Page 51 - Handbook PG 20182019

Faculty of Science Postgraduate Booklet, Session 2018/2019

SQC7001 Research Methodology in Analytical Chemistry

This course provides an overview of research methodology in the field of chemistry and the
introduction of basic statistical techniques for data analysis. Topics discussed include scientific
problem solving techniques and experimental planning, research ethics and laboratory safety,
literature study and scientific writing, sampling plans and strategies, data treatment and analysis
which involve basic statistics, hypothesis tests and regression.

Sample treatment-Introduction & general considerations on sampling techniques & sample
decomposition; sources of errors in decomposition and dissolution; wet oxidation and dry oxidation
methods; decomposition of samples by fluxes, microwave and ultrasonic; relative merits of each
sample decomposition method; metal speciation in biological and environmental analysis.

Sample preparation for Organic Analysis – Extraction methods for solids, liquids and volatile
compounds; Pre-concentration using solvent evaporation; Clean-up and coupling of different
sorbents; effect of sample matrix; Advantages and drawbacks of extraction methods. Examples of
case studies related to selective methods on organic and inorganic analysis.

Assessment Methods:
Continuous Assessment 50%
Final Examination 50%

Medium of Instruction:
English

Transferable Skills:
Skills in planning and conducting scientific research, including data treatment and analysis. Other
transferable skills are report and proposal writing.

Humanity Skill:
CS5, CTPS5, EM2

References:
1. J.R. Matthews and R.W. Matthews. Successful Scientific Writing, 3rd Ed. Cambridge
University Press: UK, 2008
2. J.N. Miller and J.C. Miller. Statistics and chemometrics for analytical Chemistry, 6th ed.,
Pearson: UK, 2010
3. Dean, J.R., Methods for Environmental Trace Analysis, Wiley, UK, 2003.
4. Barcelo, D., Environmental Analysis: Techniques, Applications and Quality Assurance in
Techniques and Instrumentation in Analytical chemistry, Volume 13, Elsevier, Netherland,
1993.
5. Kebbekus, B.B. and Mitra, S., Environmental Chemical Analysis, First Edition, Chapman &
Hall, 1998.

SQC7002 Research Project

This course exposes the candidates to a realistic setting outside of the classroom. Each candidate
would carry out a research project under the supervision of a lecturer from Department of
Chemistry in two semesters. The research progress are monitored and assessed by the appointed
supervisor throughout the candidature period

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