Introductory description

During this interdisciplinary module students will learn about theory and practice of different types of chromatography and their application in real-world scenarios. They will develop the skills necessary to decide how to decide which methods are the most appropriate for a given separation problem - whether for analysis or purification of, for example, synthetic polymers, biomolecules, or biopharmaceuticals. The module includes workshops on data interpretation and lab sessions providing students with hands on experience with several different chromatographic methods.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Theory of separation techniques.
Stationary phases (including ion exchange, ion pairing and chiral).
Mobile phases.
Thin layer chromatography and flash chromatography.
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Chiral chromatography.
Gas chromatography (system considerations and detection methods).
Gel permeation chromatography.
Related techniques (Supercritical Fluid Chromatography and Capillary Zone
Electrophoresis).
Small molecules - content, purity, determination in formulated products.
Gel electrophoresis principles.
Capillary electrophoresis principles
Protein purification

During the practical course the students will gain hands-on experience on flash chromatography; thin layer chromatography (TLC); analysis and method development using GC (Gas chromatography) and HPLC for a range of carefully designed separation problems; using computer prediction software packages that will give an understanding of the influence of experimental variables in HPLC and GC method development

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• know and understand the basic principles of chromatography.
• be familiar with main types of modern chromatographic techniques.
• know which techniques are appropriate for which materials.

Indicative reading list

The students are given comprehensive notes by the module leader
Skoog, West, Holler, Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry, Saunders College Publishing, New York

Subject specific skills

(a) Subject knowledge and understanding
Understand the theory of chromatographic separation. Know what the main types of modern chromatographic and other separation techniques are.
Know what technique(s) are appropriate for different materials.
Understand and apply the different considerations for preparative and analytical methods.
(b) Key Skills
Operate instrumentation.
Design chromatographic experiments and carry them out.
Disseminate findings in a written report.
Present work orally using visual aids.
(c) Cognitive Skills
Realise that different techniques give different types of information that can be used together to build up more complete information.
(d) Subject-Specific/Professional Skills
Know how to prepare samples and collect data for each technique studied.
Know how to analyse data from each technique.
Be aware of industrial applications of the techniques studied.
Be able to apply separation techniques for the solving of analytical science problems.

Transferable skills

Critical thinking, problem solving, communication, teamwork and working effectively with others, information literacy (research skills), digital literacy, professionalism