Duration
20h Th, 40h Pr
Number of credits
| Bachelor in biology | 5 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
First part: The concepts of analytical chemistry and the importance of analytical chemistry in biology and life science: 1. Introduction 2. Measurements in analytical chemistry 3. Experimental errors Second part : The reactions and chemical equilibrium, their role in biochemistry and their role to develop analytical methods 4. Chemical equilibria 5. Titrations 6. Acid-Base equilibria 7. Complexation equilibria Third part: introduction to separation methods. We discuss the basic principles of chromatographic separation mechanism. We will detail the different parameters that characterize a chromatographic separation. We discuss the main types of chromatography: Gas chromatography Liquid chromatography Ionic chromatography Size exclusion chromatography
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
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.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
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 (2h) begin the first Tuesday of the first quadrimester at 10h00 and are given in the room S38 (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: Six sessions are planned 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 quadrimester of the year (rooms R4 and R10, Chemistry building B6d -TP). They start at 10h 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 presses universitaires. The notes alqo include 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 10/20 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 graded more than 10/20 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.
Work placement(s)
Two types of trainings are scheduled:
1- Traditional laboratory sessions are organized during 8 weeks, Wednesdays from 10am 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.
These two activities are parts of the teaching module and are mandatory. The student who will not participate at both entire activities and/or provided their reports outside the deadlines fixed will not be admitted at the exam.
Organizational remarks
See here below
Contacts
Pr. Gauthier Eppe
Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local 1/9A
Tel. +32-4-366.3422
e-mail. g.eppe@uliege.be
Exercises sessions: Wendy Müller: wmuller@uliege.be
Laboratories : Lucas Demaret lucas.demaret@uliege.be
Laboratory assistant: : Stéphane Luts
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session
Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning
Assessment subjects
Assessment methods
Contacts
Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session
Assessment subjects
the evaluation will cover the entire subject area
Assessment methods
see French version
Contacts
g.eppe@uliege.be
wmuller@uliege.be