Methods and Instrumentation for Quantitative Analysis of Materials

Introduction to a range of modern analytical techniques used in research laboratories to analyse the matter. Students are expected to enhance their knowledge on the theoretical aspects, design and operation of a number of instruments used in the analysis of physical quantities. Ultimately, students will improve their analytical thinking by recognizing and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of the instrumental methods to be used depending on the material under investigation.

Theoretical aspects on physical methods for material analysis: separation, qualitative and quantitative optical spectroscopic techniques, mass spectrometry, electroanalytical techniques and surface analysis, chromatography, electrochemistry. Introduction to the principle of operation and design of instruments, sample preparation for organic and inorganic samples, quantitative analysis, sensitivity and limit of detection used in measurements of physical quantities of substrates, thin films, liquids, biological materials, food and artificial materials. Testing methods in trace analysis and residues detection, contamination detection and identification of unknown substances. Principles of traceability, detectability and reliability. Advanced analytical instrumentation or a combination of techniques, testing protocols according to standard methodologies (ISO, EN, BS, ASTM, DIN, etc.) in order to develop tailored analytical methods and to perform method validation for specific testing applications. The emphasis for the program is on measurement methods in general physics, technology, electronics, environmental physics, food safety and related industrial applications.

lectures, electronic attendance, teamwork, seminar works, presentations