Analytical Chemistry Methods
Calculate results from titrations and gravimetry, compare methods statistically, read chromatograms and spectra, validate methods to ICH Q2, plan sampling, and work in GMP, GLP, EPA and ISO 17025 labs.
Leads to: Biochemist, Chemist
Before you start
This course builds on Lab Techniques & Instrumentation and Lab Data & Quality. Take them first if you are new to the topic.
About this course
A mid-level course for future chemists and biochemists who measure what is in a sample and how much. The first module covers quantitative analysis: titration calculations with mole ratios, standardization and blanks; gravimetric factors and classical methods such as loss on drying and Kjeldahl nitrogen; and the statistics analysts use every day, including a paired t-test to compare two methods. The second module covers instrumental methods: reading HPLC and GC chromatograms, system suitability and peak integration; interpreting simple mass spectra from molecular ions, isotope patterns and fragments; and matching IR, UV-Vis and 1H NMR spectra to structures. The third module covers method validation to ICH Q2(R2) (specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ), representative sampling and sample preparation, and how GMP, GLP, EPA-method and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories differ. Python activities are fill-in-the-blank: titration, gravimetric and statistics exercises use the standard library, and peak integration and LOD/LOQ use NumPy. Every activity is a data or kitchen-safe exercise: nothing involves chemicals at home. Bench work requires supervised training in a teaching or employer lab; chemist roles typically require a bachelor's degree in chemistry (ACS-approved programs are preferred by many employers) with hands-on lab courses, plus sector-specific GMP or GLP training on the job.
Course content
Module 1
Quantitative Analysis
3 lessons · 2h 9mCalculate results from titrations and gravimetric data, and compare methods with the statistics analysts use.
- 42mTitrationsReading
Calculate an analyte's concentration from titration data, including mole ratios, standardization and blanks.
- 23mGravimetric and classical methodsReading
Compute a result from mass data with a gravimetric factor and know the classical methods still used in regulated labs.
- 1h 4mStatistics for analystsReading
Describe replicate data, separate bias from scatter, and compare two methods with a paired t-test.
Module 2
Instrumental Methods
3 lessons · 1h 14mRead and integrate chromatograms, interpret mass spectra, and match IR, UV-Vis and NMR spectra to structures.
- 33mHPLC and GC in practiceReading
Read a chromatogram, check system suitability and integrate peaks with the trapezoidal rule.
- 12mMass spectrometryReading
Interpret a simple mass spectrum from its molecular ion, isotope pattern and fragments, and see how LC-MS/MS quantifies.
- 29mIR, UV-Vis, and NMRReading
Match IR, UV-Vis and 1H NMR spectra to structures and choose the right technique for each question.
Module 3
Method Validation
3 lessons · 1h 30mValidate a method to ICH Q2, plan representative sampling and preparation, and compare regulated lab frameworks.
- 32mMethod validationReading
Define the ICH Q2 validation characteristics and calculate linearity, LOD, LOQ and recovery from data.
- 42mSampling and prepReading
Plan representative sampling from lot to test portion and choose preservation, preparation and QC samples.
- 16mRegulated labsReading
Compare GMP, GLP, EPA-method and ISO/IEC 17025 laboratories and what each requires of an analyst.