Spectroscopy and Instrumentation
Overview
This unit aims to equip students with a foundational understanding of key spectroscopic techniques and their critical role in chemical analysis. Students will learn how to measure and interpret physical properties to identify unknown compounds, integrating data from multiple methods to develop robust analytical strategies. Emphasis is placed on real-world applications in research and industry, fostering scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills. By exploring case studies and cumulative data analysis, students will appreciate how spectroscopy enables accurate, efficient identification of complex molecules, preparing them for advanced study and professional practice in chemical sciences.
Requisites
31-May-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Describe the fundamental principles of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter, forming the basis for understanding various spectroscopic techniques
- Explain the structure of atoms and molecules, including electronic transitions and vibrational modes, to establish how these properties influence spectroscopic behaviour
- Apply the Beer-Lambert Law to solve quantitative problems involving concentration measurements using photometric data, reinforcing practical analytical skills
- Analyse spectroscopic data from UV-Vis and photometric techniques to identify trends, interpret absorbance patterns, and assess sample characteristics
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different spectroscopic methods for specific analytical tasks, considering factors such as sensitivity, selectivity, and sample type
- Integrate knowledge of atomic absorption and molecular spectroscopy to design effective strategies for identifying unknown compounds in real-world scenarios
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Workshop |
2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| On-campus Lab |
4.00 | 6 weeks | 24 |
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning |
6.16 | 12 weeks | 74 |
| Online Learning Activities |
1.50 | 6 weeks | 4 |
| Online Learning Activities |
2.18 | 11 weeks | 24 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | Individual | 30 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,6 |
| Minor Project | Group | 5 - 15% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Online Quizzes | Individual | 10 - 15% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Laboratory Report | Individual | 20 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Mid-Semester Test | Individual | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3 |
Hurdle
As the minimum requirements of assessment to pass a unit and meet all ULOs to a minimum standard, an undergraduate student must have achieved:
(i) an aggregate mark of 50% or more, and(ii) at least 40% in the final exam, and(iii) completion of a specific fraction of non-reportable laboratory work based on the criteria for successful completion as explained in the lab handout(s).Students who do not successfully achieve hurdle requirements (ii) and (iii) will receive a maximum of 45% as the total mark for the unit.
Content
- Introduction to Spectroscopy: Overview of electromagnetic radiation, interaction with matter, and types of spectroscopy.
- Atomic and Molecular Structure: Background on electronic transitions, vibrational modes, and atomic absorption relevant to spectroscopic techniques.
- Principles of Photometry: Beer-Lambert Law, instrumentation, and applications in concentration measurements.
- UV-Visible Spectroscopy: Electronic transitions, chromophores, sample preparation, and quantitative analysis.
- Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: Vibrational transitions, functional group identification, and interpretation of IR spectra.
- Spectral Data Analysis and Interpretation: Techniques for reading and comparing spectra, baseline correction, and peak assignment.
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS): Principles, flame and graphite furnace methods, and trace metal analysis.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Techniques: ICP-OES and ICP-MS fundamentals, instrumentation, and multi-element analysis.
- Sample Preparation and Handling: Importance of matrix effects, dilution, digestion, and contamination control.
- Applications in Research and Industry: Case studies in environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, food safety, and materials science.
- Integrated Spectroscopic Strategies: Combining techniques for complex problem-solving and compound identification
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.