number	X116A
Level	3	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None

Module Aims

To introduce the student to the theory and practices of modern separation techniques.
To provide the necessary background to allow the student to select an appropriate separation technique for a given analysis.
To introduce the student to the application of chromatography in a wide range of environments e.g. industrial, pharmaceutical, environmental.

Learning Outcomes

The student should be able to:

Understand the thermodynamic and molecular basis for equilibrium separation. Calculate and measure tr, k, a, R, N and H for a given separation. Explain the individual and collective contributions to band broadening and ways in which they can be minimised
Describe the sample preparation, method development parameters and instrumentation required for (i) gas chromatography, (ii) high performance liquid chromatography (iii) ion chromatography, (iv) capillary electrophoresis and other separation techniques.

Indicative Time Allowances
	Hours
Lectures	30
Tutorials	6
Laboratories	0
Seminars	0
Independent Learning Time	39

Total	75
Placements
Assignments

NOTE

Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus

Chemical equilibria; activity, acid-base chemistry, formation constants, solubility products.
Thermodynamics of separation - distribution coefficients, chemical potential and conditions for equilibrium, solvent extractions.
Molecular basis for equilibrium separation - the effect of molecular structure on the distribution of a compound between two phases. The empirical approach - Rohrschneider constant.
Chromatography separation - definition and classification of chromatographic mechanisms, sorption isotherms, retention behaviour, distribution efficients, capacity factor, column selectivity, column efficiency, bond broadening, diffusion, mass transfer, resolution, quantitative methods.
Sample preparation - solid phase extraction and derivatisation.
Gas chromatography - principles, stationary phases and instrumentation.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) – classification, basic LC concepts (k , a, R and N), instrumentation used (pumps, injectors, columns, detectors), chromatographic modes (reversed-phase, normal-phase, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, affinity) and applications.
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) - classification, basic CE concepts (m, v, EOF, N and R), instrumentation used (power supply, injectors, capillaries, detectors), CE modes (CZE, CGE, MECC, CEC, chiral CE).
Chiral chromatography and Ion chromatography.
Other separation techniques including LC-MS.

Assessment
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Indicative Reading List

Recommended:

Quantitative chemical analysis 4th and 5th editions – D.C. Harris.
Chromatography and Separation Science, Vol. 4 in Separation Science and Technology Series, S. Ahuja, 2002, Academic Press, ISBN: 0120449811. DCU library ref.: 543.089
HPLC and CE – Principles and Practice, A. Weston and P. Brown, 1997, Academic Press, ISBN: 0121366405. DCU library ref.: 543.0871
Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Willard, Merritt, Dean & Settle - Wadswarlt 1988 Chromatography, 5th edition, fundamentals and techniques. Ed. E.Heftmann.

Programme or List of Programmes

BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.

BSc in Analytical Science

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSc in Chemistry with German

ECSA

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)

ECSAO

Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)