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2025-2026 / CHIM9289-1

Analytical chemistry III - Physical methods

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Electrochemical analysis methods

Practical work and tutorials

Duration

Physico-chemical analysis methods : 15h Th
Electrochemical analysis methods : 15h Th
Practical work and tutorials : 65h Pr, 15h Mon. WS

Number of credits

 Bachelor in chemistry8 crédits 

Lecturer

Physico-chemical analysis methods : Gauthier Eppe
Electrochemical analysis methods : Gauthier Eppe
Practical work and tutorials : Gauthier Eppe

Coordinator

Gauthier Eppe

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

ntroduction to quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), Validation of analytical methods

Tome I: Electrochemical methods of analysis. Basic Concepts; potentiometry, membrane electrodes ; electrolysis, polarography: classical, differential and anodic stripping; amperometry.


Tome II: Introduction to mass spectrometry and hyphenated techniques GC-MS and LC-MS

Tome III: Spectral methods of analysis. General devices: sources of light, dispersive systems and FourierTransform systems, detectors. Emission spectrometry: flame, ICP and ICP-MS. Atomic absorption. Molecular, UV-Visible and middle Infra-red absorption and Raman scattering. Comparison and application of the various methods.

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Introduction to mass spectrometry and hyphenated techniques GC-MS and LC-MS
 Spectral methods of analysis. General devices: sources of light, dispersive systems and FourierTransform systems, detectors. Emission spectrometry: flame, ICP and ICP-MS. Atomic absorption. Molecular, UV-Visible and middle Infra-red absorption and Raman scattering. Comparison and application of the various methods.

Electrochemical analysis methods

Tome I: Electrochemical methods of analysis. Basic Concepts; potentiometry, membrane electrodes ; electrolysis, coulometry, polarography: classical, differential and anodic stripping; amperometry.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

 To present in details the most common analytical methods in elctrochemistry, mass spectrometry and spectroscopy based on physico-chemical processes. The main aspect developed is the quantitative aspect with an introduction to Quality Assurance. This course does not cover NMR analysis, which is covered in other courses.

 

Physico-chemical analysis methods

 To present in details the most common analytical methods in mass spectrometry and spectroscopy based on physico-chemical processes. The main aspect developed is the quantitative aspect with an introduction to Quality Assurance. This course does not cover NMR analysis, which is covered in other courses.

 

Electrochemical analysis methods

To present in detail the most common analytical methods in electrochemistry, based on physical-chemical and thermodynamic processes. The main focus is on the quantitative aspect of the methods with an introduction to Quality Assurance. 

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Good knowledge of the basic concepts of electrochemistry

Good knowledge of the basic concepts of atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Good knowledge of the basic concepts of atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

Electrochemical analysis methods

Good knowledge of the basic concepts of electrochemistry

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

See here below

Physico-chemical analysis methods

See here below

Electrochemical analysis methods

See below

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Additional information:

Theoretical courses (30h): 1st quadrimester. Face to face. Copies of lecture slides are available. Short movies of analytical methods have been recorded and are available on the plateform e-campus. A selection of analytical methods (GC-MS, ATR-FT-IR, Raman) are directly showed in live during the course to illustrate the theoritical concepts. 

The rehearsals  concerns certain parts of the theoretical course, illustrated by exercises. The subject covered during the rehearsals is mainly electrochemistry. Quantitative approaches by internal standard and isotope dilution are also discussed.

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Theoretical courses (15h): 1st quadrimester. Face to face. Copies of lecture slides are available. Short movies of analytical methods have been recorded and are available on the plateform e-campus. A selection of analytical methods (GC-MS, ATR-FT-IR, Raman) are directly showed in live during the course to illustrate the theoritical concepts. 

The rehearsals  concerns certain parts of the theoretical course, illustrated by exercises. The subject covered during the rehearsals is mainly electrochemistry. Quantitative approaches by internal standard and isotope dilution are also discussed.

Electrochemical analysis methods

Face-to-face course


Additional information:

Theoretical courses (15h): 1st quadrimester. Face to face. Copies of lecture slides are available. Short movies of analytical methods have been recorded and are available on the plateform e-campus. 
The electrochemistry rehearsals (block 3 chemistry) include some parts of the theoretical course, illustrated by exercises. The main subject covered in the rehearsals is electrochemistry, which is well suited to the exercises. The approaches to dosing by calibration, titration and the method of standard additions are covered. 

Recommended or required readings

- Course notes are available in 3 volumes: Introduction to Electrochemistry, Mass Spectrometry and Spectral Methods of Analysis. All 3 volumes are available from University Press. 
- In addition, the course is presented through a powerpoint available to students on e-campus


- The students can obtain additional information, in particular in the excellent book : CHIMIE ANALYTIQUE (En français), SKOOG, WEST et HOLLER , DeBoeck Université, 3me édition (2015)

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

- Course notes are available in 2 volumes: Introduction to Mass Spectrometry and Spectral Methods of Analysis. All volumes are available from University Press. 
- In addition, the course is presented through a powerpoint available to students on e-campus


Full notes were written and are available for the spectral methods of analysis. They present the basic concepts which will be exposed.
- Moreover, the course is presented via a powerpoint provided to the students.

The students can obtain additional information, in particular in the excellent book : CHIMIE ANALYTIQUE (En français), SKOOG, WEST et HOLLER , DeBoeck Université, 3me édition (2015)

Electrochemical analysis methods

- Full notes were written and are available for the electrochemistry part.
Chimie Analytique III: Méthodes physiques, Tome I:  Introduction aux méthodes électrochimiques d'analyse B. Gilbert
They present the basic concepts which will be exposed. - Moreover, the course is presented via a powerpoint provided to the students on e-campus. 
- There is also a booklet of laboratory work (TPs)
There is also a booklet of exercices work (TDs)
- The students can obtain additional information, in particular in the excellent work: ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY by SKOOG, WEST and HOLLER, DeBoeck University, 3rd edition (2015)
- Full notes including a booklet of exercices work (TDs) and aa booklet of laboratory work (TPs) are all available at the presses universitaires.

Assessment methods and criteria

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam

Written work / report

Out-of-session test(s)


Further information:

Additional information:



The assessment includes:


1) An examination on the practical work (written examination, out of session, in December) and an oral presentation of the manipulation based on a scientific article (in groups of two, out of session in December). The reports of the practical work to be handed in from week to week. 

2) The January face-to-face examination is divided into two parts,


Part 1 (written, duration 3h00) corresponds to a written exam with exercises and theoretical questions on electrochemistry-related material;
Part 2 (oral) corresponds to an oral examination on the mass spectrometry AND spectroscopy (UV, VIS, IR)

 
The full grading scheme is distributed as follows:

- The January/August examination: 

  • a written examination on electrochemistry accounts for 30% of the final grade. 
 

  • an oral examination covers physico-chemical methods of analysis and contributes 40% to the final grade, with 25% for spectroscopy and 15% for mass spectrometry.
 

  • Practical work: all lab reports, the off-session exam, and the oral presentation of the experiment account for 30%. There is no reassessment of the practical work between the two sessions. The practical work grade is automatically carried over to August in case of an overall failure in January. The practical work also contributes 30% to the final grade in the second session."
 

The principle of the absorbing threshold grade will be applied: a minimum score of 8/20 must be obtained in each of the three parts in order for the weighted average (according to the percentages given above) to be applied for the calculation of the final grade. If the score of at least one part of the evaluation is less than or equal to 7/20, the overall grade will be absorbed by this major failing mark.


In the case of final failure (overall mark below 10/20), from one year to the next, students who have passed the practical work with a minimum of 10/20 will be exempted from it. 

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam AND oral exam

Written work / report

Out-of-session test(s)


Further information:

Further information:

Additional information:





The assessment includes:


1) An examination on the practical work (written examination, out of session, in December) and an oral presentation of the manipulation based on a scientific article (in groups of two, out of session in December). The reports of the practical work to be handed in from week to week. 

2) The January face-to-face examination is divided into two parts,


Part 1 (written, duration 3h00) corresponds to a written exam with exercises and theoretical questions on electrochemistry-related material;
Part 2 (oral) corresponds to an oral examination on the mass spectrometry AND spectroscopy (UV, VIS, IR)

 
The full grading scheme is distributed as follows:

- The January/August examination: 

  • a written examination on electrochemistry accounts for 30% of the final grade. 
 
  • an oral examination covers physico-chemical methods of analysis and contributes 40% to the final grade, with 25% for spectroscopy and 15% for mass spectrometry.
 
  • Practical work: all lab reports, the off-session exam, and the oral presentation of the experiment account for 30%. There is no reassessment of the practical work between the two sessions. The practical work grade is automatically carried over to August in case of an overall failure in January. The practical work also contributes 30% to the final grade in the second session."
 

The principle of the absorbing threshold grade will be applied: a minimum score of 8/20 must be obtained in each of the three parts in order for the weighted average (according to the percentages given above) to be applied for the calculation of the final grade. If the score of at least one part of the evaluation is less than or equal to 7/20, the overall grade will be absorbed by this major failing mark.


In the case of final failure (overall mark below 10/20), from one year to the next, students who have passed the practical work with a minimum of 10/20 will be exempted from it.     

Electrochemical analysis methods

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam ( open-ended questions ) AND oral exam

Written work / report

Out-of-session test(s)


Further information:

Additional information:


The assessment includes:


1) An examination on the practical work (written examination, out of session, in December) and an oral presentation of the manipulation based on a scientific article (in groups of two, out of session in December). The reports of the practical work to be handed in from week to week. 

2) The January face-to-face examination is divided into two parts,


Part 1 (written, duration 3h00) corresponds to a written exam with exercises and theoretical questions on electrochemistry-related material;
Part 2 (oral) corresponds to an oral examination on the mass spectrometry AND spectroscopy (UV, VIS, IR)

 
The full grading scheme is distributed as follows:

- The January/August examination: 

  • a written examination on electrochemistry accounts for 30% of the final grade. 
 

  • an oral examination covers physico-chemical methods of analysis and contributes 40% to the final grade, with 25% for spectroscopy and 15% for mass spectrometry.
 

  • Practical work: all lab reports, the off-session exam, and the oral presentation of the experiment account for 30%. There is no reassessment of the practical work between the two sessions. The practical work grade is automatically carried over to August in case of an overall failure in January. The practical work also contributes 30% to the final grade in the second session."
 

The principle of the absorbing threshold grade will be applied: a minimum score of 8/20 must be obtained in each of the three parts in order for the weighted average (according to the percentages given above) to be applied for the calculation of the final grade. If the score of at least one part of the evaluation is less than or equal to 7/20, the overall grade will be absorbed by this major failing mark.


In the case of final failure (overall mark below 10/20), from one year to the next, students who have passed the practical work with a minimum of 10/20 will be exempted from it.     

Work placement(s)

Laboratory work (65h). 

During these TDs students will have the opportunity to use electrochemical methods:





  • The classical polarography of Pb in a Zn oxide solution
  • The DPP of Cd in a Zn oxide solution;
  • Amperometry of Pb from a synthetic solution;
  • Anodic stripping of Pb from a white wine sample;
  • Potentiometry du Ca from a synthetic solution;

Initiation to UV-Vis spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

This activity is an integral part of the teaching unit and is mandatory. Any unjustified absence results in the invalidation of the course. Justified absences exceeding 25% of the total schedule likewise result in the invalidation of the course. Consequently, any student who has not attended at least 75% of the sessions will be required to retake the course in the following academic year. Furthermore, any student who has not submitted the required reports within the prescribed deadlines or formats will not be allowed to sit the January/August examination.

Physico-chemical analysis methods

No practical work is included in this version of the course.

Electrochemical analysis methods

see TP part

Practical work and tutorials

Laboratory work (65h). 

During these TDs students will have the opportunity to use electrochemical methods:

 




  • The classical polarography of Pb in a Zn oxide solution
  • The DPP of Cd in a Zn oxide solution;
  • Amperometry of Pb from a synthetic solution;
  • Anodic stripping of Pb from a white wine sample;
  • Potentiometry du Ca from a synthetic solution;

Initiation to UV-Vis spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

This activity is an integral part of the teaching unit and is mandatory. Any unjustified absence results in the invalidation of the course. Justified absences exceeding 25% of the total schedule likewise result in the invalidation of the course. Consequently, any student who has not attended at least 75% of the sessions will be required to retake the course in the following academic year. Furthermore, any student who has not submitted the required reports within the prescribed deadlines or formats will not be allowed to sit the January/August examination.

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Pr. Gauthier Eppe
Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local 1/9A
Tel. +32-4-366.3422
e-mail. g.eppe@uliege.be

Assistant TP : Aurélie Rensonnet : aurelie.rensonnet@uliege.be

Assistant TD Electrochemistry :  Maxime Kolkman : maxime.kolkman@uliege.be

Préparateur : Stéphane Luts

Physico-chemical analysis methods

Pr. Gauthier Eppe
Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local 1/9A
Tel. +32-4-366.3422
e-mail. g.eppe@uliege.be

Assistant TP : Aurélie Rensonnet : aurelie.rensonnet@uliege.be

Assistant TD Electrochemistry :  Maxime Kolkman : maxime.kolkman@uliege.be

Préparateur : Stéphane Luts





 

Electrochemical analysis methods

Pr. Gauthier Eppe
Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local 1/9A
Tel. +32-4-366.3422
e-mail. g.eppe@uliege.be



 

Practical work and tutorials

Pr. Gauthier Eppe
Institut de Chimie, Bat B6c, Local 1/9A
Tel. +32-4-366.3422
e-mail. g.eppe@uliege.be

Assistante :  Aurélie Rensonnet : aurelie.rensonnet@uliege.be

Préparateur : Stéphane Luts

 

Association of one or more MOOCs