University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
CHIM0254-1  Biological analytical chemistry

Duration :  20h Th, 40h Pr
Number of credits :  
Bachelor in biological sciences, 2nd yearFirst semester6
Lecturer :  Gauthier Eppe, Valérie Gabelica
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
Première partie: les concepts de la chimie analytique et l'importance de la chimie analytique en biologie et sciences de la vie: 1. Introduction 2. Les mesures en chimie analytique 3. Les erreurs expérimentales au laboratoire Deuxième partie: les réactions et équilibres chimiques, leur importance en biochimie et pour l'élaboration de méthodes chimiques d'analyse: 4. Les équilibres chimiques 5. L'analyse volumétrique: les titrages 6. Les équilibres acide-base 7. Les équilibres de complexation Troisième partie: les méthodes de séparation. Nous aborderons les principes de base du mécanisme de séparation en chromatographie. Nous verrons en détails les différents paramètres qui caractérisent une séparation chromatographique. Nous aborderons les principaux types de chromatographie: La chromatographie gazeuse La chromatographie liquide La chromatographie ionique La chromatographie d'exclusion stérique
Learning outcomes of the course :  
To understand, interpret and apply the various reaction steps of an analysis protocol in order to obtain the best performances of accuracy and precision are the top priority of the course. This implies a perfect knowledge of the chemical reactions which it involves.The understanding of coupled chemical equilibria is another learning outcome indispensable for future biochemistry courses. In the third part, understanding the basics in chromatography imply a perfect knowledge of separation mechanisms involved. The students will be able to select the adequate chromatographic technique including the selection of the stationary and mobile phases to separate biomolecules. They will also be able to understand the role that experimental parameters play on the efficiency of a chromatographic separation.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
The general chemistry course of the first year
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
See below
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
Theoretical course: The lessons (1h45) begin the first Tuesday of the first semester at 10h45 and are given in the room A3 (Chemistry Building B6d - TP). The course uses powerpoint presentations and exercices on the blackboard. An interruption of 5 to 10 minutes is provided at about the middle of each lesson. Directed works: Several sessions are planned Tuesdays end of the afternoon, for solving numerical problems in the course material. These sessions are very important because the final written exam is predominantly based on numerical exercises. Laboratory works: they begin first Wednesday of the first semester of the year (rooms R4 and R10, Chemistry building B6d -TP). They start at 11h until 18h (with an interruption for lunch between 13h and 14h) . The purpose is primarily to initiate the students with the specific requirements of the chemical analysis: do not lose anything, do not contaminate, great care, cleanliness and method, strict respect of the experimental protocols... The reliability, precision, trueness and accuracy of an analysis result depend, of course, on the choice of the method but also on the dexterity and competence of the experimentalist.
Recommended or required readings :  
The notes as well as the handbook of laboratory work are available at the Point de Vue. The notes include a copy of important slides and a list of numerical exercises, some solved. No particular material (except the apron) is necessary for the laboratories. The use of a handheld scientific calculator (programmable) is allowed, even advised for the solution of the exercises. As supplementary information, the consultation of the following work is highly recommended: - D.C. Harris, Quantitative Chemical Analysis, 6th or 7th edition, WH Freeman, New York, 2003 for the 6th edition.
Assessment methods and criteria :  
Practical laboratory work: the evaluation is made on the exactitude of the returned analysis results as well as on the theoretical understanding of the proposed protocols. The final practical works score is calculated on the basis of the experimental reports, the quizzes, and a general written test. They count for 20% of the final grade. From one year to the next, students who graded more than 12/20 do not have to repeat the practical work.
Laboratory visit: the evaluation is based on the written report, the oral presentation, and possibly remarks by the hosts. The visit counts for 10%. From one year to the next, students who succeeded the practical works do not have to repeat the visit.
Examination: The examination is a written exam. It involves mostly numerical exercises, a few theoretical questions directly from the course, and applications: interpretation or layout of titration curves, calculations of conditional constants, chromatograms... The examination relies on the entirety of the course (including the concept seen during the practical work and the lab visit). The written exam counts for 70%. The first exam session is in January, the second is in August/September.
Training(s) :  
Two types of trainings are scheduled: 1- Traditional laboratory sessions are organized during 8 weeks, Wednesdays from 11am to 18pm. Three experiments will be performed (quantitation by gravimetry, colorimetry, and volumetric titration). The students submit a report on their analysis. Quizzes can be organized during the labs to test knowledge and understanding of the present experiments. 2- An observatory training in a research laboratory will be organized to demonstrate the use of a contemporary method or a specific instrument in a biological analytical chemistry laboratory.
Contacts :  
Dr. Valérie Gabelica Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local R65/A Tel. +32-4-366.3432 e-mail. v.gabelica@ulg.ac.be Pr. Gauthier Eppe Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local 1/9A Tel. +32-4-366.3422 e-mail. g.eppe@ulg.ac.be
Exercises sessions: Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto Laboratory assistants: Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto et Benjamin L'Homme, préparateur: Stéphane Luts (v.gabelica@ulg.ac.be)

Items online :  
Slides
Lessons 1 & 2

Slides
Lesson 3

Slides
Lesson 4

Slides
Lesson 5

Slides
Lesson 6

Laboratory visit
Organizational remarks


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