Methods in Elemental Analysis
Abstract
Quantitative-chemical analysis are of great importance for the academic sector, public service, and industry. Wronganalysis may lead to false conclusions, loss or outage of production or unhealthy compositions of drugs. Therefore this may have consequences for finances, materials or health. During the study of Chemistry (Bachelor) at ETH, students receive education in quantitative elemental analysis (529-0051-00 und 529-0058-00). They are trained in knowledge and skill about quantitative analysis, the analytical process and different spectrometric methods.
The present course format reaches students of different study courses and enables them to gain an overview about the systematic approach with the discussed methods and to develop on the basis of concrete analytical problems an analytical strategy on their own. A more detailed discussion of the methods of elemental analysis is not possible, which would further enable a discussion about the limits of methods and a comparison between methods.
These obstacles, which are due to the more theoretical presentation format, are adressed with this project seminar as optional course. During this course students will answer an problem with elemental analysis with practical work. This involves the students in small groups, while each group uses a different method. A central aspect is the intense examination with the methods and their characterization based on the students lab work with the help of method-experienced supervisors. The methods and results from the analysis will be compared. Based on their wok, students will create educational material illustrating the methods or analysis to be used in different courses.
Success factors
• different methods of elemental analysis are characterized by students in small groups and practial and independent work
• advanced practical experience with methods and concepts of elemental analysis
• contemplation and exchange between groups and comparison of methods by the students
• practical work of the same analytical problem with different methods
• public poster presentation
• creation of educational material to be used in other courses
Innovative elements
Different methods of quantitative elemental analysis are characterized by students in small groups and practical lab work and a concrete analytical problem is adressed. Insights are reflected, compared between groups and educational material is created.
Room for improvement
Organizational aspects need to be reviewed. Those include the communication between the groups and short regular meetings for progress monitoring.
Opinion of students
The evaluation confirmed the high satisfaction of the students with this project. Students praised especially the support and the opportunity for practical and self-reliant work. They criticized mainly details of organization and scheduling.
Tips for lecturers
The Organisation and execution requires a lot of effort and should offers students opportunities for self-reliant work and gain experience. The supervision of the methods should be tight at the start and eventually loosened. Students should be allowed to make mistakes.