Advanced atomic techniques and sensors

1. Complete acquisition of the several advanced atomic spectroscopic techniques both in theoretical aspects and in their practical application.
2. Complete acquisition of the several hybrid techniques used in metallomics and metalloproteomics, both in theoretical aspects and in their application.
3. Complete acquisition of the several types of optical, electrochemical, thermal and mass sensors, theoretical aspects and application examples

This course consists of three clearly differentiated parts. In the first part, the study of advanced atomic spectroscopic techniques is carried out, as well as alternative systems for the treatment of the sample. In the second part, the different hybrid techniques used for the analysis of organometallic and metalloprotein species are studied. The third part of the course is dedicated to the study of the several types of sensors.

TOPIC 1. ADVANCED ATOMIC TECHNIQUES
1. Sense of the topic (Introduction)
In this first chapter the advanced techniques of atomic spectrometry are addressed, which offer the highest specificity and selectivity, and which have not been studied in the different subjects of the Degree in Chemistry.

2. Subject headings
(1) Atomic absorption spectrometry in its different modalities. (2) Induction-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. (3) Induction coupled plasma mass spectrometry. (4) Atomic fluorescence spectrometry. (5) X-ray fluorescence spectrometry


UNIT 2. ALTERNATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR SAMPLE INTRODUCTION
1. Sense of the topic (Introduction)
This topic addresses the alternative sample introduction methodologies in the several spectrometric techniques studied in the previous topic. Special interest is focused on those techniques based on solids and vapours sampling.

2. Subject headings
(1) Introduction of solid samples: sampling of solids and suspensions. (2) Introduction of solid samples: laser ablation and electrothermal vaporization. (3) Introduction of steam: steam generation techniques (cold steam and covalent hydrides).


UNIT 3. HYBRID TECHNIQUES IN THE ANALYSIS OF ORGANOMETALLIC AND METALOPROTEIN COMPOUNDS (METALLOMIC AND METALOPROTEOMIC)
1. Sense of the topic (Introduction)
This topic delves into the concept of instrumental hybridization, presenting the main links between the different separation techniques and the determination by those more sensitive spectrometric techniques. Such couplings are exemplified by organometallic speciation studies and metalloprotein detection.

2. Subject headings
(1) Coupling of liquid chromatography with optical and atomic mass spectrometry. (2) Coupling of liquid chromatography with atomic fluorescence spectrometry. (3) Coupling of capillary electrophoresis with atomic mass spectrometry. (4) Coupling of flow field fractionation with atomic mass spectrometry.


UNIT 4. SENSORS
1. Sense of the topic (Introduction)
This topic introduces the concept of sensor and its integration into the analytical process. The classification of the same is approached according to different criteria and the main types of sensors are studied (electrochemical, optical, gas sensors and remote sensors).

2. Subject headings
(1) Concept of sensor. (2) Types of sensors. (3) Electrochemical sensors. (4) Optical sensors. (5) Gas sensors. (6) Remote sensors

Basic
- Principles of Instrumental Analysis, 6th Ed., Skoog, Holler, Nieman, Ed. Thonsom-Paraninfo, 2008.
- Analytical Chemistry, R. Keller, J. M. Mermet, M. Otto, H. M. Widmer, Wiley, 2004.
- Chemical Analysis of Traces, C. Cámara, C. Pérez-Conde (Eds.), Ed. Synthesis, 2011

Specific
- Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, B. Welz, M. Sperling, Wiley, 1999
- High Resolution Continuum Source AAS, B. Welz, H. Becker-Ross, S. Florek, U. Heitmann, Wiley, 2004.
- Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, J. Dedina, D. L. Tsalev, Wiley, 1995.
- Handbook of Elemental Speciation I / II, R. Cornelis (Ed.), Wiley, 2003.
- Sample Preparation for Hyphenated Analytical Techniques, J. M. Rosenfeld (Ed.), CRC Press, 2004.
Optical Sensors. C. Pérez Conde, University of Valencia, 1996
- Electrochemical sensors. S. Alegret, M. del Valle, A. Merkoçi. Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 2004.

Basic and general skills.
CG2 - Identify information from the scientific literature using the appropriate channels and integrate said information to raise and contextualize a research topic
CG4 - Demonstrate ability to analyze, describe, organize, plan and manage projects
CG5 - Use scientific terminology in English to argue experimental results in the context of the chemical profession
CB7 - That students know how to apply the knowledge acquired and their ability to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their area of study
CB9 - That students know how to communicate their conclusions and the knowledge and ultimate reasons that support them to specialized and non-specialized audiences in a clear and unambiguous way
CB10 - That students possess the learning skills that allow them to continue studying in a way that will be largely self-directed or autonomous

Transversal competences.
CT1 - Prepare, write and publicly defend scientific and technical reports.
CT3 - Work autonomously and efficiently in the daily practice of research or professional activity.
CT4 - Appreciate the value of quality and continuous improvement, acting with rigor, responsibility and professional ethics

Specific competences.
CE2 - Propose alternatives for solving complex chemical problems of the different chemical specialties
CE4 - Innovate in chemical synthesis and analysis methods related to the different areas of Chemistry
CE6 - Design processes that involve the treatment or elimination of hazardous chemicals
CE9 - Value, promote and practice innovation and entrepreneurship in industry and chemical research.
CE7 - Operate with advanced instrumentation for chemical analysis and structural determination

The subject is taught through lectures that will serve to tutor the student in their personal work that they will have to develop later.
These lectures are complemented with seminar classes in which the teacher, in addition to solving practical problems, will solve the doubts that the student may have when solving the exercises or questions proposed by the teacher, as part of their personal work. In addition, within these seminar classes, the student must solve an exercise proposed by the teacher that will serve to assess the student's level of understanding.
Although the subject does not include practical classes in the laboratory, there will be demonstrations of spectrometric techniques as a seminar.
The virtual platform and the virtual campus will be used to leave teaching material, web addresses, etc. and to facilitate communication between teachers and students.


Teaching will be face-to-face, except for some tutoring that could be carried out virtually.
The delivery of reports, assignments and exercises by the student will be face-to-face and in paper format, and in some cases as digital material and non-face-to-face delivery (virtual classroom, web mail, etc.).

Throughout the course the following competencies are evaluated

ASSESSMENT SYSTEM WEIGHTING ASSESSED COMPETENCES
Final exam: CB7; CB9; CB10
Problem solving and practical cases: CG2; CG4; CG5
Realization of works and written reports: CG2; CG4; CG5
Oral presentation (papers, reports, problems and practical cases: CG2; CT1; CT3; CT4
Continuous assessment of the student through questions and oral questions during the course: CB7; CB9; CT1

Depending on the evolution of the health crisis of COVID 19, 3 scenarios are differentiated

The evaluation will consist of two parts:
a) Continuous evaluation with a weight of 40%, corresponding to seminars, tutorials, exercises delivered to the teacher.
b) Final exam of the subject: 60%
The final exam will be face-to-face.

In case of not passing the continuous evaluation, a final exam will be carried out with a weight of 100%.
The second opportunity will consist of taking a final exam with a weight of 100% (face-to-face in the case of scenario 1, not face-to-face in stage 3, and preferably not face-to-face in stage 2).

Indication regarding plagiarism and the improper use of technologies in the performance of tasks or tests: "In cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests, the provisions of the Regulations for the evaluation of the academic performance of students and the review of ratings"

WORK IN THE CLASSROOM
Large group lecture classes: 12 hours
Interactive classes in a small group (Seminars): 7 hours
Tutorials in a very small group: 2 hours
Total hours of face-to-face work in the classroom or in the laboratory: 21 hours

Individual or group autonomous study: 42 hours
Resolution of exercises, or other work: 25 hours
Preparation of oral and written presentations, preparation of proposed exercises. Activities in library or similar: 8 hours
Total hours of personal work of the student: 75 hours

Recommendations for the evaluation
The student must review the theoretical concepts introduced in the different topics, using the reference manual and summaries. The degree of success in solving the proposed exercises provides a measure of the student's preparation to face the final exam of the subject. Those students who encounter significant difficulties when working on the proposed activities must attend the teacher's tutoring hours, with the aim that the teacher can analyze the problem and help solve these difficulties. It is very important, when preparing for the exam, to solve some of the exercises that appear at the end of each of the chapters of the reference manual.

Recommendations for the second change for evaluation
The teacher will analyze with those students who do not successfully pass the evaluation process, and so wish, the difficulties encountered in learning the contents of the subject. He will also provide additional material (questions, exercises, exams, etc.) to reinforce the learning of the subject.

• It is highly recommended to attend the lectures from the first day since the different topics of the program are linked to each other.
• It is important to keep the study of the subject “up to date”.
• Once you have finished reading a topic, it is useful to summarize the important points, identifying the basic questions to remember and making sure you know both their meaning and the conditions under which they can be applied.